Nassau County is one of the most densely populated counties in the United States. With a population of roughly 1.4 million residents living within just 285 square miles it ranks 22nd of 3,143 counties in the country. As population and development continue to grow, traffic volumes are projected to increase significantly over the coming decades, placing even greater strain on already congested roads. Creating safe and connected transportation alternatives is a practical necessity for the continued prosperity of this county.

Neighboring counties have already taken this step. Suffolk County, Westchester County, Putnam County, and Rockland County all have established bicycle plans that guide infrastructure investments. Nassau County’s own planning documents dating back to 1998 have repeatedly recommended the creation of a countywide bicycle master plan. 28 years later and no comprehensive county-level effort has been implemented.

A bicycle plan provides a strategic framework for identifying priority corridors, filling network gaps, and determining where safety improvements will have the greatest impact. It allows the county to phase projects in a logical and cost-effective way rather than pursuing isolated or reactive installations. Having a formal plan in place also creates opportunities to integrate bicycle infrastructure into routine roadway resurfacing and reconstruction projects. This reduces costs significantly by making improvements when roads are already scheduled for work, rather than requiring stand-alone construction.

A countywide bicycle plan is a practical tool. It keeps infrastructure decisions coordinated rather than fragmented, it improves safety for people who walk and bike, and it supports mobility options that reduce congestion for everyone. This is a step that Nassau County has recognized as necessary for more than two decades. Now is the time to take action.