Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Quality of Life

City Finally Finishes Eight-Year-Long Truck Study

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation announced the publication of its Truck Route Management and Community Impact Reduction Study. The study, which began over eight years ago (PDF), recommends the establishment of an Office of Freight Mobility, new educational materials and public outreach efforts, improved street signs, better enforcement, and some policy and regulatory changes -- for example, requiring trucks over 26,000 pounds operating on city streets to be equipped with a convex mirror to help reduce blind spots.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has, for some time now, been the leading organization pushing New York City to do a better job of managing truck traffic. Executive Director Jon Orcutt says the long-awaited study signals "the end of an era" and offers some good news and some bad:

The good news is that the city can no longer claim they are studying the issue. They have to start acting. Also, the study acknowledges that it is possible for more trucks to be directed to limited access roads where they belong.

There are three pieces of bad news. First, it is shocking that it took so long to come up with these relatively elementary recommendations. Second, it is disappointing that basic traffic-calming street designs, like gateway treatments that might discourage trucks from turning down neighborhood streets, play little role in what the city apparently plans to do. Finally, it is bad news that the city is saying changes in truck routing behavior will require much stronger application of police resources. Historically this has been a losing proposition for traffic-related rules; as, for instance, with painted bicycle and bus lanes which drivers are allowed to violate with impunity.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025

‘Blood On His Hands’: Cyclists Slam Eric Adams After Judge Lets Him Remove Brooklyn Bike Lane

Mayor Adams will have “blood on his hands” for his decision to rip up three blocks of the popular protected bike lane.

July 10, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Fourth of July Hangover Edition

That Fourth of July lasts longer for some than others. Plus more news.

July 10, 2025

Brooklyn Judge Lets Eric Adams Rip Up Bedford Avenue Protected Bike Lane

The mayor's move to rip up the bike lane did not require advanced notification, Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo ruled.

Universal Daylighting Has Majority Support on the City Council — Will Speaker Adams Give It a Vote?

Adrienne Adams is sitting on a landmark daylighting bill that could make every intersection safer for pedestrians.

July 9, 2025
See all posts