What better way to celebrate Earth Day than en plein air, strolling the gorgeous streets of NYC traffic-free?
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the return of NYC’s annual Car-Free Earth Day event on Saturday, April 22.
Routes will span across the five boroughs, typically restricting car traffic from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while connecting over 1,000 miles of bike network, plazas and Open Streets.
Environmental programming will be found along the route, put on by city agencies and community organizations, to educate people on sustainability, climate change and to encourage environmental activism.
Activations include healthy eating demos, an urban design workshop, animal trivia, and biofact presentations, just to name a few!
Citi Bike will even offer free, unlimited 30-minute rides on the Open Streets (for classic bikes only), just us the promo code CARFREE23 in the Citi Bike app.
“This celebration offers an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy activities at dozens of locations in communities around New York City. It also serves as a reminder that we only have one planet — and we must all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and pay homage to the one beautiful planet we have,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez.
Those who partake and celebrate in the streets will be able to enjoy thrilling performances by local artists. In the past, the Mazarte Dance Company and Silver Shoes Dance Club have partnered with NYC DOT for the event.
“Earth Day is when we can all commit to protecting our Earth – and one way we can do that is by repurposing our roadways. Car-Free Earth Day is a growing tradition that allows NYC’s car-free streets to come alive,” previously stated NYC DOT Commissioner, Ydaniz Rodriguez.
Here’s a look at this year’s signature locations
Manhattan
Dyckman Street
Route: Broadway to La Marina
St. Nicholas Avenue
Route: 181st Street to 190th Street
Broadway
Route: East 17th Street to West 42nd Street
Brooklyn
Troutman Street
Route: St. Nicholas Avenue to Irving Avenue
Queens
Woodside Avenue
Route: 76th Street to 79th Street
The Bronx
Willis Avenue & Roberto Clemente Plaza
Route: 147th Street to 148th Street
Staten Island
Minthorne Street
Route: Bay Street to Victory Boulevard
Learn more about the event here.