June 15, 2016 By Jackie Strawbridge
The brand new 20th Avenue bike lanes will soon be a little more noticeable.
The Department of Transportation said Tuesday that the agency will put green paint on the new bike path, which stretches from 37th Street to Shore Boulevard and has been clogged with parked cars, as the Astoria Post reported Monday.
However, it has not been determined yet when the paint will be put down because the DOT is waiting for some local utility work to wrap up, a spokesperson said.
The Queens Bike Initiative called for green paint on the bike path after observing several cars parked there over the weekend.
“That’s excellent,” Sergio Pecanha of QBI said when told about the planned paint job. “We’re very happy that they’re acting on this.”
Madeline Garant, who lives on 79th Street and has been using the bike path to commute to the train, said, “I think that the green paint would be a great step in the right direction.”
Garant added that she would also like to see a physical barrier separating out the bike lane, which QBI has requested as well, to prevent cars and trucks from double-parking in the bike path.
A DOT presentation delivered to Community Board 1 in February illustrated the bike path as green but with no physical barriers.
Regarding enforcement, QBI is giving the drivers the benefit of the doubt that they don’t realize they are parking on bike lanes because they are new, so they are calling on the 114 Precinct to tow violators to nearby spots rather than ticketing them.
However, according to Deputy Inspector Peter Fortune of the 114 Precinct, relocating cars is “not something we do and that’s not something we’d be looking to do.”
Instead, he said, “we would issue parking summonses.”
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144 Comments
How can they take away valuable parking? I try and always park my SUV in my driveway so it doesn’t get scratched. But, sometimes I need more space for my other car so I can unload groceries. That street was a perfect place to store my Escalde for a few days. Now they expect me to fit both cars in my driveway all the time just so some bikers feel safer? They need to start making changes that benefit the old timers instead of trying to improve the area for everyone!
Thank you NA…a young man who understands EXACTLY what the issues are on this once wide accommodating street for all. I really LOVE your last paragraph. And it the fuckin truth.
As my name implies I am a true native Astorian. Went to Immac and LIC. I am unfortunately considered a Millenial kid. I drive EVERYDAY. I drive into Manhattan (all 5 boroughs are considered NYC for you yuppies) and have not taken the subway in over 8 years! I LOVE driving. I love passing people in the rain and snow when I am warm, listening to music in my car. 🙂 I love the environment but need my car and have the skills to drive it. The bikers are considered moving vehicles and need to abide by the laws. The mess on 20th avenue is an accident waiting to happen here’s why:
1. There is NO space to parallel park. You have to pull up next to a car that is leaving which means you are technically double parked until the car gets out. Then you have to basically stick out into traffic to reverse into the spot!! You will be blocking the lane! How stupid and unsafe.
2. Huge trucks and buses use that route to get to 21st street and will have problems passing. There is a mechanic shop that is always doing business on the south side and they are double parked sometimes moving cars… more traffic.
3. Bikers need to abide by the rules. Yes we have lots of idiot drivers ( on the phone, putting on make-up and even readying) I yell at them everyday especially on the BQE. But bikers and the scooters also need to be safe as well. Drivers are not inanimate objects that just feed the economy. I am tired of this witch hunt against us. We pay for the roads, bridges, subways, taxes to the city with registration, gas tax, inspections the list goes on. Bikers who break the law and pedestrians who walk while on the phone or jet out into the street should also be ticketed.
Anyway Astoria is a piss infested, boozeville for yuppies who drink beer and Starbucks all day. Say goodbye to the good ole’ days when you knew everyone and kids played in the street.
So kids should be allowed to play in the streets in the good ole days (which is illegal) but pedestrians on the phone should be ticketed (which is not illegal).
If pedestrians aren’t allowed on the phone who is then? Only passengers in cars?
Yes people should follow the law…I agree. Mechanic shops, btw need to stop using the public streets as their private parking lot.
Some people are drinking cocktails FYI.
“Anyway Astoria is a piss infested, boozeville for yuppies who drink beer and Starbucks all day. Say goodbye to the good ole’ days when you knew everyone and kids played in the street.” i think that all depends on where in Astoria you live and how you look at things. I find that the further away you are from the MTA, restaurants and shops the quieter it is. There are still some areas of Astoria that are quiet and more family friendly. Biking around i see the increase of baby strollers, children and teens playing outside. Many homes are still big enough to house families and it seems like more families are renting them out. And trust me those who were able to update and renovate some of these older rentals are not complaining with the amount they are charging.
ok one more time….this street is an important street for emergency vehicles, buses and trucks of all sizes. Between 31st and 29th on this street are commercial small warehouses that have trailors back parking into them. I didn’t notice a space allowed for these vehicles to make it easy to back in park there. If I am wrong please let me know but just turning onto this street now will be a chore for large trailor trucks. It is now a narrow street where once there was PLENTY OF ROOM FOR ALL. THIS ACTION IS A BIG MISTAKE AND UNNECESSARY.
