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

Category: (Self-Study) Human Interest

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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 and video were provided by The Associated Press.

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[Cyclist point of view along the street closure during New York City’s Summer Streets program in Queens]

[Sign to people running on the car-free street]

[Runners on the streets of Queens]

Ydanis Rodriguez (interview): “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. So that’s what these five Saturday from seven to 3 p.m. will be happening in the city, from Staten Island to Queens to Brooklyn to the Bronx, to Manhattan.”

[Summer Streets jazz performers]

[Kids painting]

[People hula-hooping]

Ydanis Rodriguez (interview): “Summit Streets is only one small aspect of the whole vision that we have in New York City, to reimagine the use of public space.”

[People posing for a picture with large NYC letters]

[Unicyle rider]

Ydanis Rodriguez (interview): “That 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 expressions that are a big part of our city.”

[Person holding a ‘GO’ sign as runners pass]

[People running as the heat rises off the streets]

Jessica Edeen (interview): “Yeah, it’s so great this morning. We did a little run and it’s just a nice way to get the family out early in the morning and nice to have open roads. My daughter’s asking like, why are we allowed to be in the street? So she’s having a good time.”

[Person taking a water break]

[Runners]

Jessica Edeen (interview): “Yeah, I’m glad we got out early because it wasn’t too bad this morning. And now, you know, later in the day it starts to get a little bit hotter, warmer, so we go inside, but it’s nice that the streets are open early.”

[Jessica and Erik Edeen and their family walking]

[Dog in a bike basket with tongue out]

Erik Edeen (interview): “I think it’s something I look forward to every single summer. 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, which are great, but the city streets just offer a new opportunity to get out and see parts of the city, from a different angle.”

[A person getting on a bike]

[Kids playing with a giant puzzle]

Nichole Arbelaez (interview): “I think it’s a really good initiative that the city has done. Like this morning, me and my mom were a part of the friendly race that they did, and they have a lot of activities along the road for families and for kids, so I think its a really great thing that they’re doing.”

[Summer Street closure sign]

Nichole Arbelaez (interview): “I think it’s actually really humid this morning. While we were racing, I think it was a little bit harder because of the humidity. So that’s a little tough.”

[Person riding a unicycle]

Colby Oliver (interview): “I think just the freedom to get on your bike, walk, run, whatever you want to do if I have to worry about cars in the way. So it’s a very relaxing time to get out and enjoy the weather.”

[A group playing the drums]

[People enjoying the festival atmosphere at Summer Streets]

This script was provided by The Associated Press.