Northern Boulevard and 34th Avenue (Google Maps)
June 24, 2020 By Allie Griffin
The Department of Transportation will install a nearly 4-mile-long temporary bike lane along Northern Boulevard for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department will created a protected bike lane along Northern Boulevard from Queens Plaza North to Broadway, where it turns down to 34th Avenue, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today.
The 3.6-mile route will bring cyclists from Astoria to the Queensboro Bridge. Construction of the temporary lane will be phased in throughout the summer.
“The bike lane project announced today will connect Northern Boulevard from Queens Plaza North to Broadway and then continue on Broadway to 34th Avenue, where it will connect with the existing bike lane and Open Street,” a DOT spokesperson said.
The DOT will use markings, barrels, signage and other barriers to designate the bike lane and create connections with existing protected lanes.
“We’re excited to bring new Open Streets to more communities, from the North Shore of Staten Island to Far Rockaway in Queens, along with new protected bike connections to Central Park and the Queensboro Bridge,” DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said in a statement,
Last month de Blasio announced the DOT would be constructing another temporary protected bike lane along Crescent Street from Queens Plaza North in Long Island City to Hoyt Avenue North in Astoria.
Many bike advocates are hoping the temporary lanes are made permanent after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
“We applaud the Department of Transportation for adding more temporary protected bike lanes, and we’re eager to work together to turn these temporary lanes into permanent infrastructure for New Yorkers who bike,” said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.
