4 New Open Streets Coming To Harlem: Here's Where

HARLEM, NY — As the weather warms up, New Yorkers are heading outside — and Harlemites will have four new pedestrianized streets to enjoy this spring and summer, according to a new announcement.

The city on Friday announced more than 300 blocks participating in this year's Open Streets program — the third season of the pandemic initiative that has since become permanent.

On top of the returning blocks, 21 new streets will go car-free in the coming months — including four in Harlem, according to the Department of Transportation. Here are the new Harlem open streets

• West 115th Street: St. Nicholas Avenue to Lenox Avenue
• East 115th Street: on Park Avenue median (starting May 28)
• La Salle Street: Broadway to Claremont Avenue (starting April 28)
• East 115th Street: Pleasant Avenue to First Avenue (starting Sept. 10)

Just north in Washington Heights, West 158th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue will also open up to pedestrians, the city said.

Meanwhile, these existing Harlem open streets are returning for another season:

• East 119th Street: Pleasant Avenue to end of street
• West 120th Street: Lenox Avenue to Mt. Morris Park West
• East 100th Street: Park Avenue to Third Avenue (starting date TBA)
• East 101st Street: Park Avenue to Third Avenue (starting date TBA)

"Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program," Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement.

Streets around the city have been transformed over the past two years thanks to the program — even amid complaints that leaders were neglecting open streets in neighborhoods of color. And despite complaints from car owners who say they pose an inconvenience, polling has shown strong support for the program.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers won't have to wait for the summer for car-free fun, either.

The largest "Car-Free Earth Day" will unfold Saturday, with celebrations ranging from music, dance, art and more exploding across more than 100 open streets, 22 plazas and 1,000 miles of bike paths. (See the list of locations here.)

New Yorkers who have never ridden a Citi Bike will get a special perk that day: Lyft/Citi Bike will offer free one-day passes to new riders, the company announced. Those who use the code CARFREE22 will receive unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours.

Related coverage:

• Popular Harlem Open Street Could Be A Model For NYC, BP Says
  
• Harlem's Open Streets Are Faltering, Study Finds
• East Harlem Open Streets Still Thriving As Summer Ends