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

Adams Considering Letting Midtown Business Group Issue Parking Tickets So NYPD Can Tackle ‘More Serious Issues’

The Department of Finance retracted its proposal to allow the 34th Street Partnership to be the first business improvement district empowered to enforce city parking rules after we started asking about it.

December 5, 2024

Could ChatGPT Make America More Walkable?

No, generative AI shouldn't plan a whole city — but a new study argues it could help identify gaps in our sidewalk networks, tree canopies, and more.

December 5, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: The Case of the Misidentified Getaway Bike Edition

Wednesday's wall-to-wall coverage of a Midtown assassination had a small transportation angle. Plus more news.

December 5, 2024

City Scales Back Hugely Popular Fifth Ave. Holiday Open Street Despite Sales Boosts

Mayor Adams is the Grinch who stole his own car-free Christmas shopping spree!

December 4, 2024

The ‘Instacart Loophole’: Council Seeks To Expand Minimum Wage to Grocery Deliveristas

City pols want to close a loophole that is allowing grocery delivery app companies like Instacart to get around paying their workers the deliverista minimum.

December 4, 2024
See all posts