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

Tired of waiting for local governments to fix dangerous conditions, in many cities everyday citizens are practicing DIY traffic-calming to make streets safer for walking and biking. Some are forming “Departments of Transformation” to show others how to implement low-cost interventions, like traffic cones, to slow drivers down.

Often these installations are quickly removed by local DOTs, but in other cases, cities are embracing what’s come to be known as “tactical urbanism.” Some cities are making citizen-generated improvements permanent, while others are encouraging the movement by sanctioning, and even sponsoring, tactical urbanism projects.

Watch as we check in with people who are making this happen around the world!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘How Do You Do That to People?’ Crash Victims Speak Out Against Hochul’s Car Insurance Agenda

"Her supposition that, 'There’s a lot of fraud and people are faking these injuries in order to get million-dollar payouts' is preposterous," said one crash victim.

March 19, 2026

Nassau County Police Are Enforcing an E-Bike Ban That Doesn’t Actually Exist

With no clear legal rationale for the ban, Nassau County e-bike riders are left in a tough spot.

March 19, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Backed into a Corner Edition

Another day, another demand for auto insurance reform from Gov. Hochul. Plus other news.

EXCLUSIVE: Mamdani Halts NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists, Ending Harsher Treatment of Bicyclists Than Car Drivers

Cops will no longer write criminal summonses to cyclists for minor traffic offenses starting on Friday, March 27, City Hall said.

March 18, 2026

Council Leaders Push DOT In Both Directions On Streets Master Plan Goals

Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu is passionate about bus lanes and bike lanes. Finance Chair Linda Lee? Not so much.

March 18, 2026

Albany Pols Seek Transparency From Insurance Giants As Hochul Pushes Premium Cuts

Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey have stepped up their oversight of — and concern about — Gov. Hochul's auto insurance scheme.

See all posts