Cristina Furlong

Cristina Furlong is originally from the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, and has lived in Queens since 2000. She is a founding member of Make Queens Safer, a community group that advocates for pedestrian safety and livable streets. Make Queens Safer was formed in 2013, after three children were killed by reckless drivers in less than 10 months in her neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens. Together with other street safety groups and elected officials, Make Queens Safer helped with outreach and advocacy that led to nine new traffic laws, and a reduction in the speed limit in New York City.  

Make Queens Safer works with schools and community groups to promote street safety, holding numerous educational and safety fairs with free activities, bike rodeos and bike helmet giveaways.  

Ms. Furlong’s volunteer work began after September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center fell. After weeks of volunteering, Ms. Furlong was employed by FEMA and worked in disaster assistance for seven months. 

She has also been a Big Sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York City. 

Ms. Furlong is a graduate of Hunter College, CUNY, with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies, and worked for many years in corporate video and advertising. After the birth of her son in 2009, she decided to work a more flexible schedule, and became a bicycle tour guide. “Queens is considered the ‘world’s neighborhood,’ ” she notes. “I love sharing New York City with tourists from all over the world.” 

Ms. Furlong lives in Jackson Heights with her husband Rich, and son, Jackson. She is currently attending the CUNY School of Journalism, working on a Master of Arts in Social Journalism, and hopes to continue advocating for the people of New York City.