New York City is making around 20 miles of its streets car-free on various Saturdays this summer as part of its “Summer Streets” initiative expansion, Mayor Eric Adams announced in Queens on Monday.
The initiative, which was first launched in 2008, will see large sections of roadways in each borough blocked off from vehicular traffic on five Saturdays over the course of July and August.
The program seeks to create more open space for New Yorkers to safely enjoy the warm weather in the densely populated city.
Mayor Adams and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez made the announcement at a press conference on June 12 on the corner of Vernon Boulevard and 21st Avenue in Long Island City. They were joined by elected officials, local leaders as well as bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups.