April 5, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan

The first batch of Citi Bikes will be rolling in to Astoria sometime this summer.

The Department of Transportation presented a map of 59 proposed locations for Citi Bike docking stations at a Community Board 1 Transportation Committee meeting last night, though DOT is still looking for feedback on the proposed locations.

Under the plan, 59 docking stations would be installed within the boundaries of Queens Plaza North, 44th Street, Ditmars Boulevard and the waterfront beginning this summer. Twelve of the locations would be installed on the roadway, and the rest would be added on the sidewalk.

CB 1 District Manager Florence Koulouris said that the Board pushed for as many locations on the sidewalk as possible to preserve parking space in the neighborhood.

Each docking station would have room for at least 16 bikes but every docking station will not necessarily be stocked at full capacity, depending on usage, Koulouris said. DOT has not yet determined how many bikes will be brought in to the neighborhood, and will adjust the amount depending on how the system is used.

The plan presented last night was a draft, and is still undergoing review and is open for public comment, allowing for tweaks if residents are concerned about bike docking station placement.

Residents with comments or concerns on the draft plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Transportation.