Perhaps NYC is finally Discovering the Kosciuszko Bridge to use for Exercise During Coronavirus?
Channel: Streetfilms®
Date: 2020-04-16

After I jumped out for a quick jaunt on my bike to grab some footage of the newly car-free Shore Boulevard along Astoria Park, I decided to take a really roundabout way home to take my first journey over the Kosciuszko Bridge in about a month. What I found was kind of exciting.

I have probably taken 30 journeys over the bridge since it first opened. The average number of users I see is in the single digits, though once I did count about 20 folks. Today, I counted 37(!) which was easily a record. People biking, walking their dog, running, skateboarding and some appearing just to want to get some fresh air while NYC is in the grip of the scary Coronavirus.

I've been trying to make people aware of the new path since it opened in September 2019 and even shot this quickie Streetfilm on my first visit: vimeo.com/358517589. I did not expect to see this many users. Then it dawned upon me that with many people sheltering in place but wanting to find space to exercise, the bridge, with its ample 20 foot wide bike & pedestrian path is a great place to get out and pretty much remain isolated.

It is just further proof that NYC really needs to think about managing its streets and spaces better as we plan for life after Covid.

It has been a tough month for so many of us and our families, and all my videos have been very serious and many times somber, but I feel things churning inside and it is time to feel inspiration once again. For one day, I felt the joy of riding again. We will get through this.