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John Surico

@johnsurico.bsky.social
609 followers 28 following 54 posts

Building better cities for all. Exec dir, Friends of the QueensWay. Chair, 31st Ave Open Street Collective. Board, Alliance for Flushing Meadows. Prof-alum, NYU Journalism. New book soon w/Street Plans. Allora ✌️

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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Passing the torch of the Just Fix It column at @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social as I start a new role, but thrilled that the last column I worked on was a deep dive into the wonky world of childcare, and what it'll take to make it better for all families. Out today: www.vitalcitynyc.org/cost-effecti...
vitalcitynyc.org
6 Policy Reforms to Make Childcare Dollars Go Further for Families
How to cost-effectively reach more children with high-quality care
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Streetsblog NYC @nyc.streetsblog.org · 16/09/2026
We spoke to urbanist journalist (and now QueensWay executive director) @johnsurico.bsky.social about his vision for the project, and how it differs from Manhattan’s High Line and the comparisons around the country he’s looking at to draw on for the future of the park. buff.ly/Hpys4Fw
nyc.streetsblog.org
A Chat With John Surico About His New QueensWay Gig - Streetsblog New York City
Streetsblog chatted with journalist and organizer John Surico about his new gig as executive director of Friends of the QueensWay.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Have lots of thoughts and ideas for the QueensWay, and glad to share some of them with none other than @davecolon.bsky.social for @nyc.streetsblog.org.
nyc.streetsblog.org
A Chat With John Surico About His New QueensWay Gig - Streetsblog New York City
Streetsblog chatted with journalist and organizer John Surico about his new gig as executive director of Friends of the QueensWay.
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Clarence Eckerson Jr./Streetfilms @streetfilms.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Some footage of what is going on with NYC_DOT extending 31st Ave 2-way protected bike lane towards Jax Heights. They've broken ground on the new traffic circle config. Don't worry, we will follow up with a big @Streetfilms once all complete! Enjoy! @johnsurico.bsky.social @misernyc.bsky.social
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Queens is The World's Borough, so it deserves world-class public space. That's why I'm thrilled to announce my new role as the first-ever executive director of Friends of the QueensWay, an effort to transform an abandoned rail into a linear park and greenway. Construction starts this fall. 😎
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Last day of the month = Streetbeat. This month, we cover access to natural areas in New York City, government getting better at service delivery, the crown jewel of Queens, and lots more. Appreciate all who continue to allow this missive in their mailbox :) streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...
streetbeat.substack.com
Streetbeat, Vol. LXXVIV
How can we better connect people to a city’s wilder spaces?
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Clarence Eckerson Jr./Streetfilms @streetfilms.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The @nycdot.bsky.social conversion of 31st Ave east of Steinway into #bikenyc bliss has begun!! Paved. New 1 way signs & “DO NOT ENTER except bikes” signs (my kid noticed before I did!) QUEENS IS BEST BIKING BORO! @johnsurico.bsky.social @openplans.org @nyc.streetsblog.org @misernyc.bsky.social
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
COGE should've just been the beginning. In @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social, our latest Just Fix It column covers another round of internal operating tweaks that City Hall could make to deliver on a life better for all. www.vitalcitynyc.org/nyc-coge-cha...
vitalcitynyc.org
13 Fixes for New York City Government That Go Beyond the Charter
Where the City of New York can — and should — do more, regardless of what happens in November
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Wrapped up a 3-year stint as @nycfuture.bsky.social's Senior Fellow for Climate + Opportunity. Beyond proud of the work achieved with the team, and excited to share my last big parks project—a policy blueprint to greatly expand access to NYC's invaluable wild spaces. nycfuture.org/research/har...
nycfuture.org
Harnessing NYC’s Natural Areas | Center for an Urban Future (CUF)
New York City's 12,000 acres of natural areas have the potential to improve public health, strengthen communities, and build climate resilience.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Monthly Streetbeat drop includes: transit lessons from the World Cup; clashes over climate policy; a roundabout-less vision for Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza; jobs (!!!); a picture of my cat; and a lot more. Come on down! streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...
streetbeat.substack.com
Streetbeat, Vol. LXXVIII
What did the World Cup teach us for transit?
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Grand Army Plaza is like every planning challenge in one, and its upcoming transformation is a long time coming. But making a space that people actually enjoy will require a tricky balancing act. Can the city pull it off? Latest in @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Can Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza Finally Be Tamed?
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s car-free redesign is just the latest twist in a two-decade-long battle to calm a high-traffic roundabout in the heart of the borough.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
On the next chapter of Vision Zero, getting creative to cut building emissions, public space for public art, and a whole lot more. This month's Streetbeat is out. streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...
streetbeat.substack.com
Streetbeat, Vol. LXXVII
What's the next chapter of Vision Zero?
