Summer Streets returns to NYC with 20 miles of open space
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Summer Streets now spans across all five boroughs, including a new location in Harlem, to provide summer fun to all New York City residents.
With more than 20 miles of car-free streets over five Saturdays across all five boroughs, this year's program is the largest since the Summer Streets launched in 2008.
The event in Harlem offers free giveaways, like bike helmets, in order to educate residents about street safety.
Things started off this year in Queens and Staten Island.
"We encourage everyone that day to wake up early that day to start walking, using their bikes," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "There's going to be great entertainment, cultural performances happening also along those avenues."
Various city officials, like Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ed Pincar, showed their support at Saturday's event.
The Summer Streets events are fun for the whole family. Deputy Director of Older Adults Outreach Eric Miu says anyone can enjoy the day's activities.
More than 500,000 people walked, ran, cycled or played on Summer Streets last year.
The overall aim for the program is to provide vibrant public spaces across the city.
Summer Streets this year will operate during its traditional hours between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the following dates and streets:
Saturday, August 5, 12, and 19: Manhattan
Summer Streets in Brooklyn will travel along Eastern Parkway, from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue, connecting Prospect Heights and Brownsville along the same route as the Caribbean Day Parade.
The program ran in Queens in late July.
WABC is an official broadcast partner of Summer Streets.
