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

This is the Pedestrian Refuge Area That CB8 Refused to Protect

This scene was photographed by Flickr photographer BicyclesOnly on Saturday. Read his note below. Hopefully someone will ask members of Manhattan Community Board 8's transportation committee if this sort of car crash meets their rigorous aesthetic standards. Last January, CB8 rejected a proposal to physically protect Park Avenue's pedestrian refuge areas because they didn't think bollards, barriers or planters could be made to look pretty enough. Streetsblog readers will also remember CB8's transportation committee as the group that tried to kill DOT's crosstown bike route plan for the Upper East Side last summer. It looks like CB8 is still trying to kill it. The 91st Street bike lane is on the agenda of their December 10 meeting

This guy was driving too fast in the snow and apparently drove right uponto the Park Avenue Mall at 78th St. I didn't see the collision, butthere were two ambulances there and the driver was fine, so he may havehit one or more pedestrians standing on the mall.

Ironically, onJanuary 3, 2007 the Transportation Committee of Community Board 8rejected a proposal to erect bollards on the Park Avenue Malls toprotect pedestrians against this threat. The Community Board wasconcerned that the bollards might detract aesthetically from ParkAvenue.

The driver (pictured) tried to prevent me from taking these photos, buthe found that I'm not easily intimidated. I checked out his plates andfound that this isn't the only illegal thing he's done with his limolately:

    • 10 VG43 7323821939 08/24/2007 NO STANDING-EXEC. TRUCK LOADING 105.00
    • 11 VG43 7839654850 Hearing Pending 10/26/2007 NO STANDING-DAY/TIME LIMITS 115.00
    • 12 VG46 7326909738 Hearing Pending 10/23/2007 NO STANDING-EXEC. TRUCK LOADING 95.00

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Re-Ups With Speed Camera Operator But Temp Tags Are Still Unticketable

The city has lost tens of millions in unpaid fines because the company that runs our speed- and red-light cameras can't catch cars with temp tags. But that company just inked a new $1-billion five-year deal.

March 2, 2026

Americans Demand Congress Fund Active Transportation In Next Infrastructure Bill — And Not Just The Bike/Walk Advocates

A "back to basics" surface transportation bill — as Republicans are seeking — would be devastating for road safety and small businesses.

March 2, 2026

City Revokes Armored Car Firm Garda’s Idling Law Exemption

DEP found the company "non-compliant" with fleet electrification benchmarks set as a condition for its exemption.

March 2, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Table Setting for Tuesday Edition

The Mamdani administration will testify on its "Streets Master Plan" progress on Tuesday. Plus more news.

March 2, 2026

Lawmakers Raise Doubts About Hochul’s Insurance Proposal

The governor's Uber-backed insurance plan is leaving state lawmakers unsure of its effect on crash victims and high auto premiums.

February 27, 2026

‘Broadway Vision’: City Will Revamp Six More Blocks By 2031

The facelift will cost more than $150 million.

February 27, 2026
See all posts