Car-free streets

Williamsburg Walks
Five blocks of Bedford Avenue are closed off to vehicular traffic as part of this program, sponsored by The L Magazine and Neighbors Allied for Good Growth. Each block is devoted to a theme: Catch live music between North 6th and 7th Streets, while the Greenpoint YMCA takes over North 4th to 5th for yoga and hula hooping. The Southside Community Supported Agriculture project will also present workshops on ethnic eats native to the ’hood. Bedford Ave between North 4th and 9th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (williamsburgwalks.org). Sat noon–sunset. Through July 11.

Summer Streets
The activities planned on Vanderbilt Avenue feature live sets from jazz and bluegrass bands (including concerts as part of Make Music New York on Sunday 21); massages courtesy of Wink Beauty Bar; and a special performance from acrobatics troupe Lava. Vanderbilt Ave between Dean St and Park Pl, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-398-7380). Sun noon–5pm. Through June 28.

78th Street Play Street
The Jackson Heights Green Alliance initiated this program, which adds a block of open space to the area around Travers Park. “It’s the only park in the neighborhood, so this is a nice addition,” says JHGA member Donovan Finn. The alliance teamed up with the Jackson Heights Beautification Group to host events, like biking lessons for newbie cyclists of all ages. The Jackson Heights Greenmarket will also set up on the block. 78th St between Northern Blvd and 34th Ave, Jackson Heights, Queens (jhgreen.org). Sun 6am–8pm. Through October.

Green Light for Midtown
Times Square and Herald Square are now more than just tourist-infested traffic holes of doom; this Department of Transportation initiative blocked off pieces of Broadway (between 42nd and 47th Streets, and 33rd and 35th Streets, respectively) to traffic and opened permanent pedestrian plazas, which will be completed by August. Both spaces will hold special events, including the Summer Solstice in Times Square on Sunday 21 and bird-watching in Herald Square. Or just plop down in a lawn chair and people-watch. Times Square: Broadway between 43rd and 47th Sts; Herald Square: Broadway between 33rd and 35th Sts (nysdot.gov). Daily 24hrs.

COMING SOON... Transportation Alternatives says there are ten other car-free contenders around the city, including streets in Crotona Park and Brooklyn Heights. Plus, the DOT has confirmed that it will bring back the Manhattan version of Summer Streets, which closes off Park Avenue between the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park (no dates have been released yet, so check nysdot.gov for updates).

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