Welll everyone got the message now. Left my house on Saturday to Take my kid to his game and all along 20th ave a big ass NYPD traffic van about 6 cops from the water to 31st giving every car in the bike lane a ticket
People relax. This is one avenue in Astoria. The bike lane was always there and just moved by the sidewalk and it is right by the Con Ed plant. Its not the best place for health to bike/exercise around there. The pollution from Con Ed and all the factories in that area is well known. Obviously the city is funding these projects and someone saw this area as a way to check it off the list. I think this is just a way for people/bikers to have a path to Astoria Park and the proposed trolley that will stop there.
At least this bike lane is by Con Edison. Not in front of a residential area. How do you think i feel having a bike lane right outside my house! I am sick of tired of cleaning up after these cyclists. From water bottles to tissues and protein bars all over the sidewalk/street. I even swept up a sports bra and sneaker last week. It is disgusting. Now my husband likes to sit outside or by the front window. He claims for fresh air, yea right! Put some clothes on when you ride your bikes. I am tired of this!
You are ok with a Con Edison plant in front of your house and a treatment plant behind but a bike lane is too much for you?
It is unlikely bikers are leaving all this garbage. Most of this garbage comes from people working at the factories around 19ave as they walk to and from work.
Regarding the clothes, It’s more relaxing not to wear clothes. People should be encouraged to go nude.
John, I don’t live by Con Ed or this bike lane in particular! I live further up away from 20th Ave and there is a bike lane in front of my house! I was not planning on starting a discussion when i posted this however I wanted to make it clear for those that did not understand. John, perhaps you should start wearing a Bicycle helmet and protect your brain! I know who is making the mess.
Anything that helps to deliver my food hotter and faster is welcomed.
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”
John F. Kennedy
yes if you live in Cape Cod
I have been here 19 years. I am 60 years old. I am a settler if you define me by the fact I ride a bike. I have always ridden a bike in Astoria/NYC. I enjoy it. I also drive my car, take car services, buses, and subways. My concern is the traffic. 20th Ave is full of cars, trucks, etc. The traffic is the worst in the afternoon. Without protected bike lanes, often the cars use the bike lanes as another car lane. It is good that they are near the sidewalk now. Also cats and trucks double park in the bike lanes. We need dedicated and separate bike lanes.
If the mayor and DOT listens to these NIMBYs that’s crazy. They are entitled to their opinions, but not their own facts. The fact is that configurations just like this one work all over the city. People get deliveries. People can get picked up. The world does not end. This is fear of change and a prioritization of parking over safety. That is all.
Settlers lol. How the hell somebody who hasn’t been in the neighborhood for the last 10 years or so just gonna come in & say “we need more bike lanes”? It things like this cause even more tension between old-school & gentry Ast. And im on old-school Ast’s side, needless to say
IMO bicycles are not very good forms of transportation. Sure they are carbon free and take up barely any space, but are impractical in bad weather, unsafe for carrying things/babies and slow. I see the problem with bike lanes in Astoria is that many people in Astoria don’t know what they are. They are either immigrants or uneducated/ignorant to them, so they park in them, walk in them and hate them for whatever other reason. Add to the fact that these same people can’t drive properly and I can see why bikers hate the automobiles and vice versa (because many bikers are also ignorant to bike rules and can’t ride properly). You can all argue what you want because I plan on getting a smart car that can park in tiny, free residential spaces and use my bike for recreation, which is what it’s best for.
finally someone with some damn common sense, which is sorely missing in todays modern lifestyle. I personally would not want a smart car due to the size but power to you anyway.
True James, bikers and the scooters are very dangerous. I see the scooters on the sidewalk and driving the opposite direction…but the smart car is actually a coffin… if you get rear ended in that good luck! The front of the car will be on your back.