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Forget the full overhaul; sometimes the energy and dollars a building can save to meet Local Law 97 goals are hidden in plain sight. For @skylightnyc.bsky.social, I covered a building that found them in the ventilation. www.skylight.nyc/articles/res...
skylight.nyc
For energy savings on a tight budget, look for the leaks | Skylight
‘One50’ West End Avenue, a 29-story residential building on the Upper West Side, is cutting its energy use by finding out where exhaust air is being…
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Claire Valdez @claireforny.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
G to the Sea! Great ideas from @johnsurico.bsky.social on how @mta.info should take advantage of this summer's disruptive G train work to give New Yorkers who live along the city's only direct Brooklyn-Queens line a new destination.
amny.com
Op-Ed | It’ll be a summer of struggle for G train riders. Here’s a potential solution. | amNewYork
For the third summer straight, the G train will see rolling shutdowns to make way for modernization work along the line. According to the MTA, faulty
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
NEPA—the environmental law that ironically almost doomed congestion pricing; a target of 'abundance' liberals + small-c conservatives alike. But last year, in a little-known SCOTUS case, NEPA was blunted. I explored what comes next in @bloomberg.com: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
A Low-Profile Supreme Court Ruling Stands to Change How Cities Build
“Abundance” advocates hope that recent curbs on NEPA, a powerful federal environmental law, will ease regulatory burdens and speed construction.
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A. Zivarts @nondriver.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
❤️ @theguardian.com covering nondrivers! "I only visit places that have metro systems that I can use to get around the city as a non-driver."
theguardian.com
Meet the Americans who choose to live without a car in the US: ‘It takes some doing’
Guardian readers in the US share how they get around their cities without driving in such a car-dominated country
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Back in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social today for the latest Just Fix It column all about PERMITTING, with *eight* quick policy fixes that City Hall can make to speed up how NYC builds 🔧🛠️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/nyc-housing-...
vitalcitynyc.org
Just Fix It: 8 Policy Tweaks the Mamdani Administration Can Make to Speed Up the Permitting Process
Building housing is a top Mamdani priority — so how to expedite it?
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Vital City @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Just Fix It: How did Mamdani do on the small city fixes that everyday New Yorkers actually see and feel? Here's our scorecard prepared by @johnsurico.bsky.social ⬇️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/mamdani-firs...
vitalcitynyc.org
Zohran Mamdani’s First 100 Days: A Scorecard
How’s he doing when it comes to helping the gears of government turn better?
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Cam @camconut-tree.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Easiest lift for increasing public space would be to reopen City Hall Plaza to the public. Closed since 1996!
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
With a new City Hall, it's time for NYC to tap the immense potential of public space. Thankfully, it doesn't have to look far for inspo. In @citylimitsnews.bsky.social today w/WXY's Rob Daurio, highlighting some of our fave projects across the 5 boroughs right now. citylimits.org/opinion-mayo...
citylimits.org
Opinion: Mayor Mamdani Can Mark a 'New Era' for Public Space. These Projects Show the Potential. - City Limits
"These projects outline a practical roadmap for a new era of public space in New York: streets can function as parks, transportation corridors can double as civic spaces, brownfields and forgotten inf...
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The Overhead Wire @theoverheadwire.com · 09/03/2026
Monday's Most Read # 2 - What Would a City Designed for Blind Commuters Look Like? link.theoverheadwire.com/83xvh @johnsurico.bsky.social
link.theoverheadwire.com
What Would a City Designed for Blind Commuters Look Like?
Getting around New York City for visually impaired and
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
A city is a minefield navigating it while blind, and nowhere is that more evident than transit. Yet making a city more accessible to its visually impaired residents makes it better for everyone, too. Here's what they can do—in @bloomberg.com today: www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
What Would a City Designed for Blind Commuters Look Like?
Getting around New York City for visually impaired and
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Public rec is one of the most effective policies to boost public health, connect communities, and close access gaps. But NYC has fallen behind on tapping its potential. @nycfuture.bsky.social's latest is a blueprint to double down on what we have and look beyond it. nycfuture.org/research/put...
nycfuture.org
Putting the “Rec” Back in NYC Parks & Recreation | Center for an Urban Future (CUF)
Center for an Urban Future report on restoring and expanding recreation in New York City to improve health.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Back on the blizzard beat in @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social this week, talking about what operational lessons this harsh and historic winter can teach @mayor.nyc.gov that will prove incredibly useful down the road. www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mam...
vitalcitynyc.org
Vital City | A New Mayor’s Trial By Snow
What the storms showed Mamdani, and what he showed New York
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Vital City @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
New York’s brutal winter storms gave Mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social an early test in office. How do you think he performed? @johnsurico.bsky.social has thoughts. Drop yours in the comments ⬇️ www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mam...
vitalcitynyc.org
Vital City | A New Mayor’s Trial By Snow
What the storms showed Mamdani, and what he showed New York
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Alicia Bannon @aliciabannon.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Something we're trying to do more of in @statecourtreport.org is publish pieces that tell the stories behind the development of state con law. This piece by @johnsurico.bsky.social is a fascinating account of the next generation of environmental rights cases. statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
statecourtreport.org
What’s Next for the Next Generation of Environmental Rights Cases?
