IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20th, 2022 Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov Earth Week: NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez Announces Programming for Largest-Ever Earth Day Celebration This Saturday

On Saturday April 23rd, Car-Free Earth Day will bring programming to 9 corridors and will kick off the 2022 Open Street season by activating over 80 Open Streets reserved solely for pedestrians and cyclists;

Citi Bike will offer free one-day passes to new riders

New York — Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the full array of programming for the City's largest-ever Earth Day celebration. Scheduled for this Saturday, April 23rd, Car-Free Earth Day will include celebrations along nine City streets, featuring 150 partner organizations and City agencies that will provide programming promoting education surrounding climate change, sustainability, and other relevant topics, plus fun community-based performances, and activities for all ages. Through the support of Lyft, Citi Bike will also offer free one-day passes this Saturday for new riders. Corridors will all be open for riding and walking, a perfect opportunity to embrace the spring and summer biking season. The 2022 Open Street Season will also officially kick off with over 80 streets activated in communities throughout the city.

"Every year, Car-Free Earth Day reminds us how important sustainability and the environment are to transportation, and to the city as a whole. Over 150 partners including city agencies will be participating across 9 locations throughout the 5 boroughs," said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. "Thanks to the support of Mayor Eric Adams, this year's celebration will also kick-off DOT's 2022 Open Streets and public space programming. New Yorkers should get out to enjoy the biggest Earth Day celebration ever"

This Car-Free Earth Day, Citi Bike will offer free one-day passes. New riders can use the code CARFREE22 in the Citi Bike app to receive unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours. Riders in the Bronx can also sign up at the Citi Bike tent at Roberto Clemente Plaza.

"More New Yorkers than ever choose Citi Bike for a fun, sustainable way to get from Point A to Point B," said Caroline Samponaro, VP of Transit, Bikes, and Scooters Policy at Lyft."Commissioner Rodriguez's Car-Free Day is a great opportunity to hop on and try out a Citi Bike."

Since its launch in 2016, DOT has partnered on Car-Free Earth Day with a variety of artists, performers, organizations, and companies.  While DOT this year has partnered with organizations at nine different locations in five boroughs, dozens of other community organizations around the City will also celebrate the kick-off of the Open Street season.  The full list of Open Streets that will be operating this weekend can be found at nyc.gov/carfreenyc (The events will be held rain or shine.)

Avenue B, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Activities, Workshops and Demonstrations at 26th Street

Activities, Workshops and Demonstrations at 39th Street

St. Nicholas Avenue, Washington Heights, Manhattan

34th Avenue, Jackson Heights, Queens 69th Street - 70th Street

73rd Street - 74th Street

77th Street - 78th Street Performances

78th Street - 79th Street

79th Street - 80th Street

80th Street - 81st Street

81st Street - 82nd Street

87th Street - 88th Street

91st Street - 92nd Street

93rd Street - 94th Street

Minthorne Street, St George, Staten Island

"I'm proud to celebrate this year's Car-Free Earth Day, bringing New Yorkers together in support of sustainable transportation options and engaging the community in learning about ways to combat climate change," U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. "One way is to fully fund mass transit, which is why I fought so hard to deliver over $14 billion in COVID relief to the MTA. I have been riding my bike around New York City for a long time and a Car-Free Earth Day will encourage new riders to utilize the biking options across the city all while promoting the Department of Transportation's environmental sustainability campaign. I am continuing to work in Washington to make sure the federal government does everything it can to reduce emissions and ensure a livable future."

"This year's Car-Free Earth Day in Queens and across the city promises to be an exciting time for us all to safely have fun outdoors and reflect on how we can effectively reduce our carbon footprint," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr."I look forward to seeing the great line-up of festivities across Queens. Car-Free Day will undoubtedly be a great way to kick off the DOT's Open Streets and Public Space Programming season for our friends and families to enjoy."

"Earth Day means slightly different things to different groups of people. Thanks to the programming planned by DOT, this year it's taken shape as emphasizing and utilizing alternative modes of transportation that help reduce pollution emissions into our environment," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso."Thank you to everyone planning on participating and the partners that made these efforts possible."

"I commend Mayor Adams, Commissioner Rodriguez, and the entire DOT team for expanding an already highly successful program," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "I look forward to enjoying this year's Car-Free Earth Day utilizing this temporary expansion of public space, with great connections to some of our borough's and city's best Open Streets. I especially want to encourage Manhattanites to check out the fantastic programming we have for this event in our borough and think about how the streets by them could be better designed to support their and their family's needs in a way that also improves the environment."

"Car-Free Earth Day is a fun and innovative way to reaffirm our commitment to a green future," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "I commend New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Rodriguez on his continued dedication to investing in green infrastructure, transportation, and the vibrancy and growth of our city through this effort to reduce carbon emissions. The time is now to act on climate change and shift our efforts toward ensuring a more sustainable energy future."

