Summer Streets 2016 Gets Started Tomorrow
If you're old enough to remember when Summer Streets -- which begins tomorrow -- was a wild new idea, it probably won't surprise you that this isn't the first year we've pointed out that Summer Streets has become a completely normal thing.
For some time now, New Yorkers have wondered when DOT would improve on the city's premier car-free event, and next Saturday "Shared Streets" will limit motor vehicle traffic in a 60-block area of the Financial District. This is a big deal, and it could serve as an informal pilot for future street space reclamations.
From a DOT Shared Streets email blast that went out this week:
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will be encouraged to share the streets of lower Manhattan and take the time to rediscover the commerce, culture, and history in this special district. DOT will distribute a custom WalkNYC map highlighting points of interest in the district along with the schedule of walking tours and cultural programming in plazas, parks, and open spaces.
That's next week. Tomorrow, Summer Streets 2016 is the same as it ever was, which is still pretty great: Seven miles of Lafayette Street and Park Avenue, between the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, will be car-free from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Have fun out there.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog New York City
Tuesday’s Headlines: Valley of Political Death Edition
Did you see the new poll showing congestion pricing is really unpopular? Ignore it! Good times are coming. Plus other news in today's headlines.
Open Streets Groups Warn of Extra Red Tape to Run Events
Two weeks notice for hopscotch or a yoga class?
Monday’s Headlines: A Federal Case over Parking Edition
We're flicking our bicycle bell over a big scoop last week that no one picked up on...yet. Plus other news.
Hochul, Legislators Reach Toll Evasion Crackdown Deal
Higher fines for covering a plate and for not paying tolls are part of the budget deal inked on Saturday.
Behind the Scenes: How Gov. Hochul Got ‘Sammy’s Law’ Over the Finish Line
Opponents didn't want to put their name on a no vote for the life-saving measure.
