Open Streets 2024 season kicks off across NYC
New York City’s open streets season is in full swing. The car-free Earth Day celebration on Saturday marked the start of 2024’s Open Streets program in the five boroughs, closing over 100 streets to vehicles and transforming them into safe public spaces for educational programs, recreation, and more. A list of participating locations can be found here, with additional ones to be announced throughout the summer.
This year, the city’s Department of Transportation is kicking off the season with 132 initial locations, including two dozen new locations. New locations include Audubon Avenue in Manhattan, Decatur Avenue in the Bronx, 62nd Street in Queens, and Bristol Street in Brooklyn.
Almost half of all 2024 Open Streets are located within neighborhoods with the greatest need thanks to a $30 million commitment to expand resources in underserved communities, according to the Department of Transportation.
There are three types of open streets:
Limited Local Access: Streets designated for pedestrian and cyclist use during set hours and days each week. Local vehicle access is permitted for parking, collecting or dropping off passengers, making deliveries and loading, Access-A-Ride vehicle access, or emergency vehicle access.
Full Closure: Streets that are temporarily closed to vehicles to allow for car-free activities that support local businesses, organizations, and schools and create a space for the public to gather. Emergency access and an emergency lane must be clear at all times.
Full Closure (Schools): Streets that are temporarily closed to vehicles to support schools during drop-off and pick-up hours, recess, and outdoor learning time.
MANHATTAN:
BROOKLYN:
QUEENS:
BRONX:
STATEN ISLAND:
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