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

Thursday’s Headlines: When Bill Met Anne Edition

Mayor de Blasio says he admires Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

It was an incredibly slow news day in the livable streets world. About the best we could manage was tweeting at Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo — in her native language, mais oui! — urging her to fromage some sense into her New York counterpart, who once again told Streetsblog he's not ready to make the city safer in anticipating of the coming carpocalyse.

Beyond that, this is the best of the rest:

    • The Gothamist headline needs no embellishment (except, perhaps, to blame the mayor and the governor): "Poorer Neighborhoods Hit Hard By COVID-19 Deaths While Richer Ones Were Spared."
    • People are more comfortable with the bus than the subway during the current crisis. (NY Post)
    • Twenty-four members of the City Council wrote Mayor de Blasio demanding open space for restaurants. (Keith Powers via Twitter)
    • The main police union just endorsed an unrepentant homophobe for a Bronx congressional seat. (NY Post)
    • It is just astounding how much time — and how many talented reporters — the New York Times wastes chronicling the petty grievances of car owners.
    • As we hinted at last week, the MTA is looking abroad for ideas to restore faith in the system. (WSJ)
    • Strength in numbers! Researchers found that the rate of car-bike collisions fell after Philadelphia introduced bike-sharing. (New York Times)
    • Our friends at Riders Alliance are surveying transit users to see what they need in order to regain their trust. Take the quick (and cool!) poll here.
    • And, finally, our friends at Streetsblog MASS have a book club — and you don't need to be a Bay Stater to read along and participate! (Streetsblog MASS)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani’s Free Buses Plan Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ in Albany

The fight over free buses could be an early barometer of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Hochul's ability to compromise.

December 16, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Public Realm Edition

Renewed calls for a Deputy Mayor for the Public Realm. Plus other news.

December 16, 2025

Boston’s New ‘CharlieCard’ Raises Privacy Issues in an Age of High-Tech Tracking

The new CharlieCard provides several benefits, but riders should also be aware of the military vendor that's operating the new system.

December 15, 2025

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025
See all posts