Jessica Morgan:
In a bold move to promote healthier living, community connections, and environmental sustainability, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez unveiled New York City’s largest-ever Summer Streets initiative. With over 22 miles of car-free streets stretching across all five boroughs, this year’s Summer Streets promises to offer residents more space than ever before to walk, bike, run, and engage in activities that promote well-being.
The initiative, which runs on five Saturdays from July 26 to August 23, 2025, includes the exciting first-ever opportunity for New Yorkers to travel the full length of Manhattan—from the Brooklyn Bridge to Inwood—without the usual traffic congestion. As the longest route in the event’s history, this special car-free stretch in Manhattan underscores the city’s commitment to expanding public space for recreation and fostering a vibrant, healthy city life.
“We’re bringing everyone with us this summer,” said Mayor Eric Adams, celebrating the expanded program. “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.” He emphasized that the initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the city’s quality of life and create more accessible public spaces for all.
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s event is the NYRR Start Line Series, a series of free, beginner-friendly races hosted in partnership with the New York Road Runners (NYRR). These races are designed to encourage new athletes of all levels to take part in physical activities and explore the joy of running in an open, car-free environment. The community events will be held in Queens and Brooklyn on July 26 and August 23, respectively.
In addition to the races, participants will enjoy various community activations, including public art installations, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Notably, Citi Bike will offer free bike day passes for all riders, further encouraging biking as a sustainable mode of transportation. The event’s expansion includes Staten Island, with a new route along Forest Avenue.
Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People, commended the expansion of Summer Streets, calling it “a victory for public health, community well-being, and environmental justice.” He added, “These open streets will allow families to gather, children to play safely, and neighbors to connect across New York City. On behalf of Save the People, I proudly support this bold step forward.”
Other public figures also praised the initiative. U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler highlighted the transformative nature of the event, noting that it allows families to ride bikes without worrying about traffic and fosters connections between neighbors. New York State Senator Robert Jackson celebrated the extension of the event uptown, pointing out the new opportunities it brings to communities in Washington Heights and Inwood.
For residents in the Bronx and Brooklyn, Summer Streets will feature routes along Grand Concourse and Eastern Parkway, respectively, offering these neighborhoods the chance to experience their streets in a new, car-free light.
This expansion of Summer Streets is expected to further enhance New Yorkers’ quality of life, creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, health, and community-building. As DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “Summer Streets captures the excitement by transforming our streets into public spaces that reflect the energy and diversity of our communities.”
With the program now stretching across all five boroughs, Summer Streets in 2025 is poised to be a landmark event, connecting New Yorkers through shared experiences and offering them the chance to reclaim their streets in a safe, fun, and inclusive way.
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