Bike Lane Safety
What Happens When Pedestrians Are in the Bike Lane?
Right of way, responsibility, and what to do after a crash — a guide from Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices.
June 22, 2026
New York City's cycling infrastructure has grown dramatically over the past several years, and nowhere is that more visible than on the Brooklyn Bridge. In September 2021, the city completed a protected two-way bike lane running along the roadbed of the bridge — separating cyclists from vehicle traffic with concrete barriers and giving the historic promenade back to pedestrians entirely. Cycling over the bridge increased by 108% following the lane's opening, and in 2024, an average of 5,504 cyclists crossed the Brooklyn Bridge each day, a 15% increase over 2023.
But even with more protected infrastructure citywide, the tension between pedestrians and cyclists has not disappeared. Across the five boroughs, pedestrians frequently step into bike lanes — sometimes out of necessity, sometimes by accident — creating dangerous situations for both parties.
Who has the right of way? Who bears responsibility when a crash occurs? And what should you do if you are injured? This guide answers each one.
By the Numbers
NYC cycling is at an all-time high
108%
Increase in Brooklyn Bridge cycling after the protected lane opened in 2021
5,504
Average daily cyclists crossing the Brooklyn Bridge in 2024
25,000+
Daily cyclists across NYC's four East River bridges
87.5 mi
Protected bike lanes installed citywide in the past three years
More cyclists and faster e-bikes mean more potential for conflict when a pedestrian steps into a bike lane — even on the city's most protected corridors.
A Success Story With Ongoing Challenges
The Brooklyn Bridge: what changed and what still needs work
For decades, the Brooklyn Bridge promenade was one of the most chaotic shared spaces in NYC — cyclists and tourists colliding daily on a narrow wooden walkway. The 2021 bike lane fixed the core problem, but the work isn't done.
A pedestrian-only promenade
The 2021 redesign moved cyclists off the wooden walkway and onto a dedicated, barrier-protected lane along the bridge's roadbed — giving the promenade back to pedestrians entirely.
Record-breaking ridership
East River bridge cycling has hit an all-time high four years running. The Brooklyn Bridge alone logged 160,659 crossings in a single month in 2024.
A new bottleneck at City Hall
The Centre Street approach in Manhattan still forces cyclists and pedestrians to share a narrow exit ramp — the next major project NYC DOT has proposed to fix.
As of late 2025, NYC DOT has initiated a capital project to convert a southbound lane on Centre Street into a protected two-way bike lane — giving cyclists a direct, pedestrian-free path off the bridge toward downtown Manhattan.
Who Has the Right of Way?
Bike lanes are part of the roadway — not the sidewalk
When a pedestrian enters a bike lane, particularly by stepping off the sidewalk into the road, they do not automatically have the right of way. But cyclists still have a duty of care to avoid a crash. Both sides have obligations — and both can share fault.
Cyclist responsibilities
Even when a pedestrian is in the wrong
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Ride at a safe, controllable speed
Especially in high-traffic corridors where pedestrian intrusions are common and stopping distance matters most.
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Use a bell or audible signal
NYC law requires bicycles to be equipped with a bell or horn audible from at least 100 feet — and to use it when alerting pedestrians.
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Allow adequate stopping distance
Never assume the lane ahead is clear. Pedestrians can step in unexpectedly near crosswalks, parked cars, and bus stops.
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Yield to pedestrians at intersections
Pedestrians retain the right of way at intersections and crosswalks regardless of bike lane markings.
Pedestrian responsibilities
Rules that can shift fault
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Use the sidewalk when one is available
Under New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law, pedestrians must use sidewalks when they are present and safe to use.
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Cross only at crosswalks and signals
Stepping off the curb into a bike lane outside a marked crossing is comparable to jaywalking into a traffic lane.
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Look before stepping into the lane
E-bikes can travel at 15+ mph and arrive faster than expected. A quick glance up the lane prevents most conflicts.
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Treat bike lanes like roadway
Bike lanes are legally part of the road — not an extension of the sidewalk for standing, waiting, or hailing rides.
Comparative negligence in New York
A pedestrian doesn't lose all protection just by being in a bike lane.
New York's pure comparative negligence system means fault can be divided between both parties. A pedestrian found 30% at fault for entering the bike lane can still recover 70% of their damages if the cyclist failed to use reasonable care.
Added Speed, Added Risk
E-bikes have changed the risk profile of bike lane conflicts
Where a traditional cyclist might travel at 10–15 mph, an e-bike can reach 20 mph or more. Stopping distances are longer, reaction time is more critical, and the force of impact when a pedestrian steps into the lane is substantially greater. For injured pedestrians, the insurance picture is also more complex — and worth investigating carefully.
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NYC enforces a 15 mph speed limit for all e-bikes and e-scooters citywide as of October 2025.
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E-bikes can weigh two to three times as much as a traditional bicycle, increasing impact force in a crash.
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Delivery riders may be covered by a commercial policy carried by their employer or delivery platform.
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A defective battery, throttle, or brake system can support a product liability claim against the e-bike manufacturer.
Infrastructure
NYC is expanding bike lanes — but conflicts remain
Over the past three years, NYC has installed a record 87.5 miles of protected lanes. The Queensboro Bridge recently doubled its pedestrian and cycling space by dedicating a full lane to each group separately. These changes reduce conflicts in many places by physically separating cyclists from both vehicles and pedestrians.
But infrastructure isn't complete everywhere. Many streets still lack protected lanes, and on those corridors, cyclists and pedestrians remain in shared or adjacent space. Until the city's network catches up, every New Yorker — on foot or on a bike — has a role to play in preventing crashes.
Next Steps
What to do if you are involved in a bike lane crash
Whether you were the pedestrian or the cyclist in a bike lane collision, the steps you take afterward matter — for your health and for any future claim.
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Call the police
A police report documents the location, time, and circumstances of the crash, and is essential evidence in any insurance or legal claim.
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Seek medical attention immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated as soon as possible. Concussions and internal injuries can have delayed symptoms.
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Document the scene
Photograph the bike lane markings, any signage, the cyclist's bike, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Note any witnesses.
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Do not admit fault
New York's comparative negligence system means responsibility is often shared. Let the investigation determine what happened — don't make statements about fault at the scene.
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Contact a personal injury attorney
Bike lane crashes involve complex questions of right of way, comparative negligence, and insurance coverage. An experienced attorney can evaluate the facts and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether you were a pedestrian struck in or near a bike lane or a cyclist involved in a crash, the attorneys at Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices are here to help. With over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases across New York City, our team knows how to navigate the complexities of cycling crash claims and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call us today for a free consultation
(718) 336-2000