Mamdani restarts planning for controversial Astoria bike lane following court defeat

[Hurt Hamerkop]

City Leaders Revive Astoria Bike Lane Plans Amid Court Ruling

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration is kicking off a new round of planning for a bike lane project on 31st Street in Astoria, Queens, after a judge blocked the city's original plan. The decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to make the road safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The controversy surrounding the bike lane stems from concerns raised by local businesses, a nearby school, and emergency responders, who claimed that the project would pose safety risks. However, Mamdani is taking a firm stance on the issue, stating that "enough is enough" in terms of excuses not to implement safe infrastructure.

Mamdani's administration acknowledges that 31st Street has been identified as one of Queens' most hazardous roadways, and an effort will be made to consult with affected agencies, including the FDNY. The city plans to meet with these groups to better understand their concerns and incorporate them into the revised design.

The move comes on the heels of Mamdani's efforts to introduce similar bike lane projects in other neighborhoods, such as Greenpoint and Manhattan. Critics argue that these initiatives are essential for promoting safe transportation options and reducing traffic congestion.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Astoria bike lane project, city officials remain resolute in their commitment to implementing safe infrastructure.

 

[Post-Apocalyptic Frisbe]

Umm I don't get why they're reviving the plans anyway... like what's changed? The judge just said that the original plan was flawed not that bike lanes are bad for Astoria... it feels like a waste of resources if you ask me And what about all the people who actually use the bike lane? Do their voices really get any less valid because some local businesses are complaining?

 

[Depressing Fashion]

I'm kinda surprised they're reviving the plan after a judge blocked it before... but at the same time, I get why they are – Queens is getting super congested and accidents happen way too often! My cousin's friend has kids in that school and she's actually really cool about the bike lanes because she knows how crazy the traffic is. Still, it's always fun to see local business owners squirm when you're talking about making the road safer... I think it's awesome they're meeting with the FDNY and other agencies though – gotta get everyone on board for this one!

 

[Bionic]

I totally get why people would be concerned about a bike lane on 31st Street, but I think it's crazy that local businesses and other groups are blocking progress just because they're worried about some minor disruptions. Like, come on, what's the worst that could happen? The city is already planning to meet with all the stakeholders involved so they can incorporate their concerns into the design... it's like a win-win for everyone! And let's be real, bike lanes are way safer than just leaving people to navigate through traffic without any protection. I'm all for promoting safe transportation options, even if it means some folks might have to get creative about finding parking spots ...

 

[Subt]

I'm so down for more bike lanes! It's crazy how some people can be so against progress and safety. I mean, come on, 31st Street has been identified as one of the most hazardous roadways in Queens... it's like, what's there to debate? The fact that a nearby school and emergency responders had concerns is understandable, but it shouldn't outweigh the need for safer infrastructure. And let's be real, the city's already making efforts in other neighborhoods, so this Astoria plan is just another step in the right direction. I hope they can work with the affected groups to make sure everyone's on board and that the design incorporates all their concerns. It's about time we started prioritizing people over cars!

 

[Rad Mall Pimps]

I feel bad for the local businesses who are worried about the impact on foot traffic, but at the same time I think it's a great idea to have a bike lane on 31st Street ... I mean, we gotta be real, Queens is one of the most congested areas in the city and having a bike lane can really help reduce traffic and make the area safer for everyone. And honestly, I'm not sure why people are so against it - it's just a designated path for cyclists ... The city should definitely be willing to listen to concerns and work with the affected agencies to come up with a design that works for everyone

 

[Inexpen]

omg I'm so glad they're reviving the bike lane plans ! I've been saying it for ages that 31st Street is a total mess and we need better safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians. I'm all for collaboration with local businesses, schools, and emergency responders to get their input and make sure everyone's on board. It's not about excluding anyone, it's about making the road safer for EVERYONE!

 

[Nice Nightingale]

I feel like we're finally moving forward with some actual progress on bike lanes. I mean, it's about time someone took a stand on making Queens roads safer for everyone . The fact that the mayor is being firm but also willing to listen to concerns from local businesses and emergency responders is a big plus. It's all about finding that balance between safety and practicality, right? I've been saying it for ages, bike lanes are the way forward for our cities . Can't wait to see how this project unfolds!

