New York City Celebrates Bike Lane Milestone

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City now has over 1,000-miles of bike lanes, with more in the works, officials announced Tuesday.

"We have reached a momentous milestone," Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said. "Starting today, New Yorkers will have more designated biking space than ever before, with greater opportunities to joyride, exercise, and explore this beautiful city."

As she made the announcement on Clinton Street in Lower Manhattan, neighbors including Debbie Finston, asked the commissioner for help, WCBS 880's Ginny Kosola reported.

"We are trying to dodge cars, dodge bikes, and getting across the street is really, really difficult for pedestrians," Finston said.

Trottenberg said that's one of the reasons the bike lanes are being installed.

"We have found when we put protective bike lanes in, it does make the roadway safer for all users -- for cyclists, for pedestrians, and for motorists," Trottenberg said.

She also promised residents a mid-block pedestrian crossing they've been requesting.