Empire State Review Contributor 
New York City has unveiled its most ambitious Summer Streets program to date, transforming over 22 miles of roadways into car-free zones across all five boroughs. Announced on July 3, 2025, by Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Transportation (DOT), the initiative aims to promote outdoor activities, community engagement, and sustainable transportation throughout the summer months.
For the first time, the program will feature a continuous car-free route spanning the entire length of Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Dyckman Street in Inwood. This expansion allows residents and visitors to traverse the city on foot or by bicycle without the interference of vehicular traffic, offering a unique perspective of New York’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.
“This summer, ‘We Outside,’ and we’re bringing everyone with us,” Mayor Adams stated. “From the Brooklyn Bridge to Inwood—and across all five boroughs—New Yorkers will have more space than ever to walk, bike, run, and connect with their neighbors in their communities at our Summer Streets events.”
The 2025 Summer Streets program will operate on five consecutive Saturdays, from July 26 through August 23, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Each Saturday will spotlight different boroughs, providing tailored experiences and activities:
- July 26: Queens (Vernon Boulevard from 44th Drive to 30th Road) and Staten Island (Forest Avenue from Broadway to Bard Avenue).
- August 2, 9, and 16: Manhattan (Brooklyn Bridge to Dyckman Street via Lafayette Street, Park Avenue, 110th Street, and Broadway).
- August 23: Brooklyn (Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue) and the Bronx (Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway).
In addition to providing open streets for walking, cycling, and recreation, the program will feature a variety of free activities, including fitness classes, art installations, and live performances. The DOT has partnered with local artists and organizations to create interactive experiences that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.
Notably, two public art installations will debut during the events: “Friends and Follies” by Mookntaka, featuring playful inflatable sculptures, and “Collective Bloom” by Acrylicize, an interactive sculpture designed to harness human energy to initiate change. These installations aim to engage participants and encourage community interaction.
To further promote accessibility and sustainable transportation, Citi Bike, in partnership with Lyft, will offer free 24-hour day passes for classic bikes during the Summer Streets events. Participants can redeem the passes using the code LYFTSUMMER25 in the Citi Bike app.
The Summer Streets program, first launched in 2008, has grown significantly over the years, with the 2025 iteration marking the most extensive expansion to date. The initiative aligns with the city’s broader efforts to enhance urban livability, reduce carbon emissions, and foster community engagement through the repurposing of public spaces.
“New York City’s largest public space is our streets,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “When summer finally arrives, we want New Yorkers to be out in the streets—walking, biking, dancing, and connecting with our neighbors. Summer Streets captures that excitement by activating our streets and transforming them into public spaces that reflect the energy and diversity of our communities.”
As the city continues to adapt and innovate in response to urban challenges, the Summer Streets program stands as a testament to New York’s commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable public spaces for all residents and visitors to enjoy.
