The New York City Department of Transportation today announced its 2019 Gridlock Alert Days, which for the second year will include the week of United Nations General Assembly (September 23rd to September 30th). Data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) note that travel speeds in the Midtown Central Business District on those days are slower than on the ten traditional Gridlock Alert days around the November and December holidays. This year’s announcement also introduces a new joint plan from the NYPD and DOT to maintain protected bike lane access along First and Second Avenues for General Assembly week. Citi Bike will again offer discounted rides during General Assembly week.
"The U.N. General Assembly sees some of Manhattan's most congested days of the entire year, and we want to get the word out early to ask drivers to use alternatives," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "Drivers should leave their cars at home next week if they can -- and try walking, taking mass transit, or getting on a bicycle. In fact, our recent Mobility Report showed that cycling is now regularly the very fastest way to get around Midtown. And we want to thank our partners at NYPD for their creative collaboration this year that will allow safe protected bike lane access along First and Second Avenues."
To encourage cycling during the General Assembly, Citi Bike is offering a 50% discount on its 3-day pass from September 23 through September 30. For the same price as a 1-day pass normally, individuals will be able to take unlimited 30-minute rides over a 3 day period for only $12 by using code GRIDLOCK19 in the Citi Bike app.
For more information about DOT's Gridlock plans, please read the full press release.