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

NYPD Priorities in Action: Keep Traffic Moving, Pedestrians Be Damned

Yesterday we saw what it looks like when police value pedestrian safety and enforce the integrity of the crosswalk. That's how they roll in Sacramento. Here in New York, the NYPD's priorities are a little different.

Clarence Eckerson recently shot this clip at the intersection of Canal and Lafayette. As you can see, an officer crossing the street with other pedestrians noticed a vehicle blocking the box (and a bike lane). Instead of giving the driver a summons, he proceeded to hold up everyone who had the right of way and wave the car through the crosswalk, directly into the path of at least one person on foot. All in a day's work for New York's finest.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

How Mamdani Can Fix NYC’s Neglected Greenways

This vital transportation infrastructure needs a lot of TLC by the new mayor.

January 26, 2026

Cycle of Rage: NYC Is A HELLSCAPE For Pedestrians

We can apportion the blame later in the day, but the greatest walkable city in North America is completely impassible to people on foot or in wheelchairs.

January 26, 2026

Gov. Hochul’s Car Insurance Proposal is a Disaster for Crash Victims’ Rights

As a state that values walking and biking, we cannot allow the governor to gut the rights of the people most at risk — especially since it won't lower insurance rates anyway.

January 26, 2026

Universal School Streets Will Be a Heavy Lift for Mamdani: Advocates

Can New York be the Paris of America? Mayor Mamdani will have to get to work on the DOT's "School Streets" program to make that happen.

January 26, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Deliver the Goods Edition

Delivery workers braving the snow have more money in their pockets after judges threw out two app company lawsuits on Friday. Plus more news.

January 26, 2026

Driverless Vehicles — Who Needs Them?

That headline is not sarcastic — I mean it literally: Who will benefit from driverless cars?

January 26, 2026
See all posts