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

Cop to Central Park Cyclists: Your Safety Matters Less Than a Squirrel’s

Let's say someone who's tired of cars in Central Park decides to hammer nails through some planks and place them on the park drives. Tires are punctured and a few rear-end collisions cause minor injuries. Would NYPD be as flip as the officer quoted in today's Post story on the vandal (or vandals) who scattered tacks in the path of park cyclists?

One of the riders reported the carnage to the Central Park Precinct and cops promised to investigate -- but sources said there was no official paperwork.

"We have more important things to worry about, like people getting shot and squirrels getting run over,” said one cop. “A flat tire is not the crime of the century."

To summarize: If you're a motorist whose car is touched by a pedestrian or cyclist whom you almost run over, NYPD is at your service. If you're a cyclist who crashes to the pavement because of a malicious malcontent, cops are otherwise occupied seeking justice for dead squirrels.

Perhaps the department's Accident Investigation Squad could use a new handle. Assisting Injured Squirrels? Already Investigating Squirrels?

Nice to know they're investigating something.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani Announces Full McGuinness Road Diet, Finishing a Job Halted by Adams

Mayor Mamdani chose the third full day of his tenure to announce that he will complete the full safety redesign of deadly McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint — a project that was created under Mayor Bill de Blasio, but watered down by Mayor Adams in a corruption scandal.

January 3, 2026

In With Flynn: New DOT Commissioner Wants To Be ‘Bolder, More Ambitious’

Up close and personal with the 46-year-old native New Yorker and Met fan who wants to carry out Mayor Mamdani's vision for transportation.

January 2, 2026

Mamdani Commissioner Pledges to Hold App Companies Accountable for Road Safety

DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine pledged to crack down on app companies that pressure delivery workers to use e-bikes and cars recklessly.

January 2, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: A Very Streetsblog Inaugural Edition

Mayor Mamdani will govern in prose, thank you very much. Plus other non-inauguration news.

January 2, 2026

Update: New Year, Same Carnage: Two Killed In Separate Hit-and-Runs

It turns out that two hit-and-run drivers killed pedestrians in separate incidents in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.

January 1, 2026

New Year’s Headlines: New Mayor Edition

Happy New Mayor! Plus other news.

January 1, 2026
See all posts