In NYC, Over 100 Streets Will Become Car-Free To Celebrate Earth Day

In case you forgot, Earth Day is just over a fortnight away, with the world scheduled to observe 24 hours dedicated to climate change awareness, conservation, and other ways of protecting Mother Earth. 

To mark this annual tradition, New York City’s Department of Transportation has announced its fifth Car-Free Earth Day, to be observed on Saturday, April 23, a day after the actual event. 

First started in 2016, this initiative means certain streets in Manhattan will be shut to traffic and converted into public plazas for pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses to mingle along with live music, dance performances, cultural activities, and educational workshops. 

This year’s event—the first since the pandemic in 2020—will expand the original layout to all five boroughs in the city, with over 100 streets, 22 plazas, and 1,000 miles of bike network connected into a walkable hub. 

“Earth Day is when we can all commit to protecting our Earth—and one way we can do that is by repurposing our roadways,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

“Car-Free Earth Day is a growing tradition that allows New York City’s car-free streets to come alive. The last two years—of open streets, open restaurants, the surge in cycling, and so much more—have only made us appreciate even more how much better we must treat Mother Earth,” he added. 

For information on all the activities taking place, head here.

[via EcoWatch and New York City Department of Transportation, cover image via New York City Department of Transportation]