That’s not true at all. They have a steel “racecar” frame that earned it a 5 star rating it crash tests
http://environment.about.com/od/fossilfuels/a/smart_cars.htm
http://driving.ca/smart/fortwo/auto-news/news/how-safe-is-the-2016-smart-fortwo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1sIoLhU
In recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the 2008 Smart Fortwo, the smallest car for sale in the US market, earned the top rating of good for front and side crash protection. Its seat/head restraints earned the second highest rating of acceptable for protection against whiplash in rear impacts.
The bike lanes do not make riding a bike a more pleasurable experience. Is your fav film the Wizard of Oz? As a younger man I rode my bike all over queens, over the Triboro, into Manhattan, anywhere I chose and with no damn bike lanes narrowing streets and giving drivers just something else we need to be mindful of along with all of those who bury their faces in their fones and believe that they dont need to look anywhere else while crossing the street because WE FREAKING SEE THEM ALL THE TIME. What happened to look both ways while crossing. I am sick of this pervasive IRRESPONSIBLE ITS MY WORLD ATTITUDE of the new techno groupies of this society. And I am a big fan of technology, but I’ll be damned if I keep my head down and expect the world to stop for me while I am crossing a street or riding a bike. See how many cops you see in a week or so down there. And 20 ave has never been aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In fact now it just resembles streets in the city…too narrow and congested looking .
The bike lanes do not make riding a bike a more pleasurable experience. Is your fav film the Wizard of Oz? As a younger man I rode my bike all over queens, over the Triboro, into Manhattan, anywhere I chose and with no damn bike lanes narrowing streets and giving drivers just something else we need to be mindful of along with all of those who bury their faces in their fones and believe that they dont need to look anywhere else while crossing the street because WE FREAKING SEE THEM ALL THE TIME. What happened to look both ways while crossing. I am sick of this pervasive IRRESPONSIBLE ITS MY WORLD ATTITUDE of the new techno groupies of this society. And I am a big fan of technology, but I’ll be damned if I keep my head down and expect the world to stop for me while I am crossing a street or riding a bike. See how many cops you see in a week or so down there. And 20 ave has never been aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In fact now it just resembles streets in the city…too narrow and congested looking . Sometimes its better to leave well enough alone.
I grew up riding a bike in this city and welcome intelligent urban design.
oh dav such a simplistic view and so innocent. A bike is a vehicle and subject to rules of road same as le auto. When I was but a youngin livin in Manhattan I was struck by a cyclist riding on the sidewalk and had my wrist broken. Who was that masked man? If you want to use the streets where big people drive their cars then you must share the responsibility also. Bikers need to show their cajones on this too. Oh wait … am i being a racist again? Like I said you want to play you got to pay. You aint above the LAW
Anything that makes our streets safer for all of us is a good thing. These bike lanes will make crossing the street a lot safer, less roadway to cross and slower traffic.
Installing bike lanes is a caring effort. If you’ve a problem with neighborhood turnover, better identify the source of the turnover instead of misplacing blame. What a piggish fallacy your argument is!
tell that to the truckers who use that street to get around because the trucks are too big to turn onto side streets. How is an 18 wheel tractor supposed to turn now that it is the size of a side street. This is so poorly planned. Not to mention other large vehicles that now has made their work harder and more stressful.
Then, most of those big trucks need to change that route! There is nothing but Con ed and garages down by this 20th Ave bike lane area. What is there one supermarket on 21 avenue/21St that does big deliveries? I doubt the truck drivers are headed for the track or pool at Astoria Park and that is why they take 20th Ave. Perhaps those big trucks should stick with Astoria Blvd N. I think many big delivery trucks are getting off the LIE and BQE go to 20th Ave and turn on 21 Street/31 street to avoid heavy traffic on Astoria Blvd and just zoom by because there are less lights on 20th ave. Less pollution is a good thing in that area.
we are not the ones with the PIGGISH FALLACY! nice name for a band.
As of this morning (6/18), most if not all if the bike line is clear on 20th Avenue. Thank you NYPD, DOT and Council Member Costa Constantinides. I rode my bike on this beautiful day all the way to Shore Blvd which seems a lot of safer, calmer, distinct and aesthetically pleasing that it is a one way street. Pathways for bikes, pedestrians and cars are apparent, well thought out and simply for the better of the community at large. Take some time to go see for yourselves. I also noticed more police patrolling the area.