Young people are building on lessons learned in recent litigation, using state constitutions and laws to develop and enforce environmental protections.
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Adrian Cacho @agecacho.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Great op-ed from @johnsurico.bsky.social. Let’s continue investing in our public transit system.
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State Court Report @statecourtreport.org · 05/02/2026
NEW: As the federal government retreats from combating climate change, several cases on state dockets across the US are pitting citizens against polluters and the states where they reside. @johnsurico.bsky.social discusses the new frontline in the legal fight for environmental rights.
statecourtreport.org
What’s Next for the Next Generation of Environmental Rights Cases?
Young people are building on lessons learned in recent litigation, using state constitutions and laws to develop and enforce environmental protections.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
There’s no better moment than right now to bring the G back to Forest Hills on weekends. Here’s why in @nyc.streetsblog.org: nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/01/27/m...
nyc.streetsblog.org
Memo to Mamdani: Bring Back the Weekend G Train to Forest Hills - Streetsblog New York City
John Surico calls om Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul and the MTA to restore weekend G train service to Forest Hills in Queens.
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Claire Valdez @claireforny.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The G train has 50,000 more daily riders than it did in 2010—when the MTA cut service between Long Island City and Forest Hills. @emilyassembly.bsky.social has led on this for years. I’m with her: bring it back. Read @johnsurico.bsky.social's s op-ed at @nyc.streetsblog.org.
nyc.streetsblog.org
Memo to Mamdani: Bring Back the Weekend G Train to Forest Hills - Streetsblog New York City
John Surico calls om Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul and the MTA to restore weekend G train service to Forest Hills in Queens.
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camillesquires.bsky.social @camillesquires.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Over at @skylightnyc.bsky.social, we start the year with a fascinating package of stories proving that energy-efficiency can adapt to NYC buildings' storied past. Deep, nuanced reporting from @johnsurico.bsky.social www.skylight.nyc/articles/edi...
skylight.nyc
At the Harlem River Houses, HVAC gets a history lesson | Skylight
A historic NYCHA development leaves behind steam heat for clean energy as part of a suite of new upgrades
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Excited to be in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social today w/former DEP hed Carter Strickland, where we argue climate—thriving (free!) parks, safe streets (for cheaper transit!) & flooding resiliency (to avoid disruption!)—is key to @mayor.nyc.gov's affordability agenda. www.crainsnewyork.com/op-ed/op-ed-...
crainsnewyork.com
Op-ed: How Mamdani can make NYC green AND affordable
The Mamdani administration has a generational opportunity to meld resiliency with affordability.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Next week, @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social will inherit a parks system burdened by budget cuts yet more popular than ever. Joined @katiehonan.bsky.social and Harry Siegal on @thecity.nyc's FAQNYC along w/NBK Parks and FMCP to chat $ and a new vision for parks. www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/22/p...
thecity.nyc
LISTEN: A Plan To Pay for Parks
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
A dream gig!
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
It's been a month in New York City, to say the least. Tried to cover as much of it as I could in the latest Streetbeat, with thoughts on the mayoral transition, *flooding*, storefront activations, and more! streetbeat.substack.com/p/streetbeat...
streetbeat.substack.com
Streetbeat, Vol. LXX
What makes a successful mayor?
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Helluva day to give a talk about New York City later tonight. Hope to see some folks there :)
t.co
https://luma.com/lfzhy7y1?utm_source=john
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StreetsPAC @streetspac.org · 30/10/2025
Great piece via @johnsurico.bsky.social on @streetfilms.bsky.social's Clarence Eckerson Jr., the OG and hardest-working man in livable-streets show business. hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...
hellgatenyc.com
The Livable Streets Revolution Has Been Televised—By This Guy
For more than two decades, Clarence Eckerson Jr.'s videos have shown that walkable, bike-friendly streets are possible. Now, he's thinking about hanging up his camera.
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Mike Lydon @mikelydon.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Love this well-deserved tribute to @streetfilms.bsky.social by @johnsurico.bsky.social @hellgateny.bsky.social! hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...
hellgatenyc.com
The Livable Streets Revolution Has Been Televised—By This Guy
For more than two decades, Clarence Eckerson Jr.'s videos have shown that walkable, bike-friendly streets are possible. Now, he's thinking about hanging up his camera.
