Protesters at the site where 22-year-old cyclist Asif Rahman was struck and killed by a truck on Queens Boulevard demanded equality for cyclists, calling on the Bloomberg administration to make good on its promises by building a protected bike lane there.

Sunday's rally, attended by about 50 members and supporters of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group for walking, biking and public transit, was addressed by Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Asif's mother and sister and Noah Budnick, Transportation Alternatives' deputy director.

Lizi Rahman, Asif's mother, told the crowd gathered at the corner of Queens Boulevard and 55th Street in Elmhurst, that a bike lane would not bring back her son, but if his death prompted the city to build it, he would not have died in vain.

Holding up a bike helmet, Gennaro said that the city had to make Queens Boulevard, known as the Boulevard of Death, safe for "our sons and daughters." He said that the city must act to put cyclists on a par with pedestrians and cars.

While deaths on Queens Boulevard are down from their peak, approximately 100 pedestrians and cyclists are still struck along this roadway each year according to the Department of Transportation.

Moumita Rahman, Asif's sister, demanded that the city be held accountable for the death of her brother and others. "The city has committed and continues to commit negligence by promoting riding without providing the necessary and adequate safeguards."

She echoed earlier sentiments expressed by Gennaro, who pointed out that the Bloomberg administration has planned for 200 miles of bike lanes in the city, but had not included Queens Boulevard in its plan.

The roadway is a major route into and out of the city and often the fastest way through central Queens. However, at 12 lanes wide in places, the traffic can be heavy, and a bike ride to work, such as Asif's, too often ends in tragedy.

Asked whether Queens Boulevard was too dangerous for a bike lane, Budnick believes that people would ride bikes along it regardless. "It is incumbent on the city to provide them with a protected bike lane so that they could take the fastest route safely," he said.

Other protesters, some carrying signs saying, "Tame Queens Boulevard," and other slogans, pointed out that the roadway is public space and in the 21st century there is a need for a fresh look at public space. Queens residents needed a safe way to get around and in light of climate change, a lack of action was indefensible, one protester said.

Gennaro, in a letter to the Bloomberg administration also signed by Councilmen Eric Gioia and John Liu, pointed out that bike ridership had increased 77 percent in New York City since 2000. The letter noted that cyclists help the environment by not driving cars, and deserve better infrastructure.

Recently, the Queens Chronicle called on readers to voice their opinions concerning a bike lane in Queens Boulevard. The overwhelming response was in favor of the proposal.