A Long Island Greenway would be a lifeline for safer streets

An ongoing Newsday series spotlights a distressing reality: Pedestrian and cyclist safety on Long Island is at a crisis point.

The statistics are alarming. From 2018 to 2023, traffic crashes were the leading cause of accidental death for Long Islanders aged 5-19. In 2023 alone, traffic fatalities outnumbered homicides by nearly six to one; Long Island lost at least 5,800 years of life due to those preventable tragedies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In another measure of the region's appalling traffic conditions, Long Island commuters on average spend nearly 100 hours per year sitting in congested traffic, wasting about 36 gallons of gasoline, according to a 2025 study by national transportation research nonprofit TRIP. Traffic has become even worse since the pandemic. "We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of vehicles registered in New York State, particularly on Long Island," said Robert Sinclair Jr. of AAA Northeast.

The danger on Long Island’s roads is a growing public health emergency. As Stony Brook University traffic engineering professor Anil Yazici pointed out, many residents own bicycles but hesitate to use them because of unsafe road conditions. He's right: We need infrastructure that enables safe travel for all.

A transformative solution is within reach. The Long Island Greenway is a visionary initiative that proposes a 200-mile, primarily off-road, multimodal corridor stretching from Manhattan to Montauk Point. This dedicated space for walkers, runners, and cyclists is more than an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Nassau and Suffolk counties consistently rank among the top five in New York for fatal crashes. Long Island’s roadways, designed for cars, have failed to safely accommodate other modes of transportation. The consequences are dire. The absence of connected, protected bike and pedestrian infrastructure has created an environment where active transportation is both dangerous and discouraged.

The Long Island Greenway represents a shift toward a more inclusive transportation network. By providing a continuous, car-free route, the Greenway will encourage biking and walking, alleviating congestion while making streets safer for everyone.

The 2023 New York Cycling Census revealed that the top deterrents to biking on Long Island are a lack of safe routes and fear of vehicle conflicts. The Greenway addresses these concerns by establishing a protected pathway that meets all Americans with Disabilities Act design criteria, ensuring accessibility for individuals of all abilities. It also aligns with Suffolk’s Hike and Bike Master Plan, which calls for 1,200 miles of new bike routes and shared-use paths to increase access to safe transportation options. When complete, the Greenway will be a critical link that provides a safe, efficient, and scenic way to traverse Long Island without reliance on automobiles.

The Greenway will not only make commuting safer but will also enhance the quality of life for all Long Islanders.

We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and policymakers from Albany to Long Island to invest in building the Greenway. Community leaders and residents have championed this project, and we stand with them in calling for swift implementation and funding to support alternative transportation and outdoor recreation across Long Island.

The Long Island Greenway is a commitment to greater safety, health, and sustainability in our communities. As traffic fatalities climb, the need for action has never been more urgent. By supporting this initiative, we can create a safer, more connected Long Island where walking and biking are viable, enjoyable, and protected options.

This guest essay reflects the views of Tamar Renaud, associate vice president and New York State director at Trust for Public Land.