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New York City will celebrate Earth Day by closing dozens of streets across all five boroughs to vehicle traffic on Saturday. The annual Car Free Earth Day event, organized by the NYC Department of Transportation, transforms select streets into pedestrian- and cyclist-only zones, featuring environmental programming, public art, music, and activities led by city agencies and community groups.
NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn emphasized the event's significance, stating, "Car-Free Earth Day is a reminder that we only have one planet—and that our streets play a critical role in our fight against climate change." As part of the festivities, Citi Bike will offer unlimited 30-minute rides, allowing New Yorkers to explore the city without cars.
According to PIX11, the initiative, first launched in 2016, has grown significantly, now including more than 50 streets. Among the streets going car-free are Broadway from East 17th Street to West 46th Street in Manhattan, St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights, and Dyckman Street in Inwood.
The event also showcases new art installations, such as Frahydel Falczuk's _The Plastic Sea_, which explores ocean plastic waste, and Duy Hoàng's _An Indicating Cycle_, highlighting climate-sensitive species. The day aims to demonstrate the potential of a less car-dependent New York City, offering a preview of a greener future with access to over 1,000 miles of bike networks and growing Open Streets.
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