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

Friday’s Headlines: From Hero to Zero Edition

Mayor Mamdani's sympathy for cyclists over the Williamsburg Bridge has yet to trickle down to his NYPD. Plus more news.

January 9, 2026

Bill Watch: New York Still Needs to Commit to Lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled

The state Legislature could use 2026 as a year to find a solution to reducing the number of cars traveling across the state, but it may be more of the same. The post Bill Watch: New York Still Needs to Commit to Lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled appeared...

January 9, 2026

‘Zohramp’ At Williamsburg Bridge Still NYPD Ticket Trap … For Cyclists

Meanwhile, driver after driver blew the adjacent red light with impunity.

January 8, 2026

The ‘Affordability Crisis’ Conversation Can’t Leave Out the Cost of Cars

We can't talk about Americans' empty wallets without talking about our empty buses and sidewalks.

January 8, 2026

What Is A Life Worth In NYC? In Fatal Crashes, Sometimes Just $50

Drivers who kill pedestrians often face minimal punishment, a Streetsblog investigation found.

January 8, 2026
See all posts