Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
DOT Contacts:
press@dot.nyc.gov (212) 839-4850

NYC DOT Offers Public Space Programming at Open Streets and in Public Plazas Throughout October

Lyft will sponsor these programs, allowing for DOT’s partners to provide free performances and bike education workshops

NEW YORK— The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and Lyft today announced they will join forces to bring exciting programming via 10 pop up activations on various Open Streets, Open Boulevards and plazas during all five weekends in October. Neighborhoods include Washington Heights, Astoria, Kingsbridge, South Bronx and Mott Haven. Lyft's sponsorship will fund all the performances, giveaways and educational programming at these activations.

“Open Streets have fundamentally transformed the relationship New Yorkers have with their neighborhoods,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “We’re reclaiming space from cars while promoting educational and cultural activities and helping our neighbors embrace the bike boom in our city. I want to thank the communities, elected officials, and Lyft for supporting Open Streets, which are quickly becoming integral to our neighborhoods.”

"Open Streets are a critical way of promoting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by temporarily transforming our streets and showing what's possible -- from family gatherings and play areas to live performances, hands-on learning, and more. We are thrilled to support them," said Laura Fox, General Manager of Citi Bike at Lyft. "Together with our partners at NYCDOT, Lyft will be promoting Citi Bike as a fast, reliable and affordable transportation option at upcoming open streets events with group rides, bike education classes, activities and more -- excited to see you there!"

Lyft will maintain a branded presence at the location, promoting Citi Bike, and participants will have the opportunity to sign up for the service. Citi Bike has expanded to new neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx over the past two years. To celebrate, Lyft is offering Citi Bike riders in these neighborhoods 50% off the cost of an annual membership.

Full schedule of Open Street programming for October

Friday 10/1 from 2-5 P.M. : Plaza de las Americas in Washington Heights featuring Street Lab pop-up learning environments, including Play, a no touch obstacle course, and Street Maker, a drawing environment that uses chalk and other mediums.

Saturday 10/2 from 4:30-8 P.M. : Plaza de las Americas featuring Arts Angelitos Negros, a Black Vocal Arts Extravaganza

Friday 10/8 from 2-5 P.M. : Alexander Avenue Open Street in Mott Haven featuring Street Lab pop-up learning environments, including Play a no touch obstacle course, and Street Maker, a drawing environment that uses chalk and other mediums.

Saturday 10/9 from 2-5 P.M. : Alexander Avenue Open Street featuring a plant giveaway by The Horticultural Society of New York

Friday 10/15 from 5-8 P.M. : Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria featuring Street Lab pop-up learning environments, including Play, a no touch obstacle course, and Street Maker, a drawing environment that uses chalk and other mediums.

Saturday 10/16 from 5-8 P.M. : Ditmars Boulevard featuring Variety Arts entertainment by the Bindlestaff Family Cirkus

Friday 10/22 from 2-5 P.M. : Willis Avenue Open Street in the South Bronx featuring Street Lab pop-up learning environments, including Play, a no touch obstacle course, and Street Maker, a drawing environment that uses chalk and other mediums

Saturday 10/23 from 2-5 P.M. : Willis Avenue Open Street featuring a plant giveaway by The Horticultural Society of New York

Friday 10/29 from 2-5 P.M. : Tibett Avenue Open Street in Kingsbridge featuring Street Lab pop-up learning environments, including Play, a no touch obstacle course, and Street Maker, a drawing environment that uses chalk and other mediums

Saturday 10/30 from 2-5 P.M. : Tibett Avenue featuring a plant giveaway by The Horticultural Society of New York, and Variety Arts entertainment by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus

“I am happy to hear that DOT and Lyft will be working together to bring cultural performances and educational programming to communities across the City. Bike safety is critical, by providing informative educational workshops I hope that we’ll be able to give riders the confidence they need to continue riding their bikes more often, “ said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee. “I will continue work alongside DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman, Lyft, and advocates to ensure we continue bringing these cultural and educational resources to all communities throughout the five boroughs.”

“The Open Streets program was a bright light amid the darkness of the pandemic. We have learned to appreciate our spaces that were there all along, and this serves as a way for our neighbors to get together and walk the streets safely,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “I want to thank Lyft and NYCDOT for recognizing this great opportunity to heighten awareness of Open Streets, share activities for our community members, and provide education on alternative modes of transportation.”

“New York City’s Open Streets program just keeps on getting better and better,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. “Not only has the program reclaimed crucial public space for New Yorkers, to ride, roll, and relax on, but it has helped connect us all via programming with community partners. Thanks to Lyft for investing in the communities it is expanding into via Citi Bike. This is a great example of the programming my office’s report “The Future of Open Streets” has called for.”

“Since the pandemic hit our city, we have seen the need for having outdoor spaces in our own neighborhoods," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Transforming our streets into pop up cultural hubs will play an invaluable role in giving families and neighbors a safe place to gather, outdoors and close to home. I want to thank The Department of Transportation and Lyft for making this possible."

“The success of Open Streets has brought public space enhancements to neighborhoods across New York City and has transformed the symbiotic relationship our residents have with their neighborhoods,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “I commend the New York City Department of Transportation and Lyft for their continued efforts to promote educational and cultural activities among our residents through these incredibly crucial programs, and I look forward to Open Streets becoming an even more integral part of our neighborhoods.”

“As a bike rider myself, I celebrate the Open Streets initiative, which puts people ahead of cars, promoting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by hosting free public art installations, performances, and other activities for our communities. It allows neighbors to come together and reclaim spaces from cars while promoting educational and cultural activities in a way that is safe and protected from vehicle traffic. I also want to thank the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) for transforming La Plaza de las Americas in Washington Heights for a couple of days, showing what's possible by bringing performances and bike education workshops to the community!” said State Senator Robert Jackson.