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

Saturday’s Headlines: SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS EDITION!

12:05 AM EDT on March 21, 2020

The Big Dog did what he had to do. Photo: Governor’s Office

There was just so much news yesterday that we feel compelled to publish a special edition of our daily headlines feature. So let's get right to it with ... us!

The mayor had yet another virtual press avail on Friday — and, of course, enjoyed the contributions of our old man editor, the self-appointed dean of the city's rapacious transportation press corps. Apparently, the mayor was slightly miffed that Kuntzman's computer kept beeping during the conversation — but who knew that "work-from-home" Gersh's daughter would text him just as the mayor deigned to take his question? Huh? You know?

Anyway, here was the exchange, featuring the mayor and his aid, Olivia Lapeyrolerie:

mayoral exchange 2

"Oh that Gersh"? Well, OK, he deserved it (thought not as much as Post reporters Nolan Hicks and Julia Marsh for their expose on how much the mayor's staff hates him. Me-ow!). But on the plus side, the mayor made some news, revealing that he would finally put in some temporary protected bike lanes to handle the cycling surge. So it was a win-win.

The rest of the day began anded with Gov. Cuomo's "shelter in place" order (official state website):

    • The Times's story had the best details — plus a sidebar!
    • The Daily News played it straight (but check out that photo of a hot dog vendor on the Brooklyn Bridge footpath!)
    • The Post also played it straight.
    • The Wall Street Journal had a scary map!
    • Gothamist had a little fun with all the crazy Cuomo jargon.
    • Streetsblog did what Streetsblog does — shaming the governor for not considering bike stores "essential" businesses. (And N.B. — the governor's press office has still not called us back!)
    • And amNY ... er, amNY obviously didn't have its full editing team on hand.
    • And in another part of the incomprehensible Daily News website, the paper found plenty of people not taking the order seriously at all (which, as much as we love touch football, is pretty fucked up).

Meanwhile, there was other news:

    • As we openly questioned Gov. Cuomo's decision to not include bike shops as "essential" businesses, WNYC showed why we're right!
    • All of Staten Island's politicians put out a statement objecting to cuts in ferry service during the crisis, which has reduced ridership by 70 percent. That's fair enough, but then Leadfoot Joe Borelli tweeted that if ferry service is going to be reduced, then drivers on the Rock should be allowed to speed recklessly. Apples and oranges, Council Member: Just drive safely. And when the crisis abates, your free, taxpayer-provided, highly subsidized ferry will return in full.
    • Even though the mayor came through with the aforementioned (and small) emergency bike infrastructure, Council Speaker Corey Johnson upped the ante, calling for some streets to be closed to cars so that people could socialize yet keep their distance. (Politico)
    • The MTA said that starting on Monday, it would stop collecting fares on local (but not SBS) buses to keep drivers and riders a safe distance apart. So use those rear doors! (NYDN, NY Post)
    • And, finally, Jonathan Tasini put into a Daily News op-ed what a lot of Democrats have been thinking.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

School Bus Driver Hits Cyclist, Injures 3, On Major Brooklyn School Bike Route

The crash happened on the route of the weekly Bergen bike bus.

September 21, 2023

City of Yes Yes Yes! Adams Calls for Elimination of Parking Mandates on ALL New Housing

Mayor Adams today announced the historic end to one of the city’s most antiquated — and despised — zoning laws requiring the construction of parking with every new development.

September 21, 2023

Cruise Ships Saddle Red Hook with Traffic ‘Nightmare,’ Toxic Fumes

Red Hook is drowning in traffic and smog from cruise ships Mayor Adams has touted as a "boost" to the economy.

September 21, 2023

Thursday Headlines: UN Hypocrisy Week Edition

The Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden preach climate action, yet still oppose better bus service. Plus other news.

September 21, 2023

Online Retailers Selling Illegal Batteries and Mopeds to City Buyers

Call it Amazon crime: The mammoth online retailer is selling illegal batteries and mopeds to city residents, despite such devices being forbidden from city streets.

September 21, 2023
See all posts