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

Eyes on the Street: Instant Bike Lane, Courtesy of NYPD and the Pope

Photo: Jared Rodriguez
Photo: Jared Rodriguez, www.HaverstrawLife.com. Click to enlarge.
Photo: Jared Rodriguez

Update: From reader Joe Enoch: "I got in that 'lane' this morning and a cop nearly knocked me off my bike a few feet later. He jumped in front of me and screamed at me to get out of the lane. There were no emergency vehicles, UN convoys or popes in sight."

The papal visit is opening up streets all over Manhattan. Reader Jared Rodriguez sent this pic of 57th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, where an emergency lane staked with traffic cones became an impromptu bi-directional bikeway.

Goes to show that if you create a car-free lane, cyclists will gravitate to it. And see how easy it is to reallocate street space for car-free transport when the city wants to.

Brooklyn Spoke's Doug Gordon is posting more shots of pope-related street reclamations on Twitter.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Lawmakers Raise Doubts About Hochul’s Insurance Proposal

The governor's Uber-backed insurance plan is leaving state lawmakers unsure of its effect on crash victims and high auto premiums.

February 27, 2026

‘Broadway Vision’: City Will Revamp Six More Blocks By 2031

The facelift will cost more than $150 million.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani Falls Short of Campaign Pledge to Expand Open Streets Funding Amid Budget Crunch

The mayor's proposed budget does not expand Open Streets — and raises lots of questions.

February 27, 2026

Friday Video: Why Everyone Drives SUVs

Rollie Williams at Climate Town is back, this time explaining the "light-truck loophole."

February 27, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Undermined at Every Turn Edition

Does the mayor run NYPD and FDNY, or is it the other way around? Plus more news.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani’s FDNY Spews Anti-Street Safety Talking Points at Bizarre Council Hearing

FDNY and DOT were at cross-purposes during a bikelash Council hearing.

February 26, 2026
See all posts