Video showing shocking state of New York sidewalks goes viral
Casey Neistat’s TikTok of a crumbling New York City sidewalk has attracted more than 20 million views
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York City’s crumbling sidewalks have been laid bare in a viral TikTok.
Social media personality Casey Neistat shared a clip as he presses his foot down on a section of cracked city pavement.
Within seconds, the concrete gives way to expose a gaping hole and rusted underground piping.
“Gotta watch out on New York City sidewalks,” a caption reads on the TikTok, which racked up more than 20 million views within 24 hours.
Mr Neistat, 42, illustrates the depth of the hazard by putting his arm into the hole.
His clip struck a nerve among New Yorkers, receiving more than 26,000 comments as reactions ranged from shock to grim humour about the city’s soaring rental prices.
“Don’t let NYC landlords see this. They’ll be advertising a 1 bed studio with a skylight for $3k/mo,” one commenter wrote.
Others suggested he could have fallen in and sued the city for damages.
The clip appears to have been filmed on Broadway in Tribeca, one of Manhattan’s chicest neighbourhoods.
New York’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for ensuring the city’s 12 million miles of sidewalk are safe. It relies on property owners to maintain sidewalks beside their property, including carrying out repairs and clearing snow and ice.
The department confirmed to the New York Post that the viral TikTok was legit, and said it had issued the property owner responsible for its maintenance a violation notice.
The area around the hole has been barricaded for pedestrian safety, it said.
The Independent has contacted the DOT for more information.
Mr Neistat has more than 15 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, X and Instagram, where his videos capturing daily life in New York City often attract millions of views.
Over a trailblazing 20-year career, Mr Niestat has filmed viral videos that show when to use the emergency brake cord on the New York Subway, captured himself snowboarding on snow-filled streets, and criticised the NYPD for ticketing cyclists who ride outside of bike lanes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments