Skip to content

Eyes on the Street: First DOT Makes Your Sign Official, Then Adds Bollards?

Wow! After taking down our *unofficial* sign at 1st Ave & 59th St, @NYC_DOT put up an *official* one. #bikenyc pic.twitter.com/v8AK4uYOyr

— Transformation Dept. (@NYC_DOTr) January 28, 2016

In December the guerrilla street designers at the Department of Transformation installed DIY signage and put down some cones to try to keep drivers out of the First Avenue bike lane under the Queensboro Bridge. However, DOT soon removed the signs and abdicated responsibility for motorists blocking the lane, terming it an “enforcement issue.”

Then, last week, the Transformation Department tweeted a pic of new DOT signage, which looks remarkably similar to the home brew version.

It’s good to see DOT responding to public demand for safer streets in this way. Who knows, maybe we’ll soon see physical barriers to keep the lane clear.

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Please, Sir: Midtown Residents Want More Car-Free Space On Park Ave. Than DOT Is Offering

June 16, 2026

Lucky 13? Darializa Avila Chevalier Answers Questions That Rep. Adriano Espaillat Won’t

June 16, 2026

To Protect and Unnerve: Cop Hits Cyclist With Squad Car … In a Protected Bike Lane!

June 16, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Bridge to the Future Edition

June 16, 2026

Dead Cyclist’s Best Friend Demands Action Against Illegal Vehicles on City Streets

June 15, 2026
See all posts