Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
34th Avenue Open Street

A Round and Roundy: Open Streets ARE the Compromise

Cartoon: Bill Roundy

Editorial cartoon of Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.
Editorial cartoon of Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.
Editorial cartoon of Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.

He read the petition to turn the 34th Avenue open street in Queens into a linear park.

He read the Queens Borough President's op-ed in support.

He read the local Assembly Member's op-ed in support.

He read the Council candidate's op-ed in support.

He read the current Council Member's op-ed in support.

He read a random neighborhood resident's op-ed in support.

He listened as Jackson Heights and Corona residents showed their support.

He watched the movie of people loving the open street.

He read our article about how crashes have been reduced by 80 percent when the open street is off limits to thru-traffic.

He also read our article reminding people that in a world where car drivers have access to every single inch of public roadway all the time, making just one open street into a car-free oasis is the compromise that we're willing to make to drivers. He read our follow-up story about how opponents of open streets verbally abused two DOT officials for an hour ... standing in the open street they so despise.

So, of course, our national treasure cartoonist found the exact way to frame this story: If Mayor de Blasio and the Department of Transportation botch the redesign of the 34th Avenue open street in the name of the fake compromise that's being put forward by car owners, we'll end up with a roadway filled with cars (and how is that a compromise, given that that's what we have everywhere right now?).

It's another instant classic.

All of Bill Roundy's cartoons are archived here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit

Businesses are suing — and doubling down on anti-safety misinformation — about a simple and important traffic calming and protected bike lane project in Astoria.

August 8, 2025

Mamdani Promises New Path For Bus Projects As MTA Leader Finally Loses Patience With Mayor Adams

The Democratic nominee says he'll only ask one thing when determining which bus improvements will go forward: will it serve bus riders.

August 8, 2025

We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols

DOT is finding common ground with pro-car, street safety foes.

August 8, 2025

Friday Video: The Triumph — And Tragedy — of Summer Streets

Summer Streets is great — can we do this every weekend? Um, no.

August 8, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Fixing Canal Street Edition

DOT will lower the speed limit on the Manhattan Bridge lanes that feed onto Canal Street. Plus more news.

August 8, 2025
See all posts