Eyes on the Street: Times Square, May 2, 2011
By
Ben Fried
1:36 PM EDT on May 2, 2011
Ten years ago, after the attacks of September 11, New Yorkers came together in places like Union Square, holding candlelight vigils and creating impromptu memorials to the victims. Following the news late last night that American forces had killed Osama bin Laden, people again flocked to New York’s iconic public spaces. This time the mood was jubilant, and there were a few more public spaces for people to congregate and share a historical moment with other people. Flickr user Josh Pesavento captured these images from the pedestrian plazas in Times Square.
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Brooklyn Crash Victim’s EMT Twin Sister Calls Out City, DSNY for Reckless Driving
"The autopsy report says it was from blunt force trauma. Clearly, that's 1,000s of pounds of pressure that hit her. So how fast were you turning?"
October 30, 2026
Dangerous Drivers At ‘Trunk-Or-Treat’ Show How Cars Are A Horror For Kids All Year Long
Halloween is scary fun for kids — the other 364 days of the year are just scary. And that's why Trunk-or-Treat isn't a half-bad idea!
October 30, 2026
An Interview with the Biggest Cycling Club in New York City
Streetsblog chatted with five members of the New York Cycle Club about Central Park.
October 30, 2026
Our Central Park Wishlist: Perimeter and Transverse Bike Lanes, Fewer Cars and — Yes — Some Speed Limits
What is to be done in the city's most-famous park? We offer some concrete ideas.
October 30, 2026
Friday’s Headlines: Streetsfilms Meets the War on Cars Edition
Tickets are still on sale to see the War on Cars Podcast live and Clarence Eckerson's "Close Encounters of the 34th Avenue Kind" in one night. Plus the news.
October 30, 2026
