Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

The Northern Boulevard Protected Bike Lane Celebration Ride

Despite the chill, nearly 75 people turned out Sunday to celebrate the new protected bike lane on Northern Boulevard connecting to the popular path known as Joe Michaels Mile in Eastern Queens.

This NYC DOT project added a two-way, concrete-protected bikeway to a high-speed section of Northern Boulevard that's frequently used by parents, kids, and commuters. The ride followed an eight-mile loop of bike lanes, some of which are still in the process of being installed by DOT.

Project opponents upset about the conversion of a car lane to make room for the bikeway have enlisted State Senator Tony Avella to help gin up negative press about it, claiming that the street is now more dangerous.

But people were getting maimed and killed in traffic before this bike lane was added. The impetus for the project was the 2016 death of Michael Schenkman, 78, who was riding on Northern Boulevard to get to Joe Michaels Mile for his daily exercise when a driver struck and killed him. Neighborhood residents and businesses are grateful DOT followed through and made this key connection on Northern Boulevard safer for biking and walking.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Foot Traffic Data Shows New Yorkers Aren’t Avoiding Manhattan After Congestion Pricing

City data shows that more people, not less, are coming into Manhattan since the launch of congestion pricing.

March 19, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Stand Your Ground Edition

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber still has no plans to turn off the congestion pricing cameras — to hell with Donald Trump. Plus more news.

March 19, 2025

Gridlock Sam: Trucks Aren’t Rerouting into the Bronx or Staten Island to Avoid Congestion Pricing

"So far, there's no evidence that the forecasts that the MTA had for hundreds or even thousands of trucks diverting through the Bronx has happened."

March 19, 2025

It’s Official: Mayoral Candidate Adrienne Adams Decimated Outdoor Dining

The city has authorized just 600 restaurants and bars to set up curbside when roadway outdoor dining resumes April 1.

March 18, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Show Me Your Plate Edition

The city tightened its rules targeting drivers who block their license plates. Plus more news.

March 18, 2025
See all posts