Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bike/Ped

People Really Love NYC on Marathon Sunday — Because There Are No Cars!

7:50 AM EST on November 5, 2018

Photo: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

The annual New York City Marathon reminded us again what a car-free city could be like.

We weren't alone in enjoying the empty streets around the marathon route. Streetfilms auteur Clarence Eckerson Jr. created a short tribute to the mostly empty Queens Plaza:

So many other New Yorkers were equally inspired. Here's Phil Leff in Manhattan:

https://twitter.com/philipleff/status/1059195986310905857

And Doug Gordon in Brooklyn:

https://twitter.com/BrooklynSpoke/status/1059136749895585792
https://twitter.com/BrooklynSpoke/status/1059056464982085633

And Elliot Sperber in Brooklyn:

https://twitter.com/elliot_sperber/status/1059123018050478082

Got your own? Send it to tips@streetsblog.org.

Gersh Kuntzman
@gershkuntzman@realgershkuntzman.bsky.social

Gersh Kuntzman is editor in chief of Streetsblog NYC and Streetsblog USA. He also writes the Cycle of Rage column, which is archived here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Trump DOT Sec. Sean Duffy Is Dead Wrong About New York City’s Bike Lanes

Sean Duffy says he hasn't seen enough data to believe in the benefits of bike lanes. So we put together this cheat sheet to help him out — mostly using information from his own department.

April 25, 2025
Friday Video

Friday Video: Check Out Lorde On a Bike!

The Kiwi singer is on the top of the charts — and in our bike-riding hearts.

April 25, 2025
Open Streets

RELAX: A New City Rule for Private Seating in Public Space Is More of the Same

A proposed new rule governing how much space restaurants can occupy on open streets is hardly controversial, John Surico writes.

April 25, 2025
Leading Pedestrian Intervals

Yes, Cyclists Can Go on Red With ‘Walk’ Sign, City Confirms in Court

It's only been the law for six years.

April 25, 2025
Today's Headlines

Friday’s Headlines: Double DOT Incompetence Edition

What this city needs is a place to walk on the Queensboro Bridge ... and for the federal DOT to get out of our way. Plus other news.

April 25, 2025
See all posts