Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Friday Video

Friday Video: Check Out Lorde On a Bike!

The Kiwi singer is on the top of the charts — and in our bike-riding hearts.

Lorde: Out and about!

|"What Was That"

Lorde, who likes performing in the great outdoors, is back with a new video that (among other things) celebrates the feeling of being free to move about a city without those damn fucking cars all over the place.

Look, we won't offer an opinion on the song, "What Was That" — hey, our tastes are mostly limited to Jimmy and the Jaywalkers and Bob Dylan's "Jesus" period — but you gotta hand it to the 28-year-old Kiwi star: She loves to be on a bike (among other things!).

The video climaxes in Washington Square Park, where the singer did indeed film the other day (the Times even covered it; yes, when public space is being used for cool things, even the Gray Lady takes notice).

But our eyes alighted on the appearance of the Queensboro Bridge in the background of the video, which may not be a coincidence. Given how much she obviously loves biking, perhaps Lorde is saying (as we all have been saying) that the Department of Transportation must finally open the South Outer Roadway to pedestrians so cyclists can be safer.

After all, given that this entire video seems to have been shot, edited and released in two days, why has it taken the DOT six years to open a sidewalk?

Check it out:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Lawmakers Raise Doubts About Hochul’s Insurance Proposal

The governor's Uber-backed insurance plan is leaving state lawmakers unsure of its effect on crash victims and high auto premiums.

February 27, 2026

‘Broadway Vision’: City Will Revamp Six More Blocks By 2031

The facelift will cost more than $150 million.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani Falls Short of Campaign Pledge to Expand Open Streets Funding Amid Budget Crunch

The mayor's proposed budget does not expand Open Streets — and raises lots of questions.

February 27, 2026

Friday Video: Why Everyone Drives SUVs

Rollie Williams at Climate Town is back, this time explaining the "light-truck loophole."

February 27, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Undermined at Every Turn Edition

Does the mayor run NYPD and FDNY, or is it the other way around? Plus more news.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani’s FDNY Spews Anti-Street Safety Talking Points at Bizarre Council Hearing

FDNY and DOT were at cross-purposes during a bikelash Council hearing.

February 26, 2026
See all posts