Guide Geared To Exposing Queens Cyclists To Routes

City Planning Commissioner Amanda M. Burden has announced the creation of a versatile Queens Around the World insider's guide, geared especially for bicyclists.

Designed to guide riders along 18 miles of on- and off-street bicycle lanes in Queens, the map highlights destinations along the route where cyclists and walkers can explore the diversity of cultures and architecture in what is considered the most ethnically diverse county in the nation.

As cyclists pedal from Flushing to Long Island City they will pass by some of New York's most notable and hidden landmarks such as the Geeta Hindu Temple, Scrabble Avenue and the Louis Armstrong House. The interactive guide offers many opportunities for riders to park their bikes and walk around the unique neighborhoods and shopping districts to explore a variety of ethnic cuisines in a borough that is home to over one million immigrants.

Biking and walking are regarded as an important part of Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC to make New York the greenest city in the nation and the Queens Around the World tour guide aims to promote biking and support economic development throughout the five-boroughs.

"A fun and engaging bike ride through the diverse and fascinating neighborhoods of Northern Queens is the perfect way to celebrate Bike Month. Locals and tourists alike will find it thrilling to explore the countless local gems Queens offers, whether on foot or on bike or both," said Burden. "The Queens Around the World tour is designed so cyclists can take a single 18 mile trip or multiple short trips, making it appealing to return again and again to explore all that Queens has to offer - a host of opportunities for cultural, culinary and historical exploration."

Since 2002, the Bloomberg Administration has worked to advance cycling and increase bicycle infrastructure throughout the city. This map complements these multiagency efforts which include:

• City Planning's bike parking zoning text amendment, adopted in April 2009, to require indoor, secure, long-term bicycle parking in new multi-family residential, community facilities, and commercial buildings that will provide bicycle parking and storage both at home and in the workplace;

• City Planning's recently incorporated requirements for bike parking in commercial and community facility parking lots;

• The New York City Department of Transportation's (DOT) commitment to complete the New York City Bicycle Master Plan, created by DOT and DCP, by 2030. In the last two years DOT has already completed over 140 lane miles of new bicycle routes.

• DOT's installation of approximately of 5,000 new outdoor CityRacks by 2011.

• DOT is working with the real estate industry to help develop model solutions to increase bicycle parking opportunities in existing office buildings.

Queens Around the World is the first in a series of bike tour guides developed by City Planning and complements the City's 5-Borough Cycling Map which shows existing bicycle lanes and a network of recommended on-street routes. Visit the DCP website, www.nyc.gov/planning, for upcoming announcements on future bike maps focusing on different boroughs and themes.

Paper copies of this free map are available at the City Planning bookstore, by calling 1-212-442-4642 and at select locations in the city. The map is also downloadable from the DCP website.