Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Image: Clarence Eckerson/BBC
Image: Clarence Eckerson/BBC
Image: Clarence Eckerson/BBC

With Blizzard Mania '16 reaching a fever pitch up and down the Eastern Seaboard, it looks like we're in for the first serious sneckdowns of the season.

For the uninitiated, sneckdowns are neckdowns created by driving patterns in melting snow or slush. Sneckdowns highlight excess asphalt that could be repurposed for streetscape improvements to slow motor vehicle traffic and make walking safer.

A little backstory: The sneckdown concept goes back decadesIn 2001, Transportation Alternatives wrote: “[T]he next time someone tells you that you can’t have a neckdown on that corner or this corner because there’s not enough room, show them what happens every year when it snows.” Streetfilms’ Clarence Eckerson Jr. documented "naturally occurring neckdowns" in 2006, Streetsblog founding editor Aaron Naparstek coined the hashtag in 2013, and the international sneckdown craze was born.

Use the #sneckdown hashtag to share your photos on social media (find tips from Clarence on page 3 of this PDF). If you'd like to see your pics on Streetsblog -- wherever you are -- please include a location in your tweet or Instagram. We'll be on the lookout first thing Monday.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gov. Hochul Is Playing With Toys — And The Facts — In Latest ‘Propaganda’ Video on Car Insurance: Lawyers

The governor is still fighting to make it cheaper to drive with a reform that would reduce compensation to some crash victims.

February 23, 2026

Monday’s Headlines: Whiteout Conditions Edition

Lyft promised to have more crews shoveling out Citi Bikes this week than it did after January's storm. Plus more news.

February 23, 2026

STATE OF EMERGENCY UPDATE: Road Travel Ban Continues, Trains in Trouble

No travel on roads after 9 p.m., though Streetsblog's Emergency Weather Desk is now predicting 12 to 14 inches as of 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check back for updates.

February 22, 2026

Gov. Hochul Just Says ‘Way-No’ to Driverless Cabs Across NYS

The governor made the shocking choice to reverse her budget proposal that allowed companies like Waymo to expand throughout the state.

February 20, 2026

Friday Video: How Many ‘Better Billion’ Plans Are There?

Apparently, there are lots of better ways to spend $1 billion.

February 20, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: You’ve Gov To See It For Yourself Edition

South Bronx anti-highway advocates want Gov. Hochul to come see the site of her proposed Cross Bronx widening for herself. Plus more news.

February 20, 2026
See all posts