New NYC Mayor Revives Bus and Bike Lanes Killed by Predecessor

Zohran Mamdani announces plans to install dedicated bus and bike lanes, reversing decisions made by former Mayor Eric Adams.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In his first weeks in office, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced plans to revive several transit projects that were previously killed or scaled back by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Mamdani said the city will install offset bus lanes on the busy Fordham Road in the Bronx and a protected two-way bike lane on Ashland Place in Brooklyn - both of which were nixed by Adams in what Mamdani called "backroom deals" with local political interests.

Why it matters

Mamdani's moves represent a sharp break from the Adams administration's approach, which was criticized by transit advocates for prioritizing car traffic over more sustainable and equitable modes of transportation like buses and bikes. The new mayor has vowed to make buses faster and potentially free, a goal that could significantly improve commutes for many New Yorkers.

The details

Mamdani's plan for Fordham Road does not create a fully car-free busway as some had hoped, but will feature dedicated bus lanes set off from the curb to reduce conflicts with parked vehicles. The goal is to increase bus speeds by at least 20% along the route. In Brooklyn, the new protected bike lane on Ashland Place will connect a bike lane network from Dumbo to Sunset Park. Mamdani has also announced plans for additional bike lanes in other Brooklyn neighborhoods.

  • In 2023, former Mayor Eric Adams nixed an ambitious street redesign plan for Fordham Road and replaced it with a watered-down version.
  • Nearly three years ago, Adams's top aide pulled the plan for a protected bike lane on Ashland Place in Brooklyn.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who was elected on a platform of improving public transit and making buses faster and potentially free.

Eric Adams

The former mayor of New York City, who repeatedly undermined efforts by the city's Transportation Department to improve transit infrastructure for cyclists and bus riders.

Betsy Plum

The executive director of the Riders Alliance, a mass transit advocacy group.

Peter Madonia

The chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District, which includes part of Fordham Road in the Bronx.

Janno Lieber

The chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

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What they’re saying

“Too many New Yorkers have seen their precious time treated with casual disdain, as if it does not matter.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (dnyuz.com)

“We expect the Mamdani administration to continue pursuing public excellence on Fordham Road and across the city and take every opportunity to deliver much faster buses.”

— Betsy Plum, Executive Director, Riders Alliance (dnyuz.com)

“Constricting traffic the way they're proposing it is going to create real chaos.”

— Peter Madonia, Chairman, Belmont Business Improvement District (dnyuz.com)

“Riding a bus ought to be faster than walking.”

— Janno Lieber, Chief Executive, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Mamdani's office has been pushing to implement a free-bus pilot program for five weeks this summer, when World Cup matches will be held in the New York City area.

The takeaway

Mamdani's swift action to revive transit projects that were previously killed or scaled back by his predecessor signals a significant shift in the city's approach to transportation. By prioritizing bus and bike infrastructure, the new mayor is positioning New York to become a more sustainable and equitable city for all residents.