Photo Courtesy of Google
One of the largest and busiest borough intersections is Yellowstone Boulevard and Queens Boulevard.
By Forum Staff
The City Department of Transportation and NYPD on Thursday announced the continuation of the “Bicycle Safe Passage” enforcement initiative to protect cyclists in bike lanes, along with a new series of bike helmet giveaways. Thursday’s announcement took place along Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, where DOT has begun work on the final phase of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature redesign, as the administration works to install a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes in 2021.
NYPD announced its renewed effort to reduce bicycle-related injuries and fatalities, in which all 77 precincts will focus on infractions like blocking bike lanes, double parking, failure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists and occupying no standing zones.
Protective helmet gifts: After suspending them in person during the pandemic, the DOT has re-distributed bicycle helmets, 29,730 of which were distributed by the DOT in 2019. New York State law requires that all 14 riders years or younger have helmets.
DOT crews have begun work on the fourth and final phase of the Queens Boulevard protected bike lane project — from Yellowstone Boulevard to Union Turnpike. Under the de Blasio Administration, Queens Boulevard, once known as the “Boulevard of Death,” has seen injuries decline by 18 percent and severe injuries decline by 38 percent; since 2016, the Boulevard has seen a total of five traffic fatalities compared to 22 traffic deaths in 1997 alone.
As with the previous three phases of the redesign in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Phase 4 includes new Protected Bike Lanes and pedestrian path along the medians between the service road and the main roadway, along with many other safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including:
- New and improved crosswalks at intersections and between median malls
- New stop controls at slip ramp access points to allow for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings
- Elongated left-turn bays for simpler, safer turns and better vehicle processing
The project will also include elements to preserve access to local businesses in this mixed-use residential and commercial area, including:
- New truck loading zones and additional hours at existing commercial loading zones
- Adding parking in commercial areas near Ascan Avenue and Austin Street
The ongoing Queens Boulevard redesign is part of a plan announced by de Blasio and DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman to build on last year’s protected bike-lane installation, with a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes in 2021.
“Bike lanes are an important part of the transportation system here in New York City, and it is vital that we enforce the rules around those lanes meant to protect our cyclists,” said State Sen. JoeAddabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “A great way to help protect cyclists is through the DOT’s helmet giveaway program. I applaud the DOT for bringing this life-saving initiative back. I encourage all cyclists to visit one of the helmet giveaways to get themselves a free helmet to protect them while on the road.”
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng(D-Flushing) added, “Providing helmets to cyclists and renewing efforts to keep pedestrians and bike riders out of harm’s way are critical steps in preventing tragedies such as serious injuries and fatalities.Safety must always be the top priority.”
