A Busy Easter for Queens Boulevard

As one reader described it, a "horrendous" accident, smack dab in the middle of the busiest intersection in our neighborhood—71st Ave. and Queens Blvd.—early Easter Sunday morning; and then there was the motorcycle gang that swarmed the Boulevard later that day (it was so loud, even I heard it and I'm quite a distance away). Thanks to Amy for sending in the (narrated) video below:

As far as the accident is concerned, by the time Matthew, who reported it to the Blog, came upon the scene, this is what he saw: "Just traffic police left blocking everything off. And two severely damaged vehicles. Car and SUV. On the car whole driver side is gone. I would imagine very serious injuries. Couldn't get any photos and traffic police were quite busy so couldn't get any more info. Position of the cars doesn't lead to any obvious indications of what happened."

Nice way to start off your Easter Sunday, eh? Tragic and so sad that after all these years our public officials are still unable to improve the safety of what I view as the only remaining Big Negative about living in Forest Hills.

But wait! There is some hope after all, as this AM New York story explains: 

Queens Boulevard, the 'Boulevard of Death,' to make room for bicycles, pedestrians

Transportation officials want the "Boulevard of Death" to finally shed its ghastly name.
A protected bicycle lane and more pedestrian space will be added to a 1.3-mile stretch of Queens Boulevard in August as part of a three-year effort to overhaul street life on the highly trafficked corridor.

Queens Boulevard Winter Wander

Marching Toward a People-friendly Queens Boulevard
“Winter Wander” Rally and Walk to Highlight Safety Proposals for Hazardous Corridor

For decades, Queens Boulevard has been notorious as one of the most dangerous speedways in the five boroughs. But this weekend, the so-called “Boulevard of Death” will be the site of a leisurely — and safe — walk for area residents, as Transportation Alternatives’ Queens Activist Committee hosts the Queens Boulevard Winter Wander.

The event kicks off in Elmhurst with a community discussion about T.A.'s Zero on Queens Boulevard Campaign, which advocates for pedestrian safety improvements along the corridor, including bike infrastructure and dedicated lanes for Select Bus Service (SBS). The Winter Wander continues with a group walk along the Boulevard toward Forest Hills. Local street safety advocates will discuss the history of the roadway and the dangers faced by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.

About the Zero on Queens Boulevard Campaign

With more than 40 coalition partners and 2,000 petition signatures, the Zero on Queens Boulevard Campaign is poised to make major gains in early 2014. Local residents, small business owners and community leaders are calling on area community boards to support a street redesign to save lives and strengthen the local economy.

WHAT: Queens Boulevard Winter Wander

WHEN: Saturday, December 14th, 1 pm- 3:30pm

WHERE: Kicks off at: New Life Fellowship Church, 8210 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst

WHO: Transportation Alternatives and Concerned Queens Community Members,
Open to the Public

RSVP : bikenyc.org/event/5679