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Council Leaders Push DOT In Both Directions On Streets Master Plan Goals
Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu wants to meet bike and bus lane targets, but Finance Chair Linda Lee pushes back.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:05am
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New York City Council Transportation Committee Chairman Shaun Abreu pressed Department of Transportation officials to commit to meeting the goals of the Streets Master Plan, a 2019 law that sets legal benchmarks for the number of miles of bus lanes and bike lanes the city must install. However, Council Finance Chair Linda Lee criticized 24/7 bus lanes and suggested slowing down bike lane expansion in her district, highlighting the political challenges DOT faces in implementing the plan.
Why it matters
The Streets Master Plan was intended to dramatically expand the city's network of bus and bike lanes, but the previous administration failed to meet the legal targets. The tension between Abreu and Lee shows the political dynamics at play as the current administration tries to fulfill the plan's goals, with some Council members supportive and others resistant to the changes.
The details
At a budget hearing, Abreu repeatedly pressed DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn to meet the Streets Master Plan's requirements of 30 miles of bus lanes and 50 miles of bike lanes in 2026. Abreu argued these were legal mandates, not suggestions. However, Lee then criticized 24/7 bus lanes and suggested slowing bike lane expansion in her district, which carries 215,000 bus riders per day. DOT Executive Deputy Commissioner Paul Ochoa emphasized the need for political support from all Council members to implement these projects.
- The Streets Master Plan was enacted in 2019.
- The DOT budget hearing took place on March 18, 2026.
The players
Shaun Abreu
New York City Council Transportation Committee Chairman and Council Majority Leader.
Linda Lee
New York City Council Finance Committee Chair.
Mike Flynn
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Paul Ochoa
New York City Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Commissioner.
Dave Colon
A reporter covering the Council proceedings.
What they’re saying
“I don't get to pick and choose which laws to follow, and I'm unsure why DOT feels that they have the authority to do that.”
— Shaun Abreu, New York City Council Transportation Committee Chairman
“If you guys wanted to slow roll the bike lane expansion, I know my district would be totally fine with that.”
— Linda Lee, New York City Council Finance Committee Chair
“The help that we need from the Council is not just monetary, it's support for the projects that we have in place. I think the mayor was very clear about the political support needed for a lot of these projects, so we would definitely appreciate that from every single Council member.”
— Paul Ochoa, New York City Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Commissioner
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