Licensing came about because of the massive carnage that motorists have been inflicting on others since they’ve been on the roads. Bicyclists don’t have the mass or velocity to do anything like the damage that motorists do to others. There’s a reason why licensing requirements get more stringent as vehicles get larger and more dangerous. Bicycles are below the threshold of risk to others to require licensing. You just want to punish bicyclists for existing.
the above comment is for bill and his crew. Thank you.
well b 4 I go- since bike riders are demanding change to our streets then I propose that every biker 18+ needs to register and insure, just like a car, his VEHICLE and abide by every rule of the road that drivers must adhere to. Bikes cause accidents and injuries also to other motorists and pedestrians but if the bike is registered and has its own license plate, then and only then can a biker claim to have equal rights to the street. You want to play then you have to pay too! Hows that for free parking?
I’m a cyclist, and I believe cyclists ought to have a license. Same for those dang e-scooter drivers!!
Ride a bicycle? Fine. Do it on a public roadway…get a friggin license
Some folks just have a fetish for regulation and regimentation. There oughtta be a law!
Is it more important to create barriers for society, and your neighbors? Imagine, if you will, bill, someone who cannot afford to purchase, license, and maintain a motor vehicle. This person needs to commute to work, shop and live. Imagine that where this person lives, there is no reliable public transportation. The person is living on minimum wage, as a minor, college student, or marginally employed. You would create even more barriers? Would you mandate a license for walking, jogging or taking a bus?
Let’s issue licenses for Internet comments! Your suggestion is just plain ridiculous!
Everyone and everything that uses a public road needs to be licensed and insured.
another poorly thought out, poor planned, poorly executed “plan”??? initiated by Assemblywoman Simotas. she needs to go.
I regard cyclists now with the same fear and apprehension as automobile drivers.
I will never ride a bike that does not have enough room for my handbag…..Wark!!
Unfortunately, LOGICAL people are not asked these things. The decisions are made by bureaucrats and NIMFY’s and whoever has the most important voice wins.
They should strip more traffic lanes and make them bike lanes
I think the more they make this a norm, the more bikers you will start seeing. NOT “transplants” as many of you might say, but New Yorkers. The same ones you see WALKING almost everywhere now.
I think that, ironically, the people who are against the bike lanes and other changes to Astoria are opposed to a more efficient system if it means they have to change their way of life. The irony being, their war cry seems to be “Stop Making Sense”.
This is just what Astoria needs, more congestion from inexperienced “know it all” spandex wearing riders. In my opinion NY should make those cyclist carry insurance (because we all know how “safe” they ride), take and pass a street cycling course (since their spandex makes them believe they are above the laws on the street), and lastly the city should introduce paid meter parking for cyclist ( the same way auto drivers have to pay for parking).
Most cyclists are hot!
I dont mind the new parking spaces. It makes it easier to unload my bike onto the path.
typical arrogance of an A.H.
Those spots away from the curb are dangerous. I almost got hit by a bus trying to get out from my car.
exactly my point about this stupid and unnecessary change in this community.
only those pedal pushers with blinders on dont see that
Exist and Enter from the passenger side. Just make sure no bike is approaching. Think safe!
BRILLIANT!
Few people want to eliminate automobiles from the city at this time. However, a lot of our politicians fail when it comes to aggressive pedestrian friendly policy that would make car free living even easier and more pleasant!!! Most New Yorkers don’t drive. Even less drive on a regular basis. The city could do a lot more to get people moving by unleashing radical changes on our streets.
Now imagine how pedestrians feel when dealing with bicyclists running red lights, going the wrong way, riding on the sidewalks, riding at night with no lights and no reflective clothing, ignoring the bike lanes, and zigzagging around the streets, usually at alarming rates of speed.
“living is easy with eyes closed….” none of us are saying that! There has never been parking right outside front doors, and if there is it is metered parking. People drive around and around most of time trying to find a spot. If you live on 21st Ave why the hell would you park on 19th?!!! These kind of “solutions” come from ignorance and inexperience. Many people who are older or handicap drive cars in communities like this. Women with children need a car in a community like this. There is a much broader picture than your selfish wants and beliefs. There is no need for bike lanes in Astoria. I got around just fine for years without em and never once had an accident with a car. Its being street smart and aware .
The city under-serves certain boroughs and then people wonder why folks won’t let go of their cars.
Thank you for the sexist “women with children” comment.
21st Ave to 19 Ave is TWO BLOCKS!
Yes, older people and the handicap need cars more than others. If everyone else would walk more and bike more there would be more room for these people to have cars.
The total amount of people has increased. We have a lot more bikers and cars…everywhere. Cars can’t see a 5 year old riding their bike along side regular traffic.
Sexist? you sir are an idiot.
