New York City Clears Summer Streets

New York City began a new program two weeks ago called Summer Streets. The program closes down 7 miles of streets so that bicyclists, walkers and joggers could enjoy a traffic- and noise-free section of the city. The program began August 9^th, continued last weekend on the 16^th and will finish next weekend on the 23^rd. The streets are closed from 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Other activities besides running, walking and bicycling take place within the 7 mile stretch. Organized activities such as aikido, salsa dancing, tai-chi, rollerblading and hopscotch are just a few of the activities taken on during the summer Street program. The actual Summer Streets are from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park along Lafayette St, 4^th Ave, Park Ave and 72^nd St.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is very excited about this new project: “We're going to embark on a grand experiment that could dramatically alter the way we use and look at the streets of New York. Streets that are normally tied up with cars and trucks will be turned over to the public--so that we can experience this city as never before. If the program works, we'll strongly consider doing it again; maybe we'll try it in other parts of the city. If it doesn't work, we won't, but we can't be afraid to find out."

Many organizations are participating in the program; DOT will provide bike helmets to riders while supplies last, NY Runners will lead running groups at varying skill levels and Bike NY will hold classes for beginners young and old. Other vendors will rent or give test rides on bikes, and even bike repair will be available to those who bring their own bicycle down to the event. There will also be a main stage on 24^th Street which will house live music and other performances.

There are also three rest stops along the route which have schedules for the aforementioned activities such as aikido and salsa dancing between the hours of 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM.