Looking for a different way to see New York City? Tired of the over-crowded sidewalks? (Yeah, so are we.)
You're in luck! (And, again, so are we.) On August 2, 9, and 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., nearly seven miles of City streets will be closed to traffic and opened up for pedestrians to play, run, walk and bike. (Last year, more than 300,000 people took advantage of the open streets.)
Summer Streets is modeled on other events from around the world including Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia and the Paris Plage in France. The event is part bike tour, part walking tour and part block party. We hear there will be arts and crafts workshops, musical performances, salsa dance classes, food vendors…and, because it's summer and we have to go all-out, a 25-foot climbing wall, a 160-foot zipline and a "voice tunnel." (Here's a description of last year's tunnel.)
Summer Streets extends from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets, with easy access from all points in New York City, allowing participants to plan a trip as long or short as they wish. Bonus: All activities at Summer Streets are free of charge. Here's all the info you need to plan your weekend mornings...
Oh, but there's more. The New York City Department of Transportation is partnering again with community groups to present Weekend Walks – neighborhood events on multi-block stretches of commercial streets that will be (temporarily) closed to vehicles and opened to walking and other activities (think block parties). These multi-day events take place in all five boroughs through October. Local merchants' associations, community groups, and business improvement districts will host the Weekend Walks to highlight local businesses and cultural institutions. Take a look at the options here and start planning your walk through the city....