Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Broadway & Houston
A Clarence Eckerson Streetfilm
Running time: 1:51, 7.20 MB, QuickTime

Just a few blocks east of where cyclist Derek Lake was killed yesterday, community activist Charle-John Caffiero tells Streetfilms' Mark Gorton how one of the busiest and most vital pedestrian crossings in New York City is currently being redesigned by DOT to become more car friendly -- at the expense of pedestrian safety.

"So, this eight foot pedestrian safety zone is going to be reduced from the eight feet that it is, to two feet, leaving pedestrians which are the majority of the street users here, having no space to stand" Caffiero says, standing amidst throngs of pedestrians on the corner of Broadway and Houston.

"The timing of the light is so short that they inevitably get caught on this pedestrian haven which at least gives them a little protection. That protection is going to be taken away by DOT."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani Vows To Appeal Ruling that Killed DOT’s Astoria Bike Lane

The city has yet to appeal the nearly two-week-old ruling — but a new mayor says he'll change that pronto.

December 17, 2025

OPINION: I Led the Campaign To Get Cars Out Of Central Park, But I Strongly Oppose an E-Bike Ban

People now calling for a ban on e-bikes seem to forget what the park was like before cars were banned. It was way worse.

December 17, 2025

The Real Reason America Can’t Have The Tiny Japanese-Style Cars Trump Says He Wants

Trump is right that kei cars are super-kawaii — but he's wrong that clearing the regulatory decks is enough to bring them to U.S. shores.

December 17, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Another Record Edition

The DOT built a record number of protected bike lanes between 2022 and 2024, the agency boasted yesterday. But it pales by comparison to what the agency was legally required to build. Plus other news.

December 17, 2025

Mamdani’s Free Buses Plan Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ in Albany

The fight over free buses could be an early barometer of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Hochul's ability to compromise.

December 16, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Public Realm Edition

Renewed calls for a Deputy Mayor for the Public Realm. Plus other news.

December 16, 2025
See all posts