Astoria's streets are experiencing a mix of reactions as the city's Department of Transportation works to balance the needs of cyclists and drivers amid a traffic redesign. According to ABC7 New York, the conversion of 31st Avenue into a one-way street from 35th Street to Steinway Street, intended to benefit cyclists, has led to increased traffic congestion for drivers. Local resident Keith Schneider stated that the new traffic pattern has caused disruptions in the neighborhood.
Designed for the city's cycling community, the bike boulevard has received mixed reactions from locals. Cyclist Alana Herlands, as reported by NY1, noted the safety improvements of the one-way street, stating, "What’s really cool about 31st Avenue is that traffic is only coming in one direction now. And so when I cross the street, I’m actually only looking in one direction." The redesign, part of an ongoing project that began last August, extends 1.1 miles from Steinway Street to Vernon Boulevard, aiming to reduce car traffic and revitalize side streets.
The changes have, however, created challenges for motorists. Longtime resident Michael Foulk explained the resulting disruption to NY1, highlighting how the new traffic pattern forces drivers to take detours that significantly lengthen what would normally be short commutes. "It feels like it’s sort of an attack, for a lack of a better term, on working-class people," Foulk said, articulating the concerns of drivers finding their now-lengthened routes a burden on their day-to-day responsibilities.
A 2023 survey conducted by the 31st Avenue Open Street group showed considerable support from residents for the redesign, indicating that Astoria's street layout will continue to evolve as the city works to balance urban mobility with livability. As the DOT assesses the immediate effects of the changes, residents and visitors are adjusting to new routes and altered routines, with the transformation of Astoria’s streets designed to improve community dynamics.
