NYC DOT Announces Initial 2024 Open Streets, Programing for Car-Free Earth Day

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2024
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NYC DOT Announces Initial 2024 Open Streets, Programing for Car-Free Earth Day

NYC DOT unveils more than 130 initial locations for 2024 Open Streets, with more to come throughout the year

Car-Free Earth Day programming to include live music, arts and culture experiences, fitness and health activities, environmental educational panels, and free One-Day Passes with Citi Bike citywide

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the launch of the Open Streets season with more than 130 initial Open Streets to come online this spring, as well as programing details for this year's annual Open Streets: Car Free Earth Day (CFED) on Saturday, April 20, which features 53 car-free streets and plazas throughout the five boroughs - the largest CFED event to date. Presented by WABC, this year's CFED connects Open Streets and plazas while providing access to over 1,000 miles of NYC's Bike Network, with each location showcasing public art or community programming-a significant increase from the 30 locations featured in the 2023 event. Additionally, NYC DOT will extend car-free operations by one hour, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"This year's monumental Car-Free Earth Day celebration will feature an array of exciting programming, music, and activities across numerous car-free streets throughout New York City," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Our largest Open Street activation in New York City's history should be a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to combat climate change and to our fellow New Yorkers as we work together to minimize our carbon footprint so that we can pave the way for a brighter future for our planet and future generations."

Car-Free Earth Day makes select city streets car-free and promotes activism and education surrounding climate change, environmentalism, and sustainable modes of transportation. The event also marks the official start of the city's Open Streets and Public Space Programming season, with the launch of Open Street locations across the city. This year, NYC DOT is beginning the Open Streets 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. A full list of initial Open Street locations can be found on the NYC DOT website, with more locations to be announced this summer.

Through NYC DOT's commitment to equity, the agency has allocated $30 million in expanded resources to support public spaces like plazas and Open Streets in underserved communities. As part of that commitment, nearly half of 2024 Open Streets-41 percent-are located in areas with the greatest need.

Car-Free Earth Day Featured Programming

More information on all Car-Free Earth Day locations can be found at nyc.gov/carfreenyc.

• At Times Square Plaza in Manhattan NYC DOT will be partnering with Shared Studios to host an educational activation aiming to engage activists, educators, city planners, and transportation leaders from around the world in discussions on climate change, sustainability, and community building for more sustainable cities. The portal features 90-minute sessions with other cities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. discussing sanitation, global Open Street efforts, sustainable development, and equity.
• Herald Square Plaza in Manhattan will showcase Indian cultural art, Chinese cultural activities, flower crown making, emergency light crafting, street tape art, and live music performances.
• St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan will come alive with live performances by Rubio del Acordeón, featuring merengue concerts and music ranging from DJ sets to R&B bands. Activities include accordion and tambourine classes, skateboarding, rollerblading, outdoor volleyball, soccer, rock climbing, and chess.
• In Midtown Manhattan, visitors can enjoy the EcoHarmony art installation by Natalie Colette Wood, and the Kelp Parade art installation and activation by Amanda Thackray and Wendell Jeffrey, join a spin bike activation, attend a learn-to-ride bike class for kids, take part in a screen printmaking workshop, and witness live mural painting. EcoHarmony will be at 38th St and Broadway and the Kelp Parade will depart Broadway and 22nd Street at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• At Flatiron Plaza and Shared Streets, attendees can engage in an interactive climate change experience with Space to the People, learn about cycling education, groove to live jazz and swing music, and participate in dance classes.
• Union Square Plaza in Manhattan will host park advocacy with New Yorkers for Parks, sustainability programming, and pedestrian and public transportation advocacy with Transportation Alternatives, along with various arts and crafts activities.
• Dyckman Street in Manhattan will offer helmet fittings, a rock-climbing wall, pet fostering and adoption with The Good Life Dog Rescue, face painting, and youth programming.
• E 188th Street in the Bronx, will feature a rock-climbing wall, rollerblading, biking, balloon sculptures, outdoor volleyball, batting cages, and other youth activities, along with live DJ sets and performances ranging from salsa to African music.
• Woodside Avenue Open Street in Queens will host a Chinese calligraphy workshop, henna and arts and crafts by Save the People, classical guitar activations, fitness classes, Afro-Caribbean Dance workshops, painting sessions, tai-chi sessions, and performances by live DJs, Afro Jazz bands, Indian Dance Groups, and Colombian bands.
• On 5th Avenue in Brooklyn, visitors can enjoy interactive pop-ups, climate activities, rock climbing walls, bead making, and live performances spanning rock, jazz, and mariachi music.
• Port Richmond Avenue on Staten Island will feature environmental and garden activations, bee interactions, book trucks for reading, watercolor painting, rock climbing walls, Native American music, Zumba classes, performances by mariachi bands, live DJs, jazz bands, and African dance groups.

Discover Lyubava Kroll's Keep NYC Green signs on streetlight poles along all Car-Free Earth Day Signature Location routes.

Through the support of Lyft, on Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day, Citi Bike will offer unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours. Riders can take advantage of the offer by entering the promo code CARFREE24 of the Daypass tab of the Citi Bike app.

"This Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate our city's open space and a reminder of how we can all contribute to a more sustainable New York. I encourage everyone to spend time on an Open Street, take a free Citi Bike ride, and check out the signature art exhibitions showcasing our commitment to a greener, more vibrant future," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "Congratulations to DOT Commissioner Rodriguez for building on the success of and continuing to grow Car Free Earth Day."

"As a passionate advocate for cycling, I find deep appreciation in witnessing the spread of Car-Free Earth Day throughout our urban landscape. It stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to elevating pedestrians and cyclists, propelling us towards a verdant and sustainable future. The New York City Department of Transportation's initiative is nothing short of transformative, heralding a shift away from vehicular dominance and towards a planet imbued with vitality," said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. "These car-free streets emerge as conduits of opportunity, knitting together communities in a collective ode to environmental guardianship and the quest for enduring sustainability."

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