Men can take care of kids without a car but women can’t?
Or men with kids aren’t taking care of them?
What non-sexist way did you intend for this to mean?
listen paul this is about unnecessary bike lanes not bout my sexist rants or your politically correct perversion. Still I repeat….you sir are an idiot (:D
Then don’t make sexist comments.
Once people get used to a certain thing, it will be more easily accommodated. I think this is a great idea and have seen first hand how well it works in other cities. I realize NYC is unique, but I do not see why it can’t work here as well.
5 year olds don’t belong riding in the street
People complain about losing street parking, but this area in particular has a lot of street parking. This is always parking on 19 Ave.
What many of you are actually saying is “there is no parking right outside my front door”. Well, you know, walking a few blocks won’t kill you.
For many people it might be cheaper to Uber the few times you need to take a car then rent one for longer trips. After deducting gas and insurance it’s a great option.
you apparently don’t know the neighborhood. FYI parking on 19th ave at night is about as dumb as jogging in central park at night. and not as safe.
Just another note to all of this. Now that 20th ave has been narrowed to a side street because of bike lanes, what does that do to the truckers that use this road or the buses. What about the tractor trailers that park in the warehouses between 31st and 28 street? Also has anyone given thought to the fire trucks that use that street to access a potentially life threatening fire! I see more harm done than good. Owning a vehicle is so much more of a RESPONSIBILITY than riding a bike and lalalaing down the lane.
Slower traffic reduces accidents that require fire trucks and ambulances. The city obviously thought this through. /s
The Cancer has spread to middle class Astoria! Gone was a beautiful place where they were more homes than apartments. Middle finger to those who disagree!
You can thank many of the homeowners in Astoria for this. For converting their homes to more rentals units occupying the same space (from 1 families to 2, from 2 families to 3, adding basement apts, and so on) and those who chose to move out, live in quieter neighborhoods like whitestone and bayside and rented their places in Astoria out.
Actually, if you are looking to blame anyone you should start with greedy developers and corrupt politicians for allowing 1 family houses to be turned into 3, 6 and nine family units.
No, you should blame people for having kids and filling the planet with too many people.
I ride this street several times a week, sometimes with my 8 year old who plays baseball at ICYP and loves to bike to the games. It is a great part of our workout as the ride from Astoria Park is mostly uphill. The thing is, not only is it a training ground for student drivers, others use it as a track to see how quickly their cars will go from zero to sixty! Now I realize that we could ride on the sidewalk because this is not a major pedestrian walk, but the fact is it is supposed to be a bicycle friendly road. I am constantly worried about cars on the left passing at racing speeds and cars on the right opening doors as people get out. Not to mention people blowing through stop signs entering from the streets. Just paint it please. If you need help we will happily volunteer.
They need more traffic lights and speed bumps in this area. Also, speed cameras would be great here. Call Council Member Costa Constantinides about some of these ideas/issues I already did.
After this matter is resolved can we please install more bicycle parking racks.
I’m all for it, and my boyfriend rides his bike almost everywhere, but I will say: he’s been doored by cabs twice now (both times tourists opening the door without looking) which somewhat dampers my enthusiasm.
Heh. If people want to drive, let them drive. I’m not that concerned about someone else’s health or their ability to move themselves. We have to make this city more bike-friendly with bike lanes and such, but that doesn’t mean we have to make people ride bikes! (This feels like how my vegetarian self cringes at vegetarians/vegans who rail against meat-eaters. Let them have what they want, geez.)
America is changing, the world is changing. We are currently experiencing peak oil. New Urbanism is on the forefront. Eventually there will be a commuter tax into NYC, at the same time prices for gasoline will rise, more residents (traffic), and my guess has it higher prices on the meters (along with less spots). Walk-ability, public transportation, and biking will be vital in the future of NYC.
Biking around town? That’s for poor people!! What sane person who has a decent salary is going to bike around town in all kinds of weather? No well off person is biking around town! He doesn’t need to save money if he’s making a decent amount.
I”m hoping this is sarcasm. Otherwise is backwards thinking elitism. FWIW I am an attorney and know lots of attorneys, doctors, bankers, architects, etc. who bike all over the place. You get to most places around town as quickly, if not faster, than car or mass transit; have little difficulty parking; can ride right through parks, down to the water, directly to where ever you are going, all while improving your health and not polluting. An educate well-off person should be one of the first to recognize the benefits. Though perhaps they are too busy thinking too highly of themselves to see what is so obvious.
