NYC is banning bicycles from high-traffic stretch on Rockaway boardwalk this summer

Bicyclists who enjoy pedaling down the Rockaway boardwalk will have to detour to a nearby bike lane for a 35-block stretch this summer, according to the parks department.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, bicyclists approaching the boardwalk during most of the day will be detoured to the Shore Front Parkway bike lane between Beach 108th Street and Beach 73rd Street. Parks department officials said the change is consistent with bicycle policy at other busy beaches, like Coney Island and Orchard Beach, which similarly restrict bicycle access.

The key stretch of the Rockaway boardwalk will only be open to bikes from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. until Oct. 1.

“To make sure the boardwalk is safe and accessible for all users, this summer we’re establishing pedestrian-only hours on the busiest stretches of the boardwalk, during the busiest parts of the day,” said Chris Clark, a parks department spokesperson. He encouraged cyclists to use the nearby bike lane as an alternative

City Councilmember Joann Ariola, a Republican who represents part of the Rockaways, said the rules were changed because of collisions caused by speeding cyclists.

“We've seen too many people hurt because of speeding cyclists, and we want to avoid that this year,” Ariola said. “It's regrettable that a few bad apples have spoiled it for the bunch, but this is ultimately necessary for the safety of everyone.”