Open Streets

Friday Video: A Brief Look At What Austin Street Could Be

Check out what a safer, better, more vibrant Austin Street could look like.

By Dave Colon

12:02 AM EDT on September 19, 2025

Friday Video: A Brief Look At What Austin Street Could Be

It's going to be less stressful for voluntee. Streetfilms

Crowds regularly flock to Austin Street, a commercial stretch in Forest Hills, despite the fact that actually walking around the area can feel like such a burden.

With narrow sidewalks and two-way car traffic, pedestrians not only get the squeeze, but they also need to deal with drivers making unsafe moves in an attempt to get around. For one glorious afternoon — Austin Day on Sunday, Sept. 14 — Austin Street went pedestrian-only, showing the potential of the people-first version of the block that neighborhood activists have pitched for years.

The one-day open street was created by Neighbors For A Safer Austin Street to “show everyone what a safer, better, more vibrant Austin Street could look like,” according to founder Pedro Rodriguez.

Mission accomplished, as you can see in today’s video:

Dave Colon

Dave Colon is a reporter from Long Beach, a barrier island off of the coast of Long Island that you can bike to from the city. It’s a real nice ride. He’s previously been the editor of Brokelyn, a reporter at Gothamist, a freelance reporter and delivered freshly baked bread by bike.

Friday Video | Open Streets

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