While rising gas and tolls may discourage people, when all is said and done, there will always be people who drive in NYC simply because they can afford to ,and also because its quicker.
Is having a car really considered well off here now? I suppose when some people are paying rent 2 times my mortgage for a box in Astoria that might be the case.
Wow, never thought I’d be considered well off. I have two cars now. We actually had three until a few months ago!
Bike commuting is a wonderful option you might consider. Getting rid of your car would bring you enormous benefits. You’ll save an incredible amount of money by doing so and reduce pollution on your surroundings. Cars are a great way to get in a lot of financial trouble quickly. NY is such a great city to live in without owning a car.
Not everyone is living single in Astoria. Not everyone can bike to work or shop. Many families with children are here and cars are a must.
Cars are not a must in Astoria. Actual household car ownership in Astoria is barely 50%. It’s funny how quickly people assume that everyone else around them are just like them – you’d be surprised. Confused by the “not everyone is single” remark. If you are suggesting families cannot use bikes you are very wrong. Lots of families do and there are lots of different types of bikes that help carry kids and groceries. These angry panicky comments aren’t about what is possible, instead these comments just reflect the lack of imagination and vision so many people have. As population and transportation pressures grow, we need options that do not rely on the most inefficient, greatest polluting mode of conveyance. Get beyond your perceived personal convenience [biking can be much more convenient btw] and start imagining what the future looks like if we all keep insisting on using cars and demanding free parking.
You can be happy not owning a car and as for the rest of us in Astoria..more parking spaces for us lol.
All modes of transportation are complimentary to each otherl. To go to a certain place, a certain mode of transportation works best. It also depends if we are looking for time-efficient, or cost-efficient or health-efficient.
For many a car is a must in Astoria. The simplest reason I can give is; because I can.
-I like to go on road trips.
For example, I’ve done NYC to Key west, FL in 2 weeks stopping in every little town on the way. I drove up to Toronto, Montreal and west to Chicago as well.
-I have friends in NJ, PA and I don’t want to deal with public transportation when going there.
-I like to go out to the beach with a big cooler, and have a few friends. It’s way faster and more comfortable than going by train.
-Wifey sometimes has to travel to CT and NJ, and taking PT is just not as convinient or fast.
-I go shopping to IKEA, Costco, etc… and you need a car to go to those places. Having a car in NY is not cheap or easy, but it’s convinient if you need it for specific purposes like the ones listed above.
Do me a favor, next time its pouring rain out, and my son has indoor soccer, can you please pick him up on your bike? BTW, he’s got to be in college point for his baseball game at 6 PM next Wednesday. Thanks!
It depends on who and at what stage in life you are:
For ex, If you are a younger sharing an apartment with roommates in Astoria, and are content with what is close by a car is not vital.
But if you are older, have family and kids, a car is essential for:
Weekends and holidays
Visiting family and friends – out of the state/city
Shopping – stocking food and household necessities
Driving children to after school programs
Changing the city atmosphere when it becomes claustrophobic.
I agree. Taking children on crowded public transportation is a nuisance. They can’t always sit down and get fidgety. When you have more than two children, IMO, subways and buses become unmanageable — especially when you have strollers. They are not built for strollers, carriages or bicycles. I need my car.
I’m all for bikes replacing cars someday, but until then I don’t like the way many cyclists ride as if they’re in a car. Legally they have many of the same rights as car drivers (except on highways), but they forget they’re far more difficult to see than a car – especially in the evening. When I ride a bike, I never try to compete with the cars and always assume the cars don’t see me.
I have a car, living in Astoria and I am single however, i need my car for:
– shopping (Costco, Ikea, BJ’s, etc. – large quantities of items)
– taking my dad to the doctor (mobility issues)
– weekend trips outside of NYC in the summer (hiking, camping, beach tanning/swimming, sightseeing, etc.)
– night outs with friends (designated driver since I don’t drink)
without my 4 wheels I wouldn’t have the freedom to do many things I do now. Ability to see my grandkids who live upstate making stops along way to do what we please. Take wknd jaunts on a whim…you get the idea besides the necessary chores where a car comes in handy. But you must have the desire and need to have the privilege of a vehicle and be willing to pay the cost. It is an expense for sure. One can get into $$$$ trouble many ways besides cars. Its about responsibility.