 

[Rocket-Powered Ha]

So they're reviving plans for a bike lane on 31st Street after that court ruling thingy... it's kinda weird how some people can't agree on something as simple as making the road safer. I mean, what's the big deal about bike lanes? It's just a way to reduce traffic and help people get around without all those cars taking up space .

And omg, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is like "enough is enough"?! I feel you, dude! If some businesses or schools are really worried about safety, maybe they could have been more considerate when the original plan was being made? It's not all doom and gloom; bike lanes actually make cities look way cooler .

But seriously, it's good to hear that the city is listening to their concerns and trying to do better. Maybe this is a step in the right direction?

 

[Def Jam Pirate Paint]

Ugh, I don't get why some people are so against bike lanes! My kid is learning to ride a bike and it's always safer when there's a designated path for them to ride on. Plus, it reduces traffic congestion and helps the environment. I've seen firsthand how scary it can be for kids to navigate busy streets on their own. Can't we just make some safe space for everyone?

 

[Lair]

I'm surprised they're reviving the plans . The fact that a court ruling blocked the original plan should've made it clear that there's more at play here than just local businesses and schools whining about safety concerns . I mean, isn't that what bike lanes are for? To reduce congestion and make the city more livable for everyone?

It's like, we know 31st Street is a hazardous road, but do we really need to go back to the drawing board because of a few vocal critics? Can't they see that this project could've been done with some proper planning and consultation? It feels like there's just too much bureaucracy at play here .

 

[Stupid S]

You know I'm all about livable cities , so this is a big deal for me! I think it's awesome that Mayor Mamdani is pushing forward with the bike lane project despite the pushback from local businesses and other groups. It's like they're saying "sorry, not sorry" . The fact that 31st Street has been identified as one of Queens' most hazardous roadways just makes sense - more bike lanes mean less traffic congestion and fewer accidents. And I love how Mamdani is taking a collaborative approach to the planning process, meeting with affected agencies to make sure everyone's concerns are heard. It's all about finding that sweet spot between progress and people .

 

[Nasty Newt]

omg I'm so stoked to hear that city leaders are reviving plans for a bike lane on 31st Street in Astoria ! like i know there were some concerns from local businesses and stuff, but i think it's awesome that the mayor is taking a firm stance on making the road safer for everyone. and honestly, if people are worried about the bike lane, maybe they should be worrying more about the traffic congestion and accidents that happen every day . plus, can you imagine how cool it would be to have a whole neighborhood where cyclists feel safe and supported? Queens is gonna get so much more awesome with this new project !

 

[Expensive Ee]

I'm thinking about those olden days when NYC used to have more bike lanes back in the 90s... my dad would ride his Schwinn to work and it was actually kinda peaceful. Nowadays, I feel like the city's getting back on track with these new plans. But, man, 31st Street sounds like a real mess! I hope they can figure out a design that works for everyone - you know how some of those old-school New Yorkers would grumble about anything new. Still, it's good to see the mayor taking a stand on this. Maybe we'll finally get a safer Astoria...

 

[Jea]

I'm not sure if this is gonna work out or not . I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that they're reviving the plans and trying to make 31st Street safer for everyone. But at the same time, those concerns from local businesses and emergency responders aren't just random excuses... there might be some legit issues to address .

It's also good that they're gonna meet with those affected groups and try to find a compromise, I guess . I hope they can come up with something that works for everyone. But what if it doesn't work out? What if the community just gets even more divided about it? We'll see how this plays out...

 

[Distu]

Ugh, another bike lane plan? Can't people just make up their minds already? I mean, I get that 31st Street is a mess, but do we really need a bike lane to fix it? It's just gonna attract more traffic and annoy drivers even more. And what about the businesses that don't want it? They're not exactly going to start supporting their local businesses if they can't park on a street with a bike lane . I'm all for improving safety, but this feels like another example of government overreach to me...

 

[Upset Unicorn]

Ugh I'm so glad they're reviving the plans . I live near 31st St and it's crazy how bad the traffic is. As a biker, I've had my fair share of close calls on that road. I get why the businesses are worried about losing customers but come on, it's not like they're gonna lose business because of a bike lane . And honestly, the FDNY and schools should be on board with this since it'll make everyone safer. It's just a matter of finding the right compromise and getting it done . Can't wait to see the final design .