Friday’s Headlines: Bronchitis Happens Edition
See that picture? That's our editor all day yesterday, as he was laid up with a terrible cough later determined to be bronchitis mixed with his usual rage at car owners. So click above for that story and all the others from Thursday.
By
Streetsblog
12:01 AM EDT on August 2, 2019
Our superannuated editor is out sick with bronchitis, so we’re going to keep this brief so he doesn’t have to actually do any editing.
So here’s the news of the day:
- In case you missed it (he did!), Gothamist had a nice story about what happens when a cyclist tries to film the person who almost killed him.
- Not many outlets covered the rally to protest a lawsuit by rich Central Park West residents to block a protected bike lane, but Streetsblog was there — and we added some nice Census data for context.
- The Daily News foolishly took the side of drivers over street safety with its coverage of the city’s pilot residential loading zone project. Yes, there should be a grace period before drivers get massive tickets — but the plan will make roadways safer, and ease congestion, by giving FedEx, UPS and Amazon space at the curb where those trucks belong. Shame on New York’s Hometown Paper for demagoguing good public policy that, despite what the drivers quoted in the story say, was announced in advance, as Streetsblog reported. Does rewrite man Leonard Greene own a car? Inquiring minds want to know.
- Gridlock Sam has the full scoop on the first Summer Streets Saturday, though he fails to point out that pedestrianized streets should not be a three-days-a-year thing. (NYDN)
- The Times covered what must be the most important transportation issue for its readers: the rise in helicopter commuting.
- For the record, you need to be charged if you drive over some when you are going backwards. It’s just basic. (Gothamist, NYDN)
- Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was on NY1’s “Inside City Hall” talking about what a great job he’s done since taking office. This from the man who did not so much as release a statement as 18 cyclists were being slaughtered on New York City streets. This website has consistently put Williams on notice: Take road safety seriously or run for an office without the word “advocate” in its title.
This piece was the work of the Streetsblog staff.
Read More:
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog New York City
Hochul Could Cut ‘Runaway’ Crash Lawsuits With Default Motorist Liability
Europe recognizes that cars are inherently dangerous and should be to blame for crashes.
April 16, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines: The Last Gasp of the Bikelash Edition
Mayor Mamdani's Department of Transportation is launching an ambitious slate of street redesigns. Plus other news.
April 16, 2026
Mamdani’s DOT Responds to Astoria Bike Lane Backlash … With an Even Longer Bike Lane
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's latest proposal extends the proposed 31st Street bike lane to cover the entire length of Astoria — a concept he first backed in 2023.
April 15, 2026
Ask An Insurance Industry Insider: Safe Streets Are The Best Way To Bring Down Insurance Costs
Insurance companies and personal injury lawyers exist because streets aren't safe. So shouldn't we start there instead of tweaking a broken system?
April 15, 2026
Council Leader Urges City To Activate Ferry To NJ Before World Cup
A ferry from W. 125th Street to Edgewater, New Jersey, could relieve World Cup-related traffic strain, City Council Member Shaun Abreu said.
April 15, 2026