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New York is hitting pause on traffic, at least for a few hours. On April 25, from 10am to 4pm, the New York City Department of Transportation will once again transform more than 50 streets across the five boroughs into pedestrian-only zones for its annual Car-Free Earth Day.
First launched in 2016, the initiative has grown from a handful of Manhattan blocks into a sprawling, citywide celebration of sustainability, reclaiming roadways for walkers, cyclists and community programming. This year’s edition promises car-free corridors, public art, live performances and environmental education, all designed to spotlight the role city streets play in combating climate change.
“Car-Free Earth Day is a reminder that we only have one planet—and that our streets play a critical role in our fight against climate change,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn in a statement. “Transportation is the second biggest source of carbon emissions in New York City, and finding ways to make clean transportation options quicker, easier, and more affordable is key. We encourage all New Yorkers to come out to enjoy temporary public art, programming, music, and other activities at dozens of car-free streets around New York City.”
Among the stretches going car-free in Manhattan will be Broadway from 17th to 46th Streets in Manhattan, St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights from 181st Street to 185th Street and Dyckman Street from Broadway to La Marina/Inwood Hill Park.
The day also features interactive programming. The DOT’s Art program will roll out new installations, including Frahydel Falczuk's The Plastic Sea, a large-scale piece exploring ocean plastic waste, and Duy Hoàng's An Indicating Cycle, a sculptural book highlighting climate-sensitive species. And NYC Art Stop Letters will also return with an original design by illustrator Molly Magnell.
There’s also a practical perk: Thanks to Lyft, Citi Bike will offer unlimited 30-minute rides on classic bikes for 24 hours, making it easier than ever to cruise between neighborhoods without a car.
More than just a pleasant break from honking horns, Car-Free Earth Day doubles as a preview of what a less car-dependent New York could look like. With access to over 1,000 miles of bike network and a growing number of Open Streets, the event turns the entire city into a temporary playground, as well as a compelling argument for a greener way forward.
Manhattan
Broadway: 17th Street to 46th Street
St. Nicholas Avenue: 181st Street to 185th Street
Dyckman Street: Broadway to La Marina/Inwood Hill Park
Queens
Woodside Avenue: 75th Street to 78th Street
Brooklyn
Fifth Avenue: 41st Street to 45th Street
The Bronx
East 188th Street: Grand Concourse to Valentine Avenue
Staten Island
Port Richmond Avenue: Castleton Avenue to Bennett Street