Friday Funny: The Solution for Distracted Walking

New York City's DOT recently launched a pilot program to make city streets safer for those texting while walking. Well not really. But for some trusting New Yorkers, “Seeing Eye People” is a service worth utilizing.

1 minute read

May 17, 2013, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Seeing Eye People 2

Joseph Lin / Improv Everywhere

"New York City-based prank collective Improv Everywhere recently pulled off a stunt where they posed as city workers providing a solution to the texting and walking epidemic in the city," writes Emma Hutchings. "Half of their team of sixty put on orange vests and became 'Seeing Eye People' who claimed to be part of a Department of Transportation pilot program."

"The other half walked along texting while attached to the Seeing Eye People by leashes. They were helped across the street without needing to take their eyes off their phones."

Check out the videos below to see the results, and make sure to watch the second to see which New Yorkers embraced the service.

Friday, May 3, 2013 in PSFK

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Smoke billows out of a power plant.

25 states, cities sue the EPA over erased power plant emissions limits

The coalition also intends to sue the EPA for not regulating emissions from gas-fired power plants.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Gavin Newsom speaks behind a podium and gestures with one hand.

Newsom vetoes giving CA tribes greater voice in water projects

In his veto letter, Newsom said the bill would add ‘uncertainty’ to the state’s fight to secure Californians’ water supplies.

7 hours ago - LA Times

The Leeland Dam, nestled between two buildings with pointed roofs. People watch the water.

Michigan Senate votes to revise 'lax' dam safety laws

A Bridge Michigan investigation found more than 100,000 Michigan residents live in the floodpath of a high or significant-hazard dam.

October 6 - The Associated Press

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design