NYC Summer Streets is going car-free, turning congested roads into pedestrian and bike-friendly paths

New York City is going car-free this summer, turning normally congested streets into pedestrian and cyclist-friendly roads. “Summer Streets is an opportunity that we have to give a break to our streets, not to have cars and trucks and those vehicles and open the streets for fitness, wellness, cultural, entertainments, walking,” Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, said. The annual tradition began in 2008 in Manhattan, closing almost 7 miles along Park Avenue and Lafayette Street to motorized vehicles. Summer Streets has expanded to all five boroughs. This year, the program has added over 22 miles of car-free roadways. NYC Summer Streets kicked off in Queens and Staten Island in July. “Now all New Yorkers of different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, they also can use our streets, not only to ride the bike, but also to walk, and also to enjoy the different cultural expression that are a big part of our city,” Rodriguez said. Summer Streets is part of a broader effort by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize equity in transportation. The event includes free fitness classes, bike-riding lessons, art installations, and performances, fostering a sense of community and promoting active lifestyles. Colby Oliver biked in from neighboring Long Island City and liked the idea of carless streets. “I think just the freedom to get on your bike, walk, run, whatever you want to do and not worry about cars in the way,” Oliver said. The streets are car-free from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. “I think it’s something I look forward to every single summer,” Erik Edeen said. “I’m a big runner and cyclist, and I like to be able to see the city from different angles that you usually don’t get to see when you’re constrained to just the sidewalks or some of the running paths.” This article was provided by The Associated Press.