Plans to close at least 40 miles of streets to vehicles in New York with a goal of closing up to 100 miles have been announced in a bid to give more space to pedestrians in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Corey Johnson have also proposed sidewalk widening and additional bicycle lanes focusing on communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
“This summer is going to look different from any other in our city’s history – and we’re ready to give New Yorkers more ways to leave home while staying safe from COVID-19,” said Mayor de Blasio.
The aim of the plans is to give New Yorkers the space to socially distance properly.
The open streets will be sourced from five broad categories: up to 60 miles of streets within and adjacent to parks; up to 20 miles of streets identified in consultation with local precincts, in consultation with Community Boards and other partners; up to ten miles of streets managed by local partners such as BIDs, block associations, or other civic groups; up to 2.5 miles of widened sidewalks and up to ten miles of protected bike lanes.
Conversations with communities and local stakeholders are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
