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

As you may recall, many years ago I shot a Streetfilm taking about what winter weather can teach us. In many ways the snow acts like tracing paper on our streets and records people's movements: at each intersection, the spots where the snow piles up can show us where people drive and walk. It's a great natural experiment that costs no money and lets anyone observe the new street geometry like a traffic engineer.

After New York's last big snowfall, I noticed some of the most dramatic examples of "neckdowns" and "curb extensions" made out of the fluffy white stuff -- which had hardened like concrete and brought a real sense of calm to crossing some streets in Jackson Heights, Queens. Drivers didn't seem to be having any problems with them. They just took the turns a bit more slowly and carefully as they should 365 days of the year. I've seen delivery vehicles, garbage trucks, EMS, and buses all have little problem navigating them (although admittedly did not observe any firetrucks).

The January snow is mostly gone from NYC streets, but if you ever want to make your block safer, get out and take some photos next time it snows. It can bolster your arguments when you make your case to your neighbors who might not be familiar with traffic calming concepts.

If you like this Streetfilm, you can also check out how chicanes naturally occur in New York.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Christmas Sockings: Carl Heastie and Andrea Stewart-Cousins Say ‘No’ to Better Transit

The transit world is reeling this week after the two legislative leaders put a block on the MTA's capital plan.

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote For This Year’s Biggest Failures

Overall, it was a pretty sad year. But what was the city and state's worst failures? You get to vote!

December 26, 2024

Streetsies 2024: Vote for this Year’s Best Livable Streets Projects

This year had some bright spots for livable streets projects. Here are the ones that stood out.

December 26, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Christmukkah Edition

We took yesterday off to celebrate the many holidays and to see the new Bob Dylan movie. But there was lots of news.

December 26, 2024

On Christmas, Let’s Consider the Successes of the Livable Streets Movement

Here's a short, heartwarming film about the successes experienced this year by the livable streets movement.

December 25, 2024
See all posts