So Much for Safety

Queens, NY – This morning, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Northern Boulevard alteration designed to “improve” safety already jeopardized everyone’s safety. In response, Senator Avella sent the attached letter to the Mayor and DOT Commissioner.

The location has been a topic of concern amongst the community lately after DOT ignored Community Board 11’s approved bike lane plan and installed one of their own design.

Senator Avella’s letter reminds the Mayor and Commissioner, “community members, along with myself, forewarned against the proximity of the bicycle lanes with the heavily congested traffic lanes for fear of accidents similar to this one. The bicycle lanes, and cement dividers, create a dangerous merging situation. While I am still confirming this information, residents have reported four accidents since the installation of the bike lane.”

Senator Avella also pointed out the negligence in DOT’s decision to expedite construction of the lane without alerting the community of the new traffic pattern, “In addition, there have been no precautions taken, including warning signage to warn motorists of a change in traffic pattern. As an active truck route, this negligence is putting motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in severe risk of being involved in an accident, the odds of which are obviously increasing on a daily basis.