Study: Driving Commutes Are Faster on Streets with Protected Bike Lanes

New York City drivers have always been reluctant to share space with bicyclists. For years, they worried that surrendering precious road space would lead to increased congestion and longer commutes. Well, worry no longer: A new study of the traffic patterns over the last seven years found the exact opposite to be true.

The NYC Department of Transportation unveiled a report that showed commute times for the 30 miles of roads that have protected bike lanes. On average, travel time has fallen by as much as 35 percent during rush hour, despite having one or sometimes two lanes taken from cars. For example, on Columbus Ave, it took cars an average of 4.38 minutes to travel from West 96 Street to West 77 Street between 7:00 am and 10:00 am before the new bike lanes were installed. Afterwards, the average travel time shrunk to just three minutes.

According to an analysis by Fast Company,  the designated left-turning lanes are a big part of the reason for the improved speeds. Designed as a safety feature for cyclists, the lanes prevent cars from blocking an entire travel lane as they wait to turn.

Faster travel times is not an excuse for speeding on NYC streets. Tickets for speeding start at $150 and increase depending on how far over the posted limit you were going. Each ticket also an NYS surcharge of  up to $93 and at least three points on your license. A conviction will likely increase your insurance premiums by hundreds of dollars as well. If you or a loved one has been caught speeding, it is imperative that you consult an attorney to help you avoid the consequences associated with a ticket. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law Firm are skilled New York traffic ticket attorneys who are experienced in handling tickets for speeding as well as other driving-related offenses. Call 888-203-2619 or email the Rosenblum Law Firm today for a free consultation about your case.