NEW YORK, NY January 5, 2026 – In one of his first major actions as mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced on January 5 that New York City will complete the full safety redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, including extending parking-protected bike lanes along the entire stretch.
Flanked by families holding portraits of loved ones killed in traffic crashes, Mayor Mamdani delivered an emotional speech at the outdoor rally, apologizing for past delays and committing to prioritize street safety without requiring further advocacy from grieving relatives.
“No one should have to die walking or biking for a street to be made safe,” Mamdani posted alongside video of the event. “And no family should have to relive their loss so others might live. Our administration will act to prevent tragedy, not wait for it.”
During the speech, the mayor shared a personal connection, holding up a high school photo of himself with a teammate whose father was killed by a reckless driver while cycling. “I did not know then what I know now,” he said, highlighting how inaction forces families to repeatedly traumatize themselves by recounting their stories to officials.
Mamdani declared an end to such pleas: “Those days have come to an end… Safety is paramount, not something that has to be negotiated.” He thanked the families for their persistence, saying their efforts would help “save those New Yorkers today, tomorrow, the weeks, the months, the years to come” and ensure “this pain not be felt by others who call this same city home.”
The redesign will transform the notorious stretch of McGuinness Boulevard—long criticized as a high-speed corridor prone to fatal crashes—by reducing it to one travel lane in each direction, adding parking-protected bike lanes throughout, and incorporating loading zones and pedestrian improvements. The project extends existing partial protections northward to the Pulaski Bridge.
Previous efforts under former Mayor Eric Adams were scaled back or halted amid community backlash and reported political pressures. Advocates hailed Mamdani’s swift revival of the full plan as a victory for Vision Zero, the city’s goal to eliminate traffic deaths.
Transportation Alternatives praised the move, stating, “Saving lives must be our first priority.” Construction is expected to resume as weather permits in the coming months.
The announcement underscores Mamdani’s early focus on equitable, sustainable streets as he begins his term leading the nation’s largest city.
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