Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Thursday’s Headlines: Bike Lanes are Good for Business Edition

A business owner testifies from the heart (and wallet). Plus other news.

We'd like to start today's headlines with a great tweet that is worth watching. Sure, it's from Providence (where officials are turning revanchist on bike lanes), but the message is universal ("Waterfire" refers to a Providence tradition of setting fires in the river, which used to be completely buried under asphalt).

The man's testimony is a reminder that so many arguments against bike lanes — that they cause traffic, that they're unsafe, that no one uses them — are just ridiculous. But the most ridiculous argument — that bike infrastructure hurts business — has been debunked so many times, that it's distressing that a business owner had to waste time out of his business-y day to testify about the essential truth about bike lanes: they make roads more inviting, which in turn leads to more business.

In other news:

  • Everyone knows there's a problem with people who cover or deface their plates (you're welcome), but no one can agree on what to do about it. (Gothamist)
  • The legendarily anti-congestion pricing New York Post has a point: This is a terrible time to raise NJ Transit fares.
  • The city got some more Biden bucks, this time for climate resiliency. (NYDN)
  • The mayor — and his perpetual sidekick Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar of Queens — cut a ribbon on a sidewalk package locker, part of a Department of Transportation program to reduce theft. (NYDN, Gothamist)
  • More copaganda from amNY.
  • Ferry ridership is up. (NYDN)
  • Car carnage in Gravesend. (NY Post, NYDN)
  • And, finally, from the culture desk, here's a book we can't wait to read:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025

Data Dump: E-Bike Crashes Were Down Before NYPD Crackdown, Contradicting Tisch’s Rationale

In the first four months of this year, e-bike crashes and injuries were down by double-digit percentages. So, um, why is the NYPD cracking down?

May 29, 2025

Memo to NYPD Commish Tisch: Drivers Keep Driving, And Killing, on Suspended Licenses

License suspension doesn't keep drivers off the road, why would it work with bikes?

May 29, 2025

‘RIDERS’ on the Storm: Assembly Kills E-Bike Registration Bid

E-bike advocates dodged a bullet in the state legislature — but a fusillade is expected anyway. Plus Amy's Albany Addenda!

May 29, 2025
See all posts