A group of defiant adventure seekers glided through New York City on snowboards Saturday, dismissing a travel ban as a record-setting snowstorm blanketed the Big Apple.
YouTube vlogger and filmmaker Casey Neistat on Sunday uploaded a video showing him and a pal pulled by a car through Times Square and other parts of the city during the East Coast’s first major snowstorm of the season. The roughly 3-minute video was filmed after Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a travel ban in the afternoon, Neistat told TIME on Sunday. The footage begins with the mayor warning drivers to stay off the roads or face arrests.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Neistat, 34, of Tribeca. “We were the only cars on the streets, and there was more snow than we could handle. It seemed too opportune to pass up.”
The duo, at one point, garnered attention from an NYPD vehicle parked on the side of the street. An officer pulls them over but lets them go after saying, “We’re just going to act like we’re talking to you.” Another officer in Times Square also gave the group a warning, off-camera, but told them to stay safe, Neistat said.
“I was surprised, but I was happy that they realized we were just having fun and meant no harm,” Neistat said. “I love this city. It was just a wonderful day in the beautiful playground that is Manhattan.”
The NYPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment Sunday.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com