This just in: DOT crews are laying down green paint on the new 111th Street bike lane next to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Work on the project started back in April, and new stripes have been in place for weeks, but until now people were still parking in the bike lane. With this fresh green coat, the whole project is snapping into place.

Before this redesign, 111th Street was a scary street to cross, with three moving lanes in each direction. The project trimmed the number of motor vehicle lanes, shortened crossing distances, and added a two-way, parking protected bike lane next to the park. The city left a better design on the table after encountering resistance from Assembly Member Francisco Moya, but this is a major improvement.

Congrats to Council Member Julissa Ferreras and all the Corona residents and advocates who worked years to make this happen. There are still a few finishing touches left. Once work wraps up, we’ll circle back and check in with people who walk and bike on 111th Street every day.