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

Is Car-Crushing Mayor Arturas Zuokas on the Prowl in New York?

Think twice before blocking that bike lane.

Arturas Zuokas, the Mercedes-crushing mayor of the Lithuanian city of Vilnius, has launched a new campaign to curb illegal parking. Here is Zuokas, as quoted from a press release:

"Every single day, we go about our work and try to be good citizens. And we run into obstacles that make us want to scream because we encounter problems that we are seemingly powerless to overcome. I used a tank, but perhaps a tank is not readily available for rent in your particular town. So, here‘s an alternative for those who don‘t have a tank handy -- a sticker that anyone, anywhere in the world can place on an illegally parked car that intrudes on your space. The sticker is easy to apply and it simply says: 'Don‘t make me get the tank.' You just need to STICK it onto a car -- Mercedes or any other -- and your message will be heard."

Stickers are available free of charge in Vilnius, and if seeing is believing, Zuokas has expanded his crusade to the streets of New York.

Has the mayor of a foreign capital really gone guerrilla with an enforcement tactic soon to be abandoned by our own City Council? As you watch the video (hat tip to Animal) and judge for yourself, keep in mind this cryptic Zuokas comment: "If the sticker doesn't work, I do have the tank on standby and am willing to travel."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Not So Fast! We Rode NYC Ferry with Would-Be Council Speaker Amanda Farías

Council Member Julie Menin claims she has the votes to be the next Speaker, but Bronx Council Member Amanda Farías has shown a lot more interest in livable streets issues.

November 28, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: Jonathan Lethem’s ‘Program’s Progress’

Class struggle. Infirm secondary superheroes. Suicidal sheep. It’s all in Jonathan Lethem's new collection of short stories, "A Different Kind of Tension." Here's one — featuring class struggle with cars!

November 28, 2025

Special Post-Thanksgiving Friday Video: The Positive Economics of Bike Lanes

Some yahoo in Montreal said that whatever bike lanes cost, they're too expensive! Well, no they're not.

November 28, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Curbside Slide Edition

Good-bye, streeteries, we hardly knew ye. Plus other news.

November 28, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Giving Thanks(ish) Edition

Yes, let's give thanks. But let us also not forget why we're so lucky. Plus other news for your holiday day off.

November 27, 2025

‘Gold Standard’ Open Street Has Two Paths Forward To Become True ‘Paseo Park’

The DOT is contemplating two options for the 1.3 mile-long linear park in Jackson Heights. Which would you choose?

November 26, 2025
See all posts