Video: Source of Tourist Sidewalk Lane Revealed

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.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in Arts & Entertainment on June 8, 2010 9:23 PM

Comments [rss]

matty

So let me get this straight...

They stole an idea, passed it off as someone elses and then pretended it was there idea all along...

why do people like this?

Chase

Somebody did this on 3rd St between A & B over a month ago.

Bakey

That was a test run for the 5th ave one

oinonio

We're ten years behind London, where an Ad agency pulled this stunt: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1049698.stm

sj

This couldn't have been their first attempt at this (or if it was, they blatantly ripped off someone else's idea). A couple months before this appeared on 5th Ave, I saw an identical installation on the lower east side somewhere. I don't remember what street, unfortunately, but I'm pretty sure it was on Rivington.

I remember getting a chuckle out of it at the time.

unamo

I am tired of "New Yorkers" trashing tourists. I put that in quotes because how many people that live in Manhattan and complain about tourists are actually from here? And for you real "New Yorkers" there should be a line down the sidewalk for you to walk to the right of just like when driving. I don't understand how hard of a concept this is and am tired of dodging people all over the sidewalk. Having lived in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens I can say this is something that I experience everywhere.

ur doing it rong

Born and raised.

ur doing it rong

forgot to add: so GTF out my way

jaycjay

I wonder how many people who thought this was cool when it first showed up on the sidewalk without attribution will suddenly decide that they hate it once they find out whose work it was.

ItchyGoiter

I still think it's cool and am a little disappointed that it was IE, but I also still think the group is lame. I can't quite put my finger on why I find it so annoying.

NannyState

Omg, I.E. seriously crossed the line...into humor.

kafkask

ha--- yeah, I was surprised, myself.

pointsguy

Holy shit, what an ingenious idea.

Seriously, thank you tourists for the money, but GTFO of the way.

matty

excuse me why i vomit all over my keyboard.

matty

i meant while, the vomit was just so slippery...

S.K.

So it wasn't Robert (Banksy) Banks after all? Good to know it was a local talent who made it, not a British invader.

Tower18

If you put on a reflective work vest and bark orders, you can get people do to anything.

That's what Ghostbusters 2 taught me.

wow 14th street

Well I was born here before world war 2 and I am

also still a tourist ,that's what i love about NYC

it keeps changing and it is a great place to be old in

as one here is not quite (due to age) that invisible and

alone,how can you be alone here? except if you are broke.