Erwin Figueroa could soon have more than one access to get from Queens to other counties, thanks to a bill that aims to create more bicycle and pedestrian lanes on bridges: “It is welcomed by us, which is necessary, for a long time the MTA to bicyclists and pedestrians have been almost like third-class citizens. “
Legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Jéssica González Rojas and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi aims to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians to MTA bridges in the city. The Queensboro Bridge is one of the few that has this access. The plan calls for a remodel of seven of these bridges, including in Queens, the Robert Kennedy, Throgs Neck and Whitestone.
González Rojas points out that the increase in cyclists with the pandemic makes it necessary to make these improvements: “Essential workers, workers [de] delivery they use that. So it is very important to be safe and to use the MTA bridges. “
The model to follow is the Queensboro Bridge, which has a designated bike lane and a pedestrian lane. Access to the bridge is through a ramp that is accessed directly from the neighborhood bike lanes.
Figueroa, who is also a member of Alternativas de Transporte, proposes a change: incorporate an exclusive lane for bicycles on one side of the bridge and for pedestrians on the other; in Queensboro both lanes are together: “What we are seeing right now is that they have to use the same space which causes collisions and collisions between pedestrians and cyclists.”
This legislation also wants to promote the importance of exercising and having another form of transportation that improves the environment. And according to González Rojas: “During the pandemic, almost a million people use a bicycle, it is healthier, it is good for the environment.”
The same assemblywoman indicates that there are 15 elected officials who support this law and hopes that more will join in order to approve it in the Senate.
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