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

Justice Dept., Citing Streetsblog Reporting, Threatens to Sue NYPD Over Cops’ Sidewalk Parking

The city is now facing a major civil rights suit from the Biden Administration if it doesn't eliminate illegal parking by cops and other city workers.

April 19, 2024

What to Say When Someone Claims ‘No One Bikes or Walks in Bad Weather’

Yes, sustainable modes are more vulnerable to bad weather. But that's why we should invest more in them — not less.

April 19, 2024

NYC Transit’s New Operations Planning Chief Wants To Fight ‘Ghost Buses’

One-time transit advocate and current MTA Paratransit VP Chris Pangilinan will oversee bus and subway operations for the whole city.

April 19, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: Gimme Bus Shelter Edition

The days of the Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewing every proposed bus shelter in landmarked districts may be no more. Plus more news.

April 19, 2024

Deal Reached: Hochul Says ‘Sammy’s Law’ Will Pass

The bill, though imperfect, has been four years in the making.

April 18, 2024
See all posts