Eyes on the Street: Vernon Boulevard Gets Bike Lane Barriers

By Stephen Miller
Jun 16, 2015

New concrete barriers are being added to Vernon Boulevard in Queens. Photo: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

Biking in western Queens is getting a welcome upgrade.

The two-way bike lane on Vernon Boulevard has not had any type of protection from traffic since it was installed in 2013. The lane was frequently obstructed by drivers who used it as a parking spot.

Now, DOT is installing barriers along the bikeway to keep cars out. The project received the most votes on Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer’s participatory budgeting ballot.

Concrete Jersey barriers are going in along much of Vernon Boulevard, while some sections are getting flexible plastic bollards. There will also be short sections without barriers to accommodate turning trucks or to make room for passengers boarding buses.

The barriers, which are in the process of being installed this week, aim to fix problems like this. Photo: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

Two other sections of Vernon Boulevard that won’t receive barriers are the gaps in the bikeway at Queensbridge Park and Rainey Park. With curbside parking along the park edges, cyclists either have to shift to sharrows on Vernon Boulevard or use more circuitous waterfront paths in the parks.

Installation of the barriers is currently underway and expected to wrap soon.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

It's crowded on that bridge. Photo: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

Queensboro Bridge Bike Numbers Soaring as DOT Stalls Separate Walking Path

By Kevin Duggan | Jun 7, 2023

If you don’t build it, they’ll still come.

The DOT is hoping that moving Fordham Road's bus lane off the curb will mean fewer scenes like this BX9 caught in traffic. Photo: Dave Colon

DOT Nixes Fordham Road Busway Due To ‘Community Concerns’

By Dave Colon | Jun 7, 2023

Fordham Road won't be getting a proposed busway after the Department of Transportation bowed to "community concerns" and opted for the potential changes to the corridor with the least benefit for bus riders.

Amy Cohen has begun her hunger strike for safety in Albany. Photo: Families for Safe Streets

‘Sammy’s Law’ Hunger Strike Begins at State Capitol

By Julianne Cuba | Jun 6, 2023

Two mothers whose children were killed by reckless drivers have begun a hunger strike that they'll continue until Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) brings to the floor a long-stalled bill that would allow New York City to set its own speed limits.

Families for Safe Streets members Amy Cohen and Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio will start a hunger strike today.

Tuesday’s Headlines: Hunger Strike Edition

By Streetsblog Editorial Board | Jun 6, 2023

Two members of Families for Safe Streets will begin a hunger strike at the state Capitol to protest the state legislature's failure to pass a bill to allow New York City to set its own speed limits. Plus other news.

The intersection where Dolma Naadhum, 7, (inset) was killed by a driver on Feb. 17. File image

CB1 Members Demand Universal Daylighting After Drivers Kill Two Kids

By Kevin Duggan | Jun 6, 2023

The city must clear all intersections of parked cars that block visibility, demanded community board members in Astoria.

Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio protested in front of Carl Heastie's office. (The Speaker was not there, but he is in the inset.) Photo: Gersh Kuntzman

Supporters of Sammy’s Law Remain Angry over Assembly Speaker’s Inaction on Speed Limit Reduction

By Gersh Kuntzman | Jun 5, 2023

Members of Families for Safe Streets rallied on Monday outside of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's office to demand he pass a bill that would allow New York City to set its own speed limits, and expressed confusion as to why the speaker had reportedly stalled the widely supported legislation.