“Streets for Recovery” Report Details Success of Outdoor Dining on Open Streets

The report uses data aggregated by Department of Finance to highlight the economic benefits of open streets laws. On October 25, 2022, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the release of Streets for Recovery, a report on Open Streets policy developed in collaboration with Bloomberg Associates. This first-in-the-nation report uses Department of Finance data to highlight the economic benefits of Open Streets during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.


DOT Announces “Trick or Streets” To Use Open Streets for Safe Halloween Activities

On October 31, 2022, almost 100 of the City’s Open Streets and pedestrian spaces will be open for safe Halloween activities to provide children with an opportunity to have fun on car-free streets. Through the Department of Transportation and community partners, open streets will be available from 4 to 8 pm on Halloween night through the “Trick or Streets” program.



Council Votes to Make Open Streets Program Permanent

The program began as a way to provide more public space during the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 29, 2021, the City Council voted to pass Int. 1933-A, a bill to make a permanent Open Streets program. The Open Streets program closes streets for a given time period to provide pedestrians and cyclists with open street space free of vehicular traffic. 


City Announces Play Streets Initiative and Open Streets Changes

The Open Streets and the new Play Streets initiatives encourage New Yorkers to go outside. On July 24, 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Play Streets, an initiative provided by the City, the Fresh Air Fund, Building Healthy Communities, and the Police Athletic League to provide children with fun, socially-distant outdoor activities on twelve Open Streets throughout the City. The Open Streets initiative provides more outdoor space for pedestrians and cyclists by limiting vehicular traffic … <Read More>