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

Here They Are: DOT’s “Don’t Be a Jerk” PSAs

After a few months of intense build-up and anticipation, NYC DOT made the big reveal today and launched its "Don't Be a Jerk" cycling etiquette campaign. We've been fiercely debating these PSAs on Streetsblog since before we ever saw them, but I'm going to take a pretty boring position. Yeah, it rubs me the wrong way to hear the word "jerk" dubbed in repeatedly (would have been nice to at least hear an "I'm walkin' here!" to mix it up a little), but overall I sort of like these spots.

Top three reasons:

    • At the end of each one, the parties have had their disagreements, they've made eye contact, and they've moved on. Message: When horn-honking is not an option and there are no windshields between us, we can talk stuff out on the street. Maybe it doesn't work that way in real life, but I like the message.
    • Cyclists getting on the case of other cyclists -- I'm into it.
    • Who can look at Paulina Porizkova's smile and come away thinking, "You know what, cyclists are jerks." I'm just having a hard time seeing how these spots could inflame motorist rage, poison cyclist-pedestrian relations, or otherwise feed the backlash.

And, now that we've had some cycling etiquette PSAs with some insouciant language, maybe the next round of safe driving PSAs can ratchet up the intensity a few more levels.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Monday’s Headlines: ‘We Speak English in America’ Edition

Read that talk bubble. That's really what the cop said to a man under arrest. Plus other news from a busy weekend.

May 12, 2025

Cyclist Launches Class Action Suit For Bogus NYPD Red Light Tickets

The NYPD keeps ignoring a law that allows cyclists to pass through a red light on the "Walk" sign. Now, someone is making a federal case about it.

May 12, 2025

Decision 2025: Mayoral Hopefuls Discuss the Death of Outdoor Dining

We asked, will you commit to expanding both Open Streets and outdoor dining in the roadway. And here's what they said...

Car Harms Monday: ‘Car Brain’ is the Demon Spawn of Car Dependency

Our policies, our budgets and our cultural narratives assume everyone can and does drive. That's car brain.

May 12, 2025

Zohran Mamdani Wants to Take a Free Bus … Straight to Gracie Mansion

So let's talk about the candidate's fare-free bus policy.

May 12, 2025
See all posts