I read that 70 percent of millennials (those folks born between 1980 and 2000) say they use multiple forms of transportation to get around, including walking, biking, driving, and public transit. As a member of this generation, I can tell you anecdotally that most of my friends have a bike and use it all the time. Even those with kids still ride, often with the little ones strapped into a seat on the front. I hope that when I have children, they will inherit a world with less auto pollution and more protected bike lanes. Cycling is not a fad and I am glad our streets are changing to accommodate cyclists.
Bikes are also dangerous and useless in wintry conditions, and are impractical on rainy or very cold/windy days.
Cars by their very nature offer much more freedom than public trans/biking. There are very few places in NYC where it would be significantly faster to travel there by bus/subway/biking versus driving. Also being a slave to the MTA schedule gets old quick and is not freedom in the slightest.
I agree that biking is not a fad, and I’m not surprised having been an avid bike rider most of my life that there are a lot of millennium’s that bike ride because I was your age when I did most of my biking throughout the city. Being born and raised in New York City and turning 50 this year I can tell you that bicycle Lanes are unnecessary and cause more problems that good. They do not prevent Accident understanding that bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws as cars presents accidents. All bicycle Lanes seem to do is give a false sense of entitlement to a new generation of bike riders.
As a father of two young boys that ride their bikes to and from sports and school, this is a critical safety improvement. Some are just selfish residents that aren’t considering the safety of their neighbors. Don’t make it out to be anything more and please protect our riders young and old.
While I appreciate the fact that you have two young children if they’re not old enough to understand the traffic laws like signaling before turning, stopping at red lights and stop signs you should limit their bike riding to our parks and should not be letting them rid in traffic. I was 12 before my parents let me ride in the street and we did it without bike lanes
I dont think it will be the same
Please ticket them. There’s no excuse.
I am shocked they have not ticketed already. Perhaps the tickets would be invalid because the changes have not yet been approved or updated in the system. Or they are just waiting for it to fill up and then surprise everyone with the fine.
There are the same amount parking spot. They just moved to the left of the curb.
This configuration is all over Manhattan and even more congested areas of the city. Why is this so confusing for so many of you?
I can’t even understand some of you people. The number of parking spots is exactly the same. This configuration is all over Manhattan, Is this honestly the first time some of you people have ever seen this???
Amen! The parking spaces have just moved further away from the sidewalk in some spots but there is still the same number of spaces. Lets just be happy this is a meter free area and that parking usually is easy to find here.
We really should have road safety training in schools at around age 10-12 or so.
What are they going to do about the area where driving tests take place?
There are signs in that area that prohibit parking on driving test days. The test takers will just have to look out for cyclists like they have been doing (hopefully). Also, across from the test area there are mainly garages and no cars park on the street on that side.
Bill, look at the photo. The white stripes to the left of the bike lane are empty parking spots. The free parking spots are still there. You all should stop whining.
This said, what makes you think that you are entitled to have my tax money paying for your parking space? Free parking is not a right, it’s a privilege. If you want to own a car, it’s your problem where you will park it, not mine. If you can’t find a free spot, pay for it or sell your car. Yes, the road is mine too.
But, in this case, there are still plenty of spots and I don’t mind sharing for now.
I be so happy Dan that you dont mind sharing … for now. Mighty BIG of u. If it aint broke dont fix it! Did rents become too high for you in the city? So your rights have now taken precedence over the residents of Astoria that struggle with ‘free parking’ which is now a privilege. You know what u can do with that!!! Citibike beckons. Also that new free parking is very limited compared to the way it was, so there.
I can see! Why don’t you really see the big picture, not just the fact that you want bike lanes and screw everyone else. If it aint broke ….. now make sure that you follow all the traffic rules of the road while you peddle your way around. Hahaha… because you have gotten your way. And stay in your freakin lane too.
“Everyone else” wanted bike lanes. There are maybe 2 or 3 people that didn’t.
Bill what is your profile pic of?
it’s a graffiti image I took in 1981 in Central Park….John Lennon. The complete work has the Stones logo on the left. It was done on a concrete wall around the back side of the Met. Taken with Kodachrome
Thanks for taking the time to respond..I love it!
Having a car, even in car unfriendly NYC, is a blessing. Like others have stated, you have far more mobility and freedom. Places that took me over an hour to get to by MTA, which often required multiple bus/subway transfers, now takes me 20 minutes or less by driving, not too mention a guaranteed seat in my vehicle and much less crowded lol. Out of state trips are a breeze as well as shopping trips.
More insanity.. Barriers how are old people and disabled going to cross. WTF is it with these Bike Fascists?
