Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car-Free Streets

Rodriguez: NYC Can Move Cargo Without Relying on Big Trucks in the Center of Town

Rodriguez speaking earlier today at a DOT press conference for Car-Free Day. Photo: David Meyer

Trucks chew up NYC streets and account for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths in the city. City Council transportation chair Ydanis Rodriguez has some suggestions to reduce the impact of freight traffic on city streets.

At an event previewing the city's Car-Free Day events later this month, Rodriguez said he wants to limit truck deliveries to off-peak hours -- either before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. He also endorsed the push to legalize electric bicycles in New York state, saying it could lead more companies to phase in deliveries by electric-powered tricycles.

"For major deliveries, we should never see trucks coming into our densest areas," he said. Rodriguez envisions distribution centers outside the city where larger loads would be divided up and transferred to smaller vehicles.

"These are short term changes that will not require major investments in infrastructure," Rodriguez said. "They are logistical changes that can seriously benefit our city and allow New Yorkers to breathe a little easier."

On Saturday, April 22, six zones throughout the city will be pedestrianized from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including 30 blocks of Broadway, for the city's second annual Car-Free Day. With his remarks this morning, Rodriguez is trying to link the event to lasting policy changes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Beach Reading: Zohran Mamdani’s Answers to Streetsblog’s Mayoral Candidate Survey

Spend the holiday weekend with Zohran Mamdani's answers to Streetsblog's mayoral candidate questionnaire.

July 4, 2025

Friday Video: Why NYC Needs ‘Low-Traffic Neighborhoods’

London's Church Street, like so many of our business corridors, was choking on cars — until the advent of the low-traffic neighborhood.

July 4, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: E-Bikes in Parks … Permanently Edition

The Parks Department will permanently allow e-bikes in city parks following a two-year pilot. Plus more news.

July 4, 2025

Anti-Miracle On 34th Street: Adams Administration Pauses Work On 34th Street Busway

The highly-anticipated 34th Street busway may not happen under Mayor Adams after all, sources said.

July 3, 2025

Manhattan DA Says Alleged Central Park Hit-and-Run Cyclist Didn’t Flee, Drops Charges

Prosecutors said the 30-year-old cyclist "remained on the scene for about 45 minutes after the crash and waited for paramedics to arrive to treat the injured person."

Sean Duffy’s ‘Great America Road Trip’ Wants You to Drive to Central Park

Sean Duffy's "Great American Road Trip" encourages Americans to drive to sites in the most transit-rich and car-choked parts of the country.

July 3, 2025
See all posts