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

Wednesday’s Headlines: Tone-Deaf De Blasio Edition

Here’s why you can’t trust cops to do bike lane enforcement. File photo: Dan Miller

While Bill de Blasio was headed to Miami for his appearance at the first Democratic presidential debate on Wednesday night, his NYPD was not only cracking down on cyclists in the same area where a cyclist was killed by a truck driver on Monday, but also explicitly blaming the victim, too, Gothamist reported.

Meanwhile, Streetsblog kept the pressure on the mayor by pointing out that being a delivery cyclist might indeed be the most dangerous job in the city. Hat tip to Do Lee of the Biking Public Project for crunching the numbers.

There's so much outrage over the death of cyclist Robyn Hightman that delivery workers will hold a memorial ride on Thursday night (NYDN). Wheels down at 6:30 p.m. Will the cops get in the way? That's up to the mayor...

For now, here's the news from yesterday:

    • Gov. Cuomo's LaGuardia AirTrain project is getting so expensive people might confuse it with Mayor de Blasio's BQX streetcar. (NY Post)
    • Yes! The Port Authority wants to raise its bridge tolls (NY Times, WSJ). Meanwhile, Congress passed a bill to restore two-way tolling on the Verrazzano Bridge fee, which supporters believe will stop "bridge shopping" (Advance).
    • An Orangetown law requiring cyclists to ride single-file may be unenforceable because state law allows riders to ride in packs if there's enough room. It's also ridiculous. (LoHud)
    • A U-turn in Queens leads to death. (NY Post)
    • The (not so) Gray Lady weighs in on the MTA's censorship of a sex toy ad.
    • It was too close to call when we went to bed, but it looks like we might wake up to find that Tiffany Caban pulled off an upset win for Queens District Attorney. (NY1)
    • And, finally, don't miss your last chance to get tickets to our editor's panel discussion, "Whose Streets? Reclaiming NYC for Cyclists," at the Museum of the City of New York on Thursday night. The talk features activists Helen Ho, Judi Desire and Adam Mansky, plus Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. Use the discount code BIKE1.
whose streets words

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts