DOT

DOT Unveils Sidewalk Compass Markings

If you're a directionally-challenged pedestrian, as I am, and often have to rely on sun and skyline to tell you which way is up, this one's for you.

By Brad Aaron

3:25 PM EDT on October 16, 2007

If you’re a directionally-challenged pedestrian, as I am, and often have to rely on sun and skyline to tell you which way is up, this one’s for you.

From the DOT:

Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 12:30 pm at 150 East 42nd:
New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, Grand Central Partnership (GCP) President/CEO Fred Cerullo and MTA CEO Lee Sander will unveil new directional compass decals on sidewalks at subway exits in Midtown Manhattan. The compasses will display the name of the street the decal is on, and what street lies one block in each direction, helping pedestrians and exiting subway passengers quickly orient themselves.

It’s unclear if the decals will be exclusive to Midtown, though that’s the way it looks at this point. Here’s hoping they’ll eventually be installed elsewhere. In the meantime, chalk this up as another hit for the “new DOT.”

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.