Corona City Bike Dock Eliminates Parking and Upsets Residents

QUEENS, N.Y. — 

A Citi Bike station installed in February 2025 near 111th Street in Corona sparked frustration among residents who struggle to find parking. While the bike-sharing program aims to provide alternative transportation options, locals argue that the docking stations are reducing already scarce parking spaces in areas where people depend upon their cars. “The program benefits those who enjoy bike riding, but in this neighborhood people rely on their cars, and parking is crucial,” said Erick Robles, a neighborhood resident. .  

Many working-class families in Corona use cars for commuting. Almost 25 % of Corona residents drive or carpool to work, according to City-Data.  Many residents have to park on the street because there aren’t a lot of garages or driveways. 

The bike dock is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to extend Citi Bike services to outer boroughs, including Corona.  He and bike advocates say it increases accessibility and promotes alternative, eco-friendly transportation.

Jonathan Arias, a local who bikes 5 times a week to the subway station, said, “I’m a bike lover and so I think for people like me who enjoy riding their bike as their main transportation, especially for those that do not own a bike that have the preference of bikes over cars, I see it as an absolute win ” he said.

But the expansion doesn’t make everyone happy. Michael Diaz, a retired resident, uses his car every day. “I drive to my favorite breakfast spot every morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. to get breakfast, and there is always parking in the area when I’m driving back.  But it has changed ever since the program went into effect here, ” he said. “I understand why Citi Bikes are here, but it feels like they didn’t think about us when they put these stations up.”

A city profile of Corona describes it as “a growing and diverse neighborhood with a bustling small business community.” But Erick Robles thinks the growth contributes to making the parking situation worse.  “The issue is not the bikes, it’s that the population has increased, and with that, more people are now going to have cars,” he said. 

Harlem View reached out to City Council Member Francisco Moya to learn if he plans to help residents who complain that the placement of the Citi Bike station was not well thought out. We have not received a response. For now, the Citi Bike station remains, and residents continue to adjust to the changes. Whether a compromise can be reached remains uncertain. But one thing is clear, the debate over parking in Corona is far from over.