NYC DOT - WalkNYC

Types of Wayfinding

Map Design

Sign Locations

Report a Problem

Wayfinding Program Overview

WalkNYC is New York City’s wayfinding system. The system is a collection of maps and signs to help you find your way around the city.

Medium WalkNYC Pedestrian Sign

The WalkNYC wayfinding signs are easy to use by pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. WalkNYC maps and signs use limited text, a clear layout, and universal icons.

Most WalkNYC signs are on sidewalks, at Citi Bike stations or ferry terminals, and inside subway stations. The WalkNYC map design is also used for the NYC Bike Map and NYC & Co.’s Official Map of New York City.

Types of Wayfinding

Pedestrian Signs

Installed on sidewalks and in plazas

Maps provide neighborhood information, such as street names, mass transit, museums and other neighborhood amenities

Small, medium, and large signs with maps

Fingerpost signs point in the direction of key destinations at locations where maps are not needed

Developed and maintained by NYC DOT

Small WalkNYC Pedestrian Sign

Medium WalkNYC Pedestrian Sign

Large WalkNYC Pedestrian Sign

Fingerpost Sign

Bus Signs

Installed at bus stops

Provide maps and real time bus arrival information on digital displays

Maps provide bus routes and local neighborhood information

Developed and maintained by NYC DOT

WalkNYC Bus Sign

Subway Station Neighborhood Maps

Located inside subway stations

Provide the same information as pedestrian maps with lighter colors for indoor viewing

Developed by NYC DOT

Installed and maintained by New York City Transit

WalkNYC Subway Station Neighborhood Map

Citi Bike Station Maps

Located on bike share station kiosks

Provide a larger map area to show bike lane network and Citi Bike stations

Developed by NYC DOT

Installed and maintained by Citi Bike

Citi Bike Station WalkNYC Map

NYC Ferry Maps

Located at NYC Ferry landings

Provide the same information as pedestrian maps and includes NYC Ferry shuttle service information, if available

Developed by NYC DOT

Installed and maintained by NYC EDC

NYC Ferry WalkNYC sign

Map Design

WalkNYC maps use easy-to-understand pictures (icons) to represent important locations on the map. Examples of these include: bathrooms, wheelchair ramps, stairs, libraries, post offices, and playgrounds. The icons help speakers of any language understand the maps.

WalkNYC maps show what you are seeing directly in front of you, and make it quick and easy to understand where you are and what is to the left, right, and behind you as well. This is called “heads-up” mapping.

All WalkNYC maps show basic information such as:
“You are here” icons

Walk times

Street names

Major parks

Major landmarks such as large public buildings, hospitals or museums

Subway stops, train stations, airports, and ferry landings

Pedestrian and bicycle routes over bridges or on greenways

WalkNYC signs usually include two maps - one that shows a smaller distance and one that shows a larger distance.

Smaller Distance WalkNYC Map

The smaller distance WalkNYC maps show locations that you can walk to within five to seven minutes of the sign. These maps are helpful for exploring the neighborhood or finding specific locations. Besides the basic information, these maps also include:

Building addresses

Pathways inside parks

Neighborhood landmarks like schools or statues

Neighborhood amenities like post offices

Stairs, ramps and elevators

Smaller Distance WalkNYC Map

Larger Distance WalkNYC Map

The larger distance WalkNYC maps show locations that you can walk to within 15 minutes of the sign. They are helpful for planning longer walks, bike rides, or trips using public transportation. Besides the basic information, these maps also include:

Subway routes

Select Bus Service (SBS) routes

Surrounding neighborhoods

Larger Distance WalkNYC Map

Sign Locations

WalkNYC pedestrian signs are installed citywide on sidewalks and in plazas. Often located in areas that are:

Busy pedestrian corridors

Near subway stations and other transportation hubs

Key decision-making points for pedestrians

Popular destinations

Difficult-to-navigate areas

Siting guidelines and placement details are provided in the NYC DOT Street Design Manual:
WalkNYC sign specifications
General guidelines for installing WalkNYC signs on sidewalks

NYC DOT crews install a Small Pedestrian Sign

Report a Problem with a Wayfinding Sign

You can report the following WalkNYC sign conditions:

Broken, cracked, or missing glass

Dirty, has graffiti, or stickers

Loose or leaning

Incorrect map or information

Fingerpost issue

Report a local neighborhood area map condition via NYC 311