Transportation Network
Coney Island is home to four subway stations, with service from the D, F, N and Q trains as well as five bus routes. Two of these bus routes, the B36 and B74, travel through the neighborhood, rather than just to the neighborhood. Of the 90 bus stops, only 28 have shelter. There are a total of 1.9 miles of bake lanes, on Neptune and Cropsey Avenues, and no ferry service.
Public transit serves the East side of the neighborhood far better than the West side. The map below shows that much of the neighborhood is outside of a .25 and even .5 mile walkshed from a subway station.
Image Source: NYC Department of Transportation
From Our Clients“The mix of video, written content, and downloadable resources makes everything feel accessible and well-rounded.”
Commuting Characteristics
96% of Coney Island residents work outside of Coney Island, with an average commute time of 50 minutes. The most common transportation mode for commuting to work is public transportation, which makes up 50% of the working population. The second most common is 26% who commute by car, followed by 12% who walk.
Figure Source: American Community SurveyOur engagement with the community taught us that many residents rely on cars for daily tasks such as getting groceries or visiting family. Our research showed that 41% of households in Coney Island have access to a vehicle. Many of these households who rely on cars frequently experience high traffic congestion, especially during tourist season.
Figure Source: American Community SurveyCommuting Characteristics
Pedestrian and cyclist safety remains a critical concern across Coney Island. Chronic traffic congestion, deteriorating sidewalk conditions, and a lack of protected bicycle infrastructure create unsafe conditions for those navigating the neighborhood without a car. These challenges disproportionately impact residents who rely on walking, cycling, and public transit as their primary modes of mobility.
Figure Source:: NYPDTraffic congestion is a major concern in the neighborhood. The peninsula experiences a bottleneck of traffic, especially during tourist season. One of the main thoroughfares to enter the neighborhood, Cropsey Avenue, experiences an average of 32,525 vehicles per day, equivalent to the average daily traffic count on Tillary Street crossing Flatbush Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn. Given that this is an average count, the daily count during tourist season is likely higher. The map below displays annual average daily traffic including the 32,525 on Cropsey Avenue as well as 17,700 at Stillwell and Neptune.
Figure Source: NYS Department of TransportationImprove Mobility To & From Coney Island
-
A community, mobility, and public health- centered approach must drive transportation planning on the peninsula. By exploring neighborhood level policies to reduce entertainment-district related seasonal traffic while generating revenue for transportation and mobility improvements, and combining that with community education, skill sharing, and improved access to bicycles and bicycle safety related infrastructure, these two recommendations serve to improve mobility to, from, and within Coney Island.
Tourism plays a large part in Coney Island’s economy. While tourists from other parts of New York City and beyond are welcome, thousands of cars driving into the neighborhood puts a heavy burden on the community, bringing congestion and using up parking. A seasonal congestion zone would encourage tourists to travel by train or bus, and collect toll money to be used for transportation improvements from those tourists who do choose to drive. Toll money can be used to improve community concerns such as bus service and sidewalk conditions.
-
Obtaining helpful allies is crucial to this process as this endeavor would require efforts from several important stakeholders. First off is councilmember Justin Brannan. Councilmember Brannan has shown efforts to help the community through his work, including his current efforts on obtaining and implementing funding to improve parks in Coney Island. There could also be discretionary funding for a community campaign available through him, and he could help obtain additional grant funding.
Another very helpful ally could be Transportation Alternatives. Transportation Alternatives is an organization specializing in reducing cars in New York City. They are a great resource in safe streets and congestion pricing advocacy.
Lastly, several government agencies will need to be on board, with advocates from within. These include the city and state DOTs, the MTA, and the offices of the Mayor and Governor.
-
Managing seasonal congestion is essential to improving mobility, safety, and overall quality of life in Coney Island—particularly during peak summer months when visitor traffic significantly increases. A seasonal congestion zone would introduce targeted measures to reduce vehicle volume in high-traffic areas, prioritizing safer and more accessible streets for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists.
This approach could include strategies such as limited vehicle access during peak hours, designated drop-off zones, and expanded pedestrian-only corridors near key destinations. By reducing through-traffic and discouraging unnecessary car trips, the initiative can alleviate pressure on local streets while improving air quality and reducing noise. These changes would also create more space for walking, cycling, and community activity.
-
Increasing bicycle use in Coney Island requires both education and accessible infrastructure. Community workshops can introduce residents of all ages to safe cycling practices, basic bike maintenance, and route navigation, helping to build confidence and reduce barriers to entry. These programs create welcoming spaces for beginners while supporting more experienced riders in developing stronger skills and awareness.
Improving access is equally important. Planning efforts can focus on expanding bike infrastructure, including protected lanes, secure parking, and clear connections to key destinations such as schools, transit hubs, and community spaces. Providing access to affordable bicycles, repair tools, and safety equipment—through partnerships, lending programs, or distribution events—can further support participation, particularly for residents who may not otherwise have the resources.