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

Mamdani’s Free Buses Plan Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ in Albany

The fight over free buses could be an early barometer of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Hochul's ability to compromise.

December 16, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Public Realm Edition

Renewed calls for a Deputy Mayor for the Public Realm. Plus other news.

December 16, 2025

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Dining Dash Edition

A report from Hell's Kitchen shows the scale of the collapse of the city's outdoor dining program. Plus more news.

December 15, 2025
See all posts