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

Shame Bike Lane Blockers — and City Hall — With This Interactive Map

Image: CarsInBikeLanes
Image: CarsInBikeLanes
Image: CarsInBikeLanes

A new web site lets people publicize incidents of motorists blocking NYC bike lanes. The developer hopes the site will draw attention to bike lane obstructions as a serious safety issue, leading Mayor de Blasio to devote more resources to improving bike infrastructure.

Cars in Bike Lanes allows users to upload photos of offending vehicles to an interactive map, along with time and location info, and a description of each incident. Posts are vetted before they go live. Clicking on the license plate number shows whether the motorist is a repeat violator.

Developer Nathan Rosenquist told Gothamist he developed the site in response to City Hall’s “lack of leadership” on keeping bike lanes free of cars. During a recent appearance on WNYC, Mayor de Blasio said it was OK for motorists to park in bike lanes in certain cases. But parking in bike lanes is illegal, and poses a safety risk regardless of driver intent. "I don't think he understands that it takes a lot less time to be killed on a bike than it takes to let the kids off at home," Rosenquist said.

Rosenquist said his map, which is based on OpenStreetMap, is "more complete than both the DOT's 2016 [bike] map and Google Maps."

Ultimately Rosenquist would like to collect enough data to pressure City Hall to build more protected bikeways and keep motorists out of painted lanes. "New York City's streets and traffic management need radical permanent changes to stay sustainable," he said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Report Reveals How Eric Adams Kneecapped Progress on Bus and Bike Lanes

The agency offers an explanation for its shortcomings, even trotting out a "We told you so" from the former mayor's transportation commissioner.

March 14, 2025

Public Grilling: Queens Panel Berates Opponents of Bob Holden’s E-Bike Registration Bill

Queens cyclists who came out to oppose an e-bike registration bill faced hostile questions from their local community board.

March 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Ms. Hochul Goes to Washington Edition

Gov. Hochul "wants to talk about congestion pricing" when she meets with President Trump on Friday. Plus more news.

March 14, 2025

Open Streets Won’t Survive Without More Money From the City, Organizers Warn

Open streets have shrunk significantly — and more cuts could be coming if the city doesn't cough up more funding, volunteer organizers warned.

March 14, 2025

Friday Video: Understanding What’s Going on at That Full Citi Bike Rack

Citi Bike racks serve hundreds of people every day. So just because it might be full when you see it, doesn't mean it's not being used.

March 14, 2025
See all posts