New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08309

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Triborough bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

Impact

The enactment of A08309 is expected to modify existing laws under the public authorities law by adding a new section focused on pedestrian bridge access. This change is likely to lead to amendments in capital project planning and execution, ensuring that considerations for non-motorized transport are integrated into state infrastructure developments. The feasibility study will serve as a groundwork for policy changes and funding allocation towards projects that facilitate safer pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, which could have long-term benefits on public health and transportation efficiency.

Summary

Bill A08309 requires various New York state bridge authorities to develop a feasibility study aimed at improving bicycle and pedestrian access on roadway bridges. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure for non-motorized transport, thereby promoting safety and inclusivity. The feasibility study is mandated to identify bridges within jurisdiction that are suitable for bicycle and pedestrian use and explore potential capital projects that could expand this access. The bill emphasizes the need for enhancing accessibility in urban and suburban areas alike.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial by promoting non-motorized transportation, there may be points of contention regarding budget allocations for the proposed studies and modifications to existing infrastructure. Critics might argue that the funds utilized for these feasibility studies could potentially detract from other critical infrastructure needs, such as maintenance of current roadways or vehicular traffic enhancements. Furthermore, debates could arise about which bridges specifically will be prioritized for improvements, possibly igniting discussion among local stakeholders or communities that may feel underserved by the allocation of resources.

Companion Bills

NY S05178

Same As Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Triborough bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

Previously Filed As

NY A08300

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Triborough bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

NY S09313

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Triborough bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

NY A02331

Directs the New York state thruway authority to discontinue the collection of tolls at the Grand Island bridges in the Niagara section of the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway.

NY S02708

Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on all bridges under the jurisdiction of the New York State Bridge Authority.

NY A09248

Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on all bridges under the jurisdiction of the New York State Bridge Authority.

NY A03396

Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.

NY S05507

Exempts Staten Island residents from Verrazzano-Narrows bridge tolls; directs the Triborough bridge and tunnel authority to create applications for such exemptions.

NY A04646

Directs the New York state thruway authority to discontinue and remove the Yonkers toll plaza on the New York state thruway.

NY S04810

Allows for the taxation of state property located in the city of Ogdensburg, except the lands controlled and operated on by the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority.

NY A05276

Allows for the taxation of state property located in the city of Ogdensburg, except the lands controlled and operated on by the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority.

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