What’s next for public health in a post-Bloomberg NYC?

In the five years since the BMJ reported on the bold approach being adopted in New York City by its mayor, Michael Bloomberg, the city has continued to push ahead on public health. After the bans on smoking in public places and trans fats in restaurant foods, came 200 miles of cycle lanes, a bike share scheme and 500 “Green Cart” permits for mobile fruit and vegetable vendors. The health department has tried to reduce sugary drink intakes through a public information campaign and by proposing a limit on the portion size of sugary drinks. Not always universally popular, derided by libertarian commentators, and under constant attack from vested interests, these measures have earned Michael Bloomberg and the city’s health department admiration from the international public health community.