According to local residents, a recent redesign of the Central Park pedestrian and jogging area has made the space even more perilous, despite intentions to enhance safety.
Launched in June, the six-mile loop now features a single two-way lane for pedestrians, with two newly designated one-way lanes for bikes moving at various speeds.
“Running between the streets in Central Park feels like navigating a gauntlet, and the traffic lights might as well not exist,” said Leicester Gotzman, a park visitor, at the southern end of the park.
Sometimes, the pedal bikes or horse-drawn carriages will halt, but—well, do they really need to be there? A 73-year-old surgeon noted how many accidents he’s seen involving e-bike riders.
Previously, the layout had one lane designated for walking, another for biking, plus one or two lanes for vehicle traffic, depending on the specific area.
An official from the Urban Transportation Department explained that the redesign aims to rethink Central Park Drive for better accessibility and functionality, based on public feedback and research, while striving to improve safety.
However, recent observations have shown frequent close encounters between pedestrians and cyclists swerving through lanes.
Christina Hansen, a carriage horse operator and union representative, characterized the situation as chaotic, describing a “highway” teeming with activity, particularly during lunch and dinner rush hours.
City hall responded, labeling Hansen’s remarks as “shameful” and accused the union of exploiting their own members’ concerns to distract from a serious incident involving a carriage accident.
According to city officials, the redesign aims to enhance the beloved park loop for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Since June, CrashMapper reported 25 incidents in the park, including a tragic accident that resulted in the death of an e-bike rider after hitting a pedestrian. This marks an increase from 12 reported incidents noted during the same timeframe in 2024.
“People don’t stop, not at all. Even when the walk light is on, bikes just zoom by,” observed a parkgoer who preferred to be known as Tom. “It seems like they think they own the park.”
The redesign was inspired by an investigation from the Central Park Conservancy last fall, seeking to accommodate cyclists and e-mobility options while ensuring pedestrian safety.
An official from the conservancy stated the goal is for everyone to feel secure while walking, jogging, or biking in the park. However, concerns were raised specifically about the speeds of e-scooters and e-bikes, as enforcing the 20 mph speed limit falls to the NYPD.
Hansen, who works in the park, mentioned that police presence is minimal across the expansive 843 acres, suggesting the redesign was a detriment aimed at pushing out the carriage business.
“Incidents are on the rise,” she noted, adding that she’s witnessed several near misses. “People are already getting hurt… and emergency services can’t keep up.”
Janet Schroeder, president of the New York E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, criticized the redesign as not only hazardous but also unlawful. She expressed strong opposition to the removal of pedestrian signals, which she believes particularly affects those with visual impairments.
“Can elderly folks with disabilities go for simple walks now?” she questioned.
Department of Transportation officials reiterated that the redesign remains a continuous project, actively under review for potential adjustments.
However, Schroeder stated that problems have intensified, leaving elderly and disabled individuals feeling unwelcome in the park due to safety concerns. “We haven’t fixed the issues we had,” she concluded.
