New York City’s Car-Free Earth Day is back! This April, the NYC DOT is reclaiming the streets from traffic and handing them over to pedestrians, cyclists, and local artists. Whether you want to stroll through Times Square without dodging taxis or snag a free Citi Bike ride, this is one of the city’s best spring traditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about NYC’s Car-Free Earth Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
🗓️ When Is Car-Free Earth Day?
This year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn says:
Car-Free Earth Day is a reminder that we only have one planet—and that our streets play a critical role in our fight against climate change.
🚲 How To Get Free Citi Bike Rides
To celebrate the 56th anniversary of Earth Day, Citi Bike is offering unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes for a full 24 hours.
- The Code: CARFREENYC26
- How to Redeem: Enter the code in the “Day Pass” tab of the Citi Bike app
- The Fun: This is the perfect way to explore the 1,000 miles of NYC’s Bike Network without the usual car congestion
📍 Signature Locations: Where To Go
While over 50 streets will be involved, the DOT has designated “Signature Event” hubs in every borough featuring major programming:
Manhattan
- Broadway: From 17th Street (Union Square) all the way up to 46th Street (Times Square)
- St. Nicholas Avenue: 181st Street to 185th Street
- Dyckman Street: Broadway to La Marina/Inwood Hill Park
Brooklyn
- Fifth Avenue: 41st Street to 45th Street
Queens
- Woodside Avenue: 75th Street to 78th Street
The Bronx
- East 188th Street: Grand Concourse to Valentine Avenue
Staten Island
- Port Richmond Avenue: Castleton Avenue to Bennett Street
🎨 Public Art & Programming
It’s not just about walking; it’s about the experience. This year, the NYC DOT Art program has commissioned several immersive installations:
- NYC Art Stop Letters: A “car-free urban utopia” design by illustrator Molly Magnell
- An Indicating Cycle: An interactive sculptural book by Duy Hoàng where you can turn pages to learn about climate-sensitive species
- The Plastic Sea: An immersive installation by Frahydel Falczuk where you can weave non-recyclable plastic into a giant “ocean wave” to protest waste
🚶 Why This Matters
The event isn’t just a party–it’s a preview of the city’s future. The NYC DOT is currently using the Open Streets program to permanently redesign major corridors like Broadway and 34th Avenue to prioritize people over cars.
Want to host your own? Applications for the 2026 Open Streets season are officially open! Community groups and schools can apply at nyc.gov/OpenStreets.