After Robert Spencer was killed while cycling along Borden Avenue in Long Island City in March, the city Department of Transportation (DOT) has said that crews have adjusted the timing of the light at the intersection where the fatal crash occurred.
As for the specifics of implementing a protected bike lane, the agency is looking into their option for improvements.
“DOT reviewed the signal timing at Borden Avenue and Second Street following the crash and have adjusted the cycle from 90 seconds to 60 seconds, and we are looking into other safety upgrades along Borden Ave.,” a DOT spokeswoman said.
Spencer was riding his bike westbound on the north side of Borden on March 14 when he was struck by 2014 Chevy Cruze on Second Street.
Borden Avenue in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City features what is known as a sharrow (a bike path shared with vehicular traffic), while Second Street has a full protected bike lane.
Michael Vega, Spencer’s brother, blamed bureaucracy for the incident claiming that if the city did not wait for advisory approval from community boards before implementing traffic measures, death and injury could be abated more efficiently.
“We do things in this country for the benefit of our citizens,” Vega said at the March 16 vigil. “These politicians, they answer to us; we don’t answer to them … I have to live for the rest of my life, my brothers and sisters have to live for the rest of their lives, knowing Robert is no longer with us.”
Nicole Spencer, the victim’s sister, was dubious of the police report that claimed her brother had run a red light as Spencer was an experienced cyclist.
DOT said a variety of improvements had been made in the area, including Fifth Street from Borden Avenue to 46th Avenue, but that they would be exploring options to avoid further incidents.
