Traffic at Whitestone intersection a chronic problem

When a car slammed into the side of a building at Utopia Parkway and 19th Ave. in Whitestone several weeks ago, local residents weren't surprised.

For years they have been calling for a traffic signal - or at least a four-way stop sign - at the busy intersection.

Residents demand traffic light in dangerous street corner

City Councilman Tony Avella and concerned neighbors gathered at the spot Monday to demand action from the city.

"Time and time again I have asked for a light at this intersection and it's been denied," Avella said. "They do traffic studies and say there isn't enough traffic volume and not enough accidents."

But Avella and others said numerous fender benders there aren't reported.

The spot is particularly hazardous for senior citizens who live in nearby Clearview Gardens and walk to shops along Utopia Parkway, locals said.

"Once we formed a human chain and stopped traffic. They put in a bike lane, and that only made it worse," said Bonnie Honya, who lives in the neighborhood and runs a senior citizens' program at Clearview Gardens.

City Transportation Department officials said the agency is starting a new traffic study of the area that should be completed by mid-December.

"In an effort to calm traffic, we have in recent years narrowed Utopia Parkway and installed bike lanes to enhance safety," an agency spokesman said.

How exactly does a bike lane enhance safety in a high traffic area? If anything, it puts bikers in danger.