U.S.
NYC to Close 40 Miles of Streets to Give Walkers More Space
- More recreation space available to New Yorkers is the goal
- City taking steps as New York state outlines reopening plans
Cyclists ride through Central Park in New York on March 26, 2020.
Photographer: Gabriela Bhaskar/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
New York City will close 40 miles (64 kilometers) of streets to cars next month to provide more opportunity for recreation and expand space for pedestrians to keep social distance, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
The plan’s ultimate goal calls for 100 miles of “open streets,” largely near parks, as well as widened sidewalks and additional permanent bike lanes. Police and community organizations will help identify the streets and enforce the traffic ban to ensure pedestrian safety, de Blasio said Monday at a press briefing.