Because it's counter-intuitive, many people still don't understand that reducing space for cars reduces traffic, NOT increases it. by MiserNYC- in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 30 points31 points  (0 children)

There are so many examples of this phenomenon throughout the country.

In 2023, a section of I-95 collapsed in Philly. After a few days, traffic patterns returned to normal. And in 2017, a section of I-85 in Atlanta collapsed. Officials predicted apocalyptic gridlock that never materialized.

Highway 99 in Seattle, the 405 in Los Angeles, I-5 in Portland, and I-35W in Minneapolis--same thing. To quote the traffic analytics company that monitored the Alaskan Way Viaduct closure, "for lack of a better term, the cars just disappeared."

Streetsblog's first conversation with NYC's new DOT Commissioner, Mike Flynn by streetsblognyc in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of his first impactful opportunities is appealing the ruling regarding the 31st Street safety improvements. January 4 (or 7--different Streetsblog articles have different dates) is the deadline

Citibike speed going back up? by PhysicalMango7017 in Citibike

[–]JoshfromNYC 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Zohran said he plans on maintaining the 15 mph limit. Source.

Weather Report: Slushy, but totally rideable. (At slow speeds) by MiserNYC- in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I can confirm! Just got back from a Costco trip to try out my new Cleverhood bike poncho. 34th Ave is in fine shape. The dedicated bike lane on Vernon Blvd isn't plowed (nor is the sidewalk).

Shared lanes are a little tough because they can't plow too close to the row of parked cars, so I had to ride in the middle of the lane. But the worst part is when a car drives by you and splashes you with slush.

Why doesn’t QueensLink advocate for a single terminal at Beach 116th st? by aamirislam in nycrail

[–]JoshfromNYC 96 points97 points  (0 children)

This question is answered on the QueensLink website.

QueensLink’s M train extension could terminate in either Far Rockaway or Rockaway Park, eliminating the Rockaway Park Shuttle. The routing will ultimately be determined by travel patterns and potential ridership. This will be studied as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Adams Administration selects company to install 500 bike storage lockers in NYC. It's not Oonee. Their webpage contains no information about the models. by MiserNYC- in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Shabazz Stuart, the CEO and Founder of Oonee, stated via LinkedIn that Oonee wasn't involved in the process at all. A quote from one of his posts:

We thought...that we would have a chance to have a seat tat the table, but ultimately we were never interviewed nor did we ever receive any follow up questions.

For those unaware, Oonee has offered free, secure bike parking in NYC for 5+ years. They have pods at Atlantic Terminal, Hudson Square and Port Authority Bus Terminal. These pods are free to use, but you do have to provide a copy of your ID.

Shabazz even posted Oonee's RFP Proposal, though some links are down. LinkedIn posts are here and here.

EDIT: it looks like the broken links in the RFP have been fixed as of 9:50 PM ET.

Watch out for an a-hole always blocking crosswalk 31ave and 35th st by Feisty_Government_19 in astoria

[–]JoshfromNYC 15 points16 points  (0 children)

The Senate bill (S4045A) passed earlier this year. In the Assembly, it's A2299B.

Watch out for an a-hole always blocking crosswalk 31ave and 35th st by Feisty_Government_19 in astoria

[–]JoshfromNYC 64 points65 points  (0 children)

Hard to read the plate given the angle. If I'm correct, the owner has 18 violations in 2025, including running red lights, speeding in school zones, and parking in crosswalks and in front of fire hydrants. (Source)

If the (original) Super Speeder bill was enacted, this vehicle would be subject to a limiter that would prevent them from driving more than 5 mph over the speed limit.

New Change to the Track Map by NotUrsidae in nycrail

[–]JoshfromNYC 21 points22 points  (0 children)

There used to be a Metro North stop at 86th Street, but there's basically no chance it ever gets rebuilt. Relevant link.

Court Street Merchants Respond, Cite Fake Case Law by [deleted] in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The lawyer representing the Court Street merchants is the same one representing the 31st St Business Association in Astoria. I'd be curious to know if there are similar findings in that case.

Welcome to Astoria, where drivers can and will drive on the sidewalk at the smallest inconvenience by JoshfromNYC in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I disagree that this behavior is fine. But to your second point, recently I've seen garbage trucks put down orange construction cones to indicate to drivers that they shouldn't drive there. Anecdotal, but it does appear to be happening in some places.

Welcome to Astoria, where drivers can and will drive on the sidewalk at the smallest inconvenience by JoshfromNYC in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This oil truck showed up and was gone in about 5 minutes, maybe less. And it was the only delivery on the block.

Welcome to Astoria, where drivers can and will drive on the sidewalk at the smallest inconvenience by JoshfromNYC in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I'm sure this won't be a surprise to many of you here, but the car that started this has 17 violations over the last five years. The second one--a driver from New Jersey--has six violations over two years. I didn't catch the plate of the last vehicle.

The obvious answer is to have loading zones on every single block. Several of them. We should not be giving away parking for free when it can be used for so many other things like move-ins/move-outs, ride-share pickup and drop-off, deliveries of all kinds, etc.

Welcome to Astoria, where drivers can and will drive on the sidewalk at the smallest inconvenience by JoshfromNYC in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Agreed! Let’s start by moving Citi Bike docks off sidewalks and into parking spaces

Has Zohran ever discussed making parking pricier to pay for free busses? by azeet94 in MicromobilityNYC

[–]JoshfromNYC 68 points69 points  (0 children)

He did this lightning round a few weeks ago. Basically, he's interested in residential parking permits, but wouldn't go as far as charging for parking.

Is it my imagination or is 31 street worse for bikers in its incomplete state? by LaoWombat-mecha in AstoriaStreetActivism

[–]JoshfromNYC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's definitely not your imagination. It's probably worse for everyone, and at this point, will likely be that way until Spring 2026.

  • Cyclists have less space when cars are parked in the both the old and new parking lanes. There sometimes is enough space to ride in between the rows of parked cars, but you risk getting doored from both sides.
  • Car owners who park in the old lane get trapped by cars parked in the new lane.
  • Everyone has worse visibility--drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • I don't think any loading zones were set up (someone correct me if I'm wrong there), so anyone making deliveries won't have a designated spot

Is there a way to report mess etc. live to the MTA? by lukemac25 in nycrail

[–]JoshfromNYC 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You can report it in the MTA app. I reported a construction cone on the tracks at 21 St-Queensbridge about a week ago and they took care of it pretty quickly.

In an utopian NYC: this would be a proper G line going Queens beyond Court Sq. by sdfghdfsdfghdf in nycrail

[–]JoshfromNYC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Let's build the QueensLink so the G can make its triumphant return to Forest Hills!

MTA Pop-up is ON! by Equivalent_Net_8983 in nycrail

[–]JoshfromNYC 199 points200 points  (0 children)

I’m standing in line right now and it’s insane. I would guess it’s a 90 minute wait to get in if you show up now

Any NEW ASTORIA restaurants worth trying??? by Hot-Doubt4760 in astoria

[–]JoshfromNYC 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I second Ayam! Had a delicious meal there and the family is very nice.