New York City Sidewalk Hazard Exposed in Viral TikTok Video
A TikTok video showcasing the crumbling sidewalks of New York City has gone viral, drawing attention to a dangerous hazard. The video, posted by social media personality Casey Neistat, demonstrates the precarious state of the city’s infrastructure as Neistat presses his foot down on a cracked section of pavement. Within seconds, the concrete gives way to reveal a gaping hole and rusted underground piping. The TikTok quickly gained traction, amassing over 20 million views in just 24 hours.
New Yorkers were quick to react to the video, expressing shock and offering wry commentary on the city’s exorbitant rental prices. One commenter humorously remarked, Don’t let NYC landlords see this. They’ll be advertising a 1 bed studio with a skylight for $3k/mo. Others suggested that Neistat could have fallen into the hole and sued the city for damages.
Filmed on Broadway in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, the viral TikTok has garnered attention from New York’s Department of Transportation (DOT). The department, responsible for sidewalk safety across the city’s vast network of 12 million miles, confirmed the legitimacy of the video and issued a violation notice to the property owner responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. In the interest of pedestrian safety, the area surrounding the hole has been barricaded.
Casey Neistat, with over 15 million followers on various social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, X, and Instagram, frequently captures daily life in New York City through his videos. Throughout his groundbreaking 20-year career, Neistat has filmed numerous viral videos, covering topics such as when to use the emergency brake cord on the New York Subway, snowboarding on snow-filled streets, and criticizing the NYPD for ticketing cyclists riding outside of bike lanes.
As New York’s DOT investigates this particular sidewalk hazard, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining infrastructure in a bustling metropolis like New York City. With property owners responsible for sidewalk upkeep, including repairs and snow/ice clearance, the issue of deteriorating sidewalks is one that concerns both residents and visitors alike. As this story continues to unfold, it raises questions about the overall state of New York City’s sidewalks and the steps that must be taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians in the future.
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