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Clarence Eckerson Jr./Streetfilms @streetfilms.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Hey all! I hope you enjoy this @hellgatenyc.com article on me written by @johnsurico.bsky.social and my 20 years with Streetfilms (and even longer than that.) I got a little emotional from reading all the kind words. @openplans.org @nyc.streetsblog.org hellgatenyc.com/livable-stre...
hellgatenyc.com
The Livable Streets Revolution Has Been Televised—By This Guy
For more than two decades, Clarence Eckerson Jr.'s videos have shown that walkable, bike-friendly streets are possible. Now, he's thinking about hanging up his camera.
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Edward Russell @byerussell.com · 29/10/2025
E-bikes retail for $2,000 on average, a price point that deters some from investing in one. Companies like Upway are trying to establish a market for cheaper, used e-bikes and expand their accessibility to more would be riders. via @johnsurico.bsky.social
bloomberg.com
The Quest for a Cheaper E-Bike
As the number of battery-boosted bikes grows in the US, companies that refurbish second-hand cycles are looking to lower the barriers to bike ownership.
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Bike New York @bikenewyork.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
"If there was a way to make 31st Street even more dangerous than what it was, it’s what you have now: three lanes of parking on some stretches and a lack of clarity for drivers and cyclists" @nyc.streetsblog.org @johnsurico.bsky.social
nyc.streetsblog.org
Unfinished Astoria Bike Lane Languishes As Judge Delays Lawsuit Ruling - Streetsblog New York City
The completion of Astoria's 31st Street protected bike lane may get pushed to next year if a Queens judge doesn't make up her mind soon.
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Natural Areas Conservancy @naturalareasnyc.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Great feature by @johnsurico.bsky.social of @nycfuture.bsky.social and Nick Underwood in @nytimes.com that explores NYC's flood resiliency. Our #stormwater report, outlines how natural areas capture 17% of runoff in the city! Learn more: bit.ly/3LkkvHT Revisit the stormwater report: bit.ly/4qz3MB4
bit.ly
New York Is Going to Flood. Here’s What the City Can Do to Survive.
Adaptation is a matter of survival, and the city may have to throw every solution available at a worsening situation.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
The feature that gave Gotham its strength is one of the greatest challenges it faces today—confronting what feels like a near-existential threat perhaps the most profound test yet of its resiliency. Our @nytimes.com story asks: can we do it? www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
New York Is Going to Flood. Here’s What the City Can Do to Survive. (Gift Article)
Adaptation is a matter of survival, and the city may have to throw every solution available at a worsening situation.
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Dan Saltzstein @dansaltzstein.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Listen, there are loads of reasons to be pessimistic about NYC and flooding. Our aim with this piece, which we've been working on for months, was to lay out the possible solutions as they are, without being naive. I hope we've done that. Please read and share this gift link and lmk what you think.
nytimes.com
What New York Can Do to Survive Flooding (Gift Article)
Adaptation is a matter of survival, and the city may have to throw every solution available at a worsening situation.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Honored to be a part of it 💪 If you're an adjunct instructor at NYU, DM me to join the 230+ of us and counting! nyunews.com/news/2025/09...
nyunews.com
Part-time faculty union calls for paid family leave - Washington Square News
More than 100 members of NYU’s adjunct faculty union are demanding that the university amend its 2022 contract, currently set to expire in 2028, to include paid family leave. The move was announced ea...
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Kevin Duggan @kevinduggan.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Mayor Adams is set to announce the expansion of containerized garbage collection to Brooklyn Community Board 2, which includes areas like Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, and Boerum Hill
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The People’s Republic of Astoria @peoplesrepublicpod.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
TEASER TRAILER #02 Featuring the voices of: Magdalena Moranda, Ross Barkan, Michael Thomas Carter, @johnsurico.bsky.social, @michaellangenyc.bsky.social, and @sofaptekar.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/1zBG...
open.spotify.com
TEASER TRAILER #02
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Mike Lydon @mikelydon.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
I don’t cycle in Queens often so Friday afternoon was a great time to get a tour of the first two phases of 31st Avenue by @johnsurico.bsky.social! Highlights: 🚲 16’ wide bike lane segment 🚶 amount of new pedestrian space 🚦 bike signals placed at eye level 🤫 how calm and quiet the street is!
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Trucks! Cities can't live with them but can't live without them. So how do we deal? For @bloomberg.com, I look at weigh-in-motion technology (WIM) on NYC's BQE (and now elsewhere!) as one potential policy solution, amongst others. Much ado about the big rigs: www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
NYC Grapples With a Weighty Dilemma: What To Do About Trucks
Heavy tractor trailers strain highway bridges and deliver noise and pollution to urban communities. But cities like New York also depend on trucking.
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John Surico @johnsurico.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Excited for this!
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