Mayor Adams Kicks Off “Summer Of Possibility” By Announcing Largest-Ever Summer Streets

June 25, 2024

Watch the video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGjp5LZdIoY

Summer Streets Will Extend Two Extra Hours, Lengthening Operating Time for First Time Since Program Launched in 2008 

New Yorkers Will Again Enjoy Nearly 20 Miles of Car-Free Streets and Programming in All Five Boroughs Over Five Saturdays in July and August

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today kicked off the city’s "Summer of Possibility," a celebration of New York City’s unrivaled summer offerings at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is more livable than when the Adams administration came into office. The Adams administration launched the Summer of Possibility by starting with an event hosted by New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez to announce the city’s largest-ever Summer Streets program with expanded operating hours in all five boroughs for the first time since the program’s launch in 2008. This year, nearly 20 miles of Summer Streets corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists for eight hours (from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM) — a 33 percent expansion from previous years. The extended time represents the Adams administration’s continued commitment to the beloved summer program, building on the 2023 expansion that, for the first time, brought Summer Streets to all five boroughs after operating exclusively in Manhattan.

From the largest-ever summer streets and open restaurants programs to expanded Summer Rising hours, new cooling centers, and investments in pools across the city, the Adams administration is continuing to ensure that there has never been a better time to enjoy summer in New York City. New Yorkers can visit the Summer of Possibility website for more information on free cultural and parks events, open beaches and pools, as well as hiring halls, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, and more.

“New York City is back — and with our Summer of Possibility — there has never been a better time to enjoy the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Whether you want to find a new job, enjoy a summer concert, enjoy our largest-ever summer streets program, or take part in so much more our city has to offer, our administration is working every day to ensure our city is working to give you the summer you want and deserve. This city is full of possibilities!”

“New York City summers sizzle,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Enjoy the hottest block party in the nation, with nearly 20 miles of car-free ‘Summer Streets.’ Afterwards, cool off in one of our dozens of pools, miles of beaches, or sprinkler playgrounds. There is non-stop fun on our boardwalks, and picnics and concerts to be enjoyed in every New Yorker’s backyard — the 30,000 acres of our city’s park system and green spaces. Stop by the city’s public plazas for meetings and markets, breezy miles made easy in the nation’s largest bike lane network, and public bathrooms so you can go when you are on the go. And check out how we get it all done in our ‘Realm of Possibility’ report!”

“Summer Streets shows New Yorkers how joyful and pleasant our streets become when we reallocate just a portion of our roads for people to stroll, bike, and play. Under the Adams administration, we've been working to make Summer Streets better and better with expansions year after year,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “We thank our sister agencies, program, partners, elected officials, and advocates for their support behind these historic expansions.”

“Nothing beats summertime in New York City. From outdoor dining to open streets and countless free outdoor events, it’s the best time to celebrate the city’s collective energy, which is best felt and enjoyed in our public spaces,” said New York City Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “We hope to see you all outside enjoying a New York City summer!”

More than 500,000 people walked, ran, cycled, or played on Summer Streets last year, in the program’s first year operating in all five boroughs. This year’s program will represent the most ambitious version of Summer Streets since its launch in 2008 and brings a continued focus on spreading programming out equitably throughout the city. Summer Streets will return for five Saturdays from July 27 through August 24. Car-free routes remain the same for the five boroughs — with the exception of a new route launching on Staten Island. This year, DOT released an open call to select up to two pieces of dynamic and engaging artwork along the Summer Streets route to be installed as one-day activations throughout all five event dates. More details on each route can be found below and online.

Images from 2023’s Summer Streets program. Credit: NYC DOT.

Saturday, July 27: Queens and Staten Island

Queens: Summer Streets will run along Vernon Boulevard, from 44th Drive to 30th Drive. The program will allow users to enjoy the entire Queens waterfront in Long Island City and Astoria.

Staten Island: Summer Streets will run along Broadway from Richmond Terrace to Clove Road. This new location will run through West Brighton, connecting attendees from Clove Lakes Park to Corporal Thompson Park.

Saturday, August 3, 10, and 17: Manhattan

Manhattan: Summer Streets will run from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way into Harlem, traveling along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue up to 109th Street; on Central Park North from Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard; and along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 110th Street to 125th Street.

Saturday, August 24: Bronx and Brooklyn

Bronx: Summer Streets will run along Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway. This program will open a major car-free corridor to people from the west Bronx to the north Bronx.

Brooklyn: Summer Streets will run along Eastern Parkway, from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue. It will connect Prospect Heights and Brownsville along the same route as the Labor Day Caribbean Day Parade — one of the city’s most popular annual events.

Organizations interested in hosting activities, performances, or other programming during Summer Streets should complete DOT’s Summer Streets 2024 Partner Application.

WABC-TV will serve as the official media sponsor of Summer Streets, along with sponsors I Love New York, Pumpspotting, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Siggis, Stonyfield, and C4 Energy.

“Summer streets has become exceptionally successful, with New Yorkers from all over coming to utilize the extra public space and access to our streetscape,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I especially want to encourage Manhattanites to check out the fantastic programming we have for this event in our borough and think about how the streets by them could be better designed to support their and their family's needs in a way that also improves the environment."

“The Summer Streets initiative brings communities together, provides safe spaces for families to play, generates economic activity for local small businesses and so much more. Here in Long Island City and Astoria, it provides waterfront access to families who have long deserved it,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I look forward to working with the administration to make this year’s Summer Streets initiative as successful and as fun for Queens families as possible.”

“Summer Streets is about reclaiming our streets for people to experience the freedom and fun of car-free streets in their boroughs’ biggest block parties,” said Ken Podziba, CEO, Bike New York. “We applaud Mayor Adams, Commissioner Rodriguez, and DOT for significantly expanding the hours of Summer Streets this year to allow more time for New Yorkers to come together for the things they love doing, including biking, walking, running, jumping, meditating, skipping, skating, and dancing.  Bike New York looks forward to hosting ‘Learn to Ride’ classes for kids at Summer Streets and helping to create the next generation of cyclists.” 

“Three cheers for more Summer Streets! It is so exciting and encouraging to see this beloved program get greater every year. With programming in every borough, now for even longer each day, the joy of people-centered public space is reaching more New Yorkers than ever,” said Emily Chingay, citywide engagement advocate, Open Plans. “Thank you to the Adams administration and DOT for listening to New Yorkers who love Summer Streets and want more of them. The best is yet to come!”

"Summer Streets offers cyclists and pedestrians the opportunity to experience the joys of car-free streets for mile after mile. Together with our generous partner Citi, we're excited to offer riders the code "CITISUMMER24!" for free day passes during Summer Street,” said Patrick Knoth, general manager, Citi Bike at Lyft. “We look forward to spending the whole day riding with you.”

“Exploring New York in the summer on a bike is unparalleled. Over the past 11 years, Citi Bike has revolutionized how millions navigate the city, boasting 225 million rides,” said Jon Sellman, managing director, Citi. “With Citi offering free day passes again this summer, we hope even more New Yorkers will take the opportunity to enjoy this convenient mode of transport.”