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Video: Source of Tourist Sidewalk Lane <em>Revealed</em>
By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 8, 2010
Modified Jun 9, 2010
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By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 8, 2010
Modified Jun 9, 2010
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Remember that mysterious sidewalk lane separating tourists from New Yorkers that quickly became "the talk of the Internet" last month? After intense speculation about who was behind the gag, the pranksters have finally revealed themselves: It was Improv Everywhere, of course. This funny video shows them posing as DOT workers installing the "pilot" project, then enforcing the tourist/New Yorker separation, and even soliciting public comment from pedestrians about the project.
Our favorite part is probably when one tourist tries to convince the DOT enforcers that he's fast enough for the New Yorker lane, and they tell him, "Nope, doesn't matter. Statistically you walk slow." Also, isn't it great how easily everybody just submits to the new rules, no questions asked? If you put on a reflective work vest and bark orders, you can get people to do anything.
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improv everywhere
sidewalk
tourist lane
tourists
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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