The death of Australian tourist Madison Jane Lyden, who was hit and killed while cycling around Central Park, will lead to lasting changes in the streetscape of New York.

After months of heated debate, Manhattan's Community Board 7 voted overnight, Australian time, to add a protected bike lane on the road that runs along the western flank of the iconic park.

Madison Lyden was on the trip of a lifetime before tragedy struck in New York. Credit:Facebook

Lyden, 23, from Geelong, was killed by a garbage truck driven by a drunk driver as she cycled in the painted bike lane along Central Park West. The collision happened when she swung out of the lane to avoid a taxi, which was pulling out from the kerb.

“There have been many crashes on Central Park West, many crashes with injuries,” said an official at a public meeting in New York on Tuesday night.