Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Traffic Calming

Get Up and #Sneckdown

Inwood sneckdown, December 2016. Photo: Brad Aaron

With nine inches of snow in Central Park as of this afternoon, NYC is in for some serious sneckdown action.

In case this is your first time -- sneckdowns are "snowy neckdowns" formed as motorists drive through melting snow and slush, revealing where asphalt could be repurposed for street improvements to slow motor vehicle traffic and make walking safer.

The sneckdown concept has a storied legacy. In 2006, Streetfilms’ Clarence Eckerson Jr. noted “naturally occurring neckdowns” after a record snowstorm in NYC. Things really took off after Streetsblog founding editor Aaron Naparstek came up with the #sneckdown hashtag in 2013.

The next few days will be prime time. To share your finds, use the #sneckdown hashtag on social media (see Clarence's tips on page 3 of this PDF to make the most of the experience). If you’d like Streetsblog to publish your pics, wherever you are, include a location in your tweet or Instagram.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Send Mayor Mamdani Your Sneckdown Photos! (‘Snow Problem, Streetsblog!’)

"Do you know what a sneckdown is?" "Sneckdown?" "Sneckdown." Therein lies a great story.

January 23, 2026

New Details: Hochul’s Car Insurance ‘Affordability’ Pitch Will Shortchange Crash Victims

Hochul's Uber-backed bid to make car insurance affordable hides harmful policies for victims of car drivers.

January 23, 2026

State Pols Could Regulate E-Bikes Despite Not Knowing What They Are

State lawmakers are flirting with the idea of regulating e-bikes as if they were cars, but don't have all the facts.

January 23, 2026

Letter to Mamdani From Maryland: Free Buses Are Working Great

No fares, no homeless encampments, high-quality service. One suburban county shows the way for the new mayor.

January 23, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Redesign Not Crackdowns Edition

Mike Flynn was great on WNYC. Plus other news.

January 23, 2026
See all posts