Concerns Over New Bike Lanes in Astoria
City officials seem to be igniting tensions with their latest bike lane initiative.
Brabest is deeply upset about the Mamdani administration’s decision to implement bike lanes in Queens, seemingly ignoring safety risks posed to local residents.
During a passionate board meeting on Tuesday evening, around 20 members of the FDNY packed the room, aiming to express their concerns regarding the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) plans for a dedicated bike lane on 31st Street in Astoria.
The proposed bike lane would feature a curb on one side and a protective concrete median on the opposite side, while parking spaces would line the median. This setup could pose challenges for fire trucks, as they’d need to encroach further onto the road to respond to emergencies.
Firefighters pointed out that their vehicles may be positioned too far from the sidewalk, potentially rendering ladders unable to reach upper floors in case of fires.
Mike Schreibner, an Astoria firefighter and cyclist, remarked, “If you install a bike lane in that area, you’re endangering the lives of those living along 31st Street, as the ladders might not reach the third floor.” He insisted, “You won’t be able to raise ladders for rescues.”
Even with pushback from firefighters, the board approved the plan, while the DOT claimed it had coordinated with FDNY headquarters, which consulted local fire departments as mandated.
“The DOT collaborated closely with our partners at FDNY, completing all necessary consultations to advance this redesign,” stated DOT officials.
Fire Department representatives added, “The FDNY has evaluated and given approval for the DOT’s 31st Street project according to legal protocols.”
However, union leaders have criticized City Hall for lacking transparency regarding the bike lane installations.
Michael Tracy, vice president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, mentioned, “Firefighters at the impacted stations haven’t even been informed of the DOT’s revised plan.”
Bobby Eustace, the legislative director for the Association, suggested that FDNY leaders may comply with City Hall’s wishes due to the political appointments involved. “The commissioners are effectively the mayor’s allies. They won’t oppose him,” Eustace argued, expressing concerns that they’ve lost their impartiality.
He further asserted that DOT’s blatant neglect for fire safety has reached alarming levels. “It feels like the DOT operates without accountability,” he said, adding, “We’re heading toward a serious issue if this continues.”
City Councilwoman Joanne Arriola, advocating for Local Law 6, believes that local firefighters understand the city’s dynamics best. “It’s unbelievable that the Government and the DOT prioritize anti-vehicle measures over public safety,” she commented.
This escalating friction mirrors a previous legal ruling from Queens Supreme Court Judge Cherry Baggs, who criticized the prior 31st Street redesign, labeling the DOT’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious” for moving forward without proper consultations with the fire department.
The city is currently appealing this decision.
Joe Mirabella, president of the 31st Street Business Association, expressed frustration over how the city could resubmit the same plan after a judge had flagged safety concerns. “It’s shocking how they can return with the same proposal and declare it safe,” he stated.
Mirabella, representing local businesses and residents, highlighted the disparity in resources, stating, “We’re not large corporations; we don’t have the financial backing to fight this in court. We’ve already won once, yet the city seems unbothered by its implications.”
