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

City Crowdsourcing Tool Could Help Cyclists During Snowy Commutes

The city's snow response map, a live version of which is available here. The green triangles represent clear streets and the blue squares unplowed streets.
The city's snow response map, a live version of which is available here. The green triangles represent clear streets and the blue squares unplowed streets.

The weather's given New York City a lot of opportunities to experiment with new responses to snow in the wake of the post-Christmas blizzard.

One potentially exciting new tool is a city attempt to crowdsource information about which streets are and aren't clear of snow and ice. It could be a good resource for cyclists to share information about which bike lanes are clear and which remain unusable.

For cyclists, the site isn't perfect. There's no way to note whether park roads and greenways are plowed, only streets. Even so, for yesterday's snow and future storms, it could turn out to be a useful platform for gathering and distributing info.

According to the city's website, the snow conditions map isn't intended for residents to inform the city of unplowed streets; use 311 for that. Rather, it's a central site for people to warn others about where they can travel.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Dining Dash Edition

A report from Hell's Kitchen shows the scale of the collapse of the city's outdoor dining program. Plus more news.

December 15, 2025

Opinion: Sean Duffy’s ‘Golden Age’ of Dangerous Streets

Sean Duffy is calling for a "golden age" of civility in American travel. He should start by ending barbaric policies that get people killed on the ground and in the skies.

December 15, 2025

Oonee, The Bike Parking Company, Files Formal Protest After DOT Snub

Brooklyn bike parking start-up Oonee is calling foul play on the city's selection of another company for its secure bike parking program.

December 12, 2025

OPINION: I’m Sick Of Unsafe 31st Street And The Judge Who Killed Our Shot at Fixing It

An Astoria mom demands that the city appeal Judge Cheree Buggs's ruling ordering the removal of the 31st bike lane.

December 12, 2025
See all posts