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 Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Deranged Driver Blows Through Brooklyn Open Streets Barriers

An unhinged motorist plowed through open streets barriers on Hoyt Street in Brooklyn seconds after volunteers set them up earlier this month.

July 26, 2024

Analysis: Can Hochul Be Sued into Overturning Her ‘Unlawful’ Congestion Pricing Pause?

Will either suit win — or, more important, force Hochul to settle?

July 26, 2024

Eric the Relic: In Blaming Dead Pedestrians, Adams Seizes Long-Discredited and Hateful Messaging

It's a time-honored car culture tactic: If you can’t or won’t protect pedestrians, make them take the rap.

July 25, 2024
See all posts