If there were barriers, they would not go in front of cross walks.
You’re a weirdo. People are going to discuss things. Calm down!
By barriers they probably mean flexible delineators [those 3′ plastic poles with reflective tape] spaced about every 10 feet – enough to separate the lanes and keep cars out. Calm down, this is done all over the city. Its ok.
I ride occassionally in NYC and would never use the designated bike lanes. I don’t trust turning cars to obey the bike lane green lights and riding on the left hand side of the road is counter to everything I’ve ever done road riding. I feel much safer on the right in the flow of traffic and am more willing to take my chances following traffic signals that apply to cars. Maybe when the bike lanes are protected I will use them. Until then, being neither arrogant nor entitled, I will do what I believe makes me safest.
Those things are hideous. They get ruined 3 months after they are erected. People actually do not even care and will drive right over them.
Perfect example would be the barrier at Astoria Blvd north and exit of the LIE exit to the Triboro.
Seriously! it’s almost like old people are going to have to use cross walks like the rest of us! totally unaccapable!
Nearby parking spots!? what a joke! all those parking spots along 20th Ave gone! Please tell me there is some alt plan for the hundreds of parking spots being eliminated. Astoria is growing and its a good thing but at the expense of the long time residents, especially those who dont have a garage or a lot to park in. It is hard enough now to find a space most of the time. If you live here and park on the street you know what I mean. You should be infuriated!
bill, you’re just angry because you think you own the road and you feel that bicyclists are invading your territory and you’re childishly grasping at straws for any excuse to punish them for it. Grow up an learn to move over to pass. It’s very very easy.
Please! Bill is right! These bike lanes are out of control. Not necessary on a busy avenue!
Good luck advocating for no changes without having anyone in DOT in your pocket. I can refer you to Councilman if you like and you can tell him your reasons. He lives in your borough too.
the bike lanes are terrible and completely unnecessary, I have been commuting to work for the past thirty years on 20th ave and have never had a problem.
Agreed. What are there, 20 people who ride bikes up here? How ridiculous. So someone’s getting paid and probably has interests in the contractor who did the work
its called CITIBIKE
To piggyback on what bill is saying. The idea of bicycle Lanes started with Bloomberg and a trip he made overseas too I believe Norway or some such country where a large percentage of the “urban” population there used bikes instead of driving. Bloomberg thought what a great idea it would be if more people road bikes to work. It would cut down on pollution and everyone be healthier. The reality Is there are more cars on the road since Bloomberg implemented bicycle Lanes 8 years ago while bicycle ridership during the work day has not increased. The overall effect of bicycle Lane’s has resulted in further congestion and a disproportionate number of lost parking spaces to the number of bikes on the road
well said rabbi
Thanks Rabbi. You don’t care about people or neighbohoods. You care about big government that doesn’t care about people or neighborhoods. Why don’t you apply for a job with DOT? If not DOT, how about a job with DeBlaszio?
The constant in NYC is change and the need for the city to adapt to change as it happens. Cycling is a permanent part of Queen’s transportation infrastructure and the DOT has a responsibility to set up safe passage (i.e protected lanes) for those residents. Victory on Queens Blvd!
The bike path network isn’t yet fully established and it’s not yet safe. When it reaches a point where it’s fully established and safe, even more people will be using it. Newer generations of NYC’ers will be adopting bike transport instead of car transport. Visit Europe or Asia to see what two wheeled transport is like when fully established. Segregating bikes from cars, as much as possible, prevents the insane clusterf*cks that can exist … go to Asia to get an eyeful of what that can be like when there’s no enlightened urban planning at work. Many thanks to the DOT for stepping up to the plate!!
Incorrect. Cycling has increased tremendously over the last 8+ years. Take a break from reading the Torah to observe the world around you.
Well said Rabbi. Your completely made up facts perfectly support your argument!
People need to start getting rid of their cars. You don’t need a car in astoria. I know plenty of people who grew up in Astoria without one.
Car owners have become entitled and feel like every inch of street is reserved for them.
Time to adapt and change with the times or be left behind. I use a car and a bike. There are families in astoria that have 2 and 3 cars, which is absurd. People need to get over themselves.
It doesn’t cost anything to ride a bicycle, except for the cost of the bicycle. It is the fees that drivers pay that pave the roads and maintain the bridges. Additionally, I rode my bike EVERYWHERE as a child growing up on LI. We didn’t need someone to paint a line in the road so we knew where to ride. You ride in between the parked and moving cars.