OPEN STREETS: MAYOR DE BLASIO NAMES FIRST STREETS TO BE USED FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AMONG PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS: Over seven miles in all five boroughs are either within or adjacent to parks; Streets will be open each day to pedestrians and cyclists — with limited vehicle traffic — from 8am to 8pm starting this Monday

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, NEW YORK—In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the first group of streets that would be opened to pedestrians and cyclists every day starting next week, when spring temperatures are forecasted to arrive. The streets, spanning over seven miles and reaching all five boroughs, are part of the Open Streets initiative designed to provide greater social distancing among New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers deserve safe ways to enjoy the warm weather while we fight through this crisis, and I’m proud of my team for jumping into action with this first group of open streets,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Our parks have played a critical role in maintaining public health during this crisis. But we cannot afford to have the high demand for open space create unhealthy situations — so opening up streets near or within these parks is one of the ways New Yorkers can get outside safely.”

 “As we continue to fight this virus, we need to provide New Yorkers with public spaces to properly socially distance while ensuring our streets remain safe,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. “I applaud and thank our agencies, the City Council, and countless partners across New York City for collaborating on a quick and actionable open streets plan. We look forward to naming even more streets in the coming weeks.” On Monday, the Mayor and the Council announced that 40 miles of streets citywide would be opened during May to allow greater social distancing, with a plan to expand to 100 total miles to be identified in the weeks ahead.   Beginning next Monday, May 4, the following streets within parks will be open: 

 The following streets adjacent to parks will also be open. 

 Pedestrians and cyclists can use the roadbed of each open street. No through traffic will be permitted, with remaining vehicle traffic limited to local deliveries, pick-ups/drop-offs, necessary city service vehicles, and emergency vehicles only. These drivers are alerted to be hyper-vigilant and to drive at 5 MPH along these routes. “We are excited to announce this first group of Open Streets for pedestrians and cyclists, many of which are in and around our parks, which have already proven to be such a precious resource during this crisis,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “But today’s streets are only the first step. We have many more miles in our sights. We urge Community Boards, BIDs and neighborhood organizations to recommend other streets we can open – particularly in areas that have been hard hit by COVID-19.”

“The additional open space that this plan provides by way of our parks, their perimeters and so much more, goes a long way toward encouraging New Yorkers to socially distance and ensuring our city’s safety and health,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “I am inspired by the way that our sister agencies have come together to reimagine the use of the public realm.”

Organizations and community boards wishing to have other New York City streets considered for the open streets program should reach out to [email protected]orfill out an online survey. Press Release.