NYS Senator Luis Sepúlveda said: "I invite the entire community to participate in this great event led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation. I think it's a great way for us to raise awareness and educate ourselves on how to take care of the environment, the climate changes that affect us and in the process support our local businesses and spend time with our families. Earth Day will be a great celebration in the Bronx and I will be there!"

NYS Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said,"Reducing car emissions is one of the many ways we can protect our earth and create a safer, more livable city. This initiative allows us to imagine a more sustainable future and highlights the importance of alternative transportation options to improving the health of our communities and making progress on our climate goals. I want to thank Commissioner Rodriguez and the entire DOT team for expanding Car-Free Earth Day and putting together a great program of performances, workshops, and activities focused on climate action and sustainability education."

NYS Senator Jackson said, "As a staunch supporter of climate justice and environment legislation, I celebrate the Car-Free Earth Day initiative, which will promote activism and education surrounding climate change. I applaud the NYC DOT and partners for bringing exciting performances and other activities to our communities on Earth Day, allowing neighbors to come together for fun community-based performances and activities for all ages."

NYS Senator Brad Hoylman said, "Our planet is hurting, and Earth Day challenges us to reflect on our individual contribution to our warming world. Today, I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the spring weather and the many environmentally friendly modes of transportation our city offers. Ditch the car, the traffic, and the air pollution. Join our collective effort in making our city breathe a little easier by trying out a Citi Bike or making time to stretch your legs. In order for New York to be sustainable for our children and theirs, we must start considering our environmental footprint more seriously. Together, let's begin today."

NYS Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "Greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector are a huge contributor to climate change, and it's important that we help make institutional changes to make it easier for people to get where they need to go without a car. Car-Free Day is a great program to highlight what the future of our transportation system can be, and thank you to DOT Commissioner Rodriguez for continuing to lead on this vital issue for our city."

"Environmental Justice is more than just a legislative agenda. It is a moral responsibility that each of us must hold evident because our planet must be taken care of, nurtured, and protected," said NYS Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez."Car-Free Earth Day is an interactive first step in shaping a more environmentally sustainable future. Exploring alternative transportation options like E-scooters, bikes and electric cars can be fun, but more importantly a learning experience for the many."

NYS Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman said, "New York State is moving toward a consciousness that Earth Day is every day! This year, we invested $2 billion to address climate change and ensure that our transportation infrastructure and various modalities are accessible and earth-friendly. We only have one planet and taking care of our home is a top priority for me. I am excited to support this Earth Day initiative spearheaded by DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in the 56th Assembly District with TAMA. Activities like this will raise awareness and move us closer to creating a better, more sustainable lifestyle and environment. I hope all New Yorkers will take advantage of this opportunity to learn how we can improve our communities and honor our planet."

"As a global leader in sustainability, New York City must continue to exemplify practices that address the climate crisis and ensure the protection of our environment for future generations to come. When we passed bold legislation to bring Open Streets to New Yorkers in all five boroughs, we found that our streets, our greatest source of open space, could be for so much more than transit: they could be our playgrounds, parks, gyms, theaters, and classrooms. I am thrilled to celebrate Car-Free Earth Day on the Avenue B Open Street, and look forward to this and additional opportunities to show New Yorkers what is possible when we reimagine our streetscapes, and build a City that works for all of us," said Council Member Carlina Rivera.

Council Member Keith Powers said, "I am very excited for the Car-Free Earth Day this Saturday! It's very encouraging to see so many New Yorkers celebrate our city's open space, sustainability, and environment. Thank you Commissioner Rodriguez for all your work organizing this event, and I look forward to joining everyone as we enjoy everything about this great city!"

Council Member Chi Ossé said, "Car-Free Earth Day is a fun and inspiring celebration. We are especially thrilled that it will be coming directly to Bed-Stuy this year, with a host of performances, activities, and information distribution. Elevating and moving toward car-free modes of transit is great for everyone, as it makes our city cleaner and safer, reduces congestion, and builds community. We hope everyone comes out to join us and our partners for a day of fun and learning, looking forward to a brighter future."

Council Member Kamillah Hanks said,"Council Member Hanks:"What an incredible line up of resources and local performers we have for Car-Free Earth Day on Minthorne Street! Our office looks forward to joining our neighbors, community organizations, and local businesses for what I am sure will be a wonderful day on Minthorne Street. Any steps we can take to improve our sustainability are welcome, and I commend Commissioner Rodriguez on expanding Car-Free Earth Day to all 5 boroughs."

"Since 2016, Car Free Earth Day has modified pavement into vibrant public spaces, allowing New Yorkers to reclaim city streets from carbon-spewing cars," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation. "I'm especially proud to host all of Queens on 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, the gold standard of the Open Streets Program in New York City serving the most diverse community in the nation. I want to thank Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation for their close partnership in this effort and their vision to reimagine streets. It is urgent for our communities as much as it is for our climate."

"Car-Free Earth Day is an important opportunity to showcase the benefits of Open Streets, and the importance of providing them with resources, support, and permanent infrastructure so they can thrive in many more New York City neighborhoods," said Juan Restrepo, Senior Organizer at Transportation Alternatives. "Not only are car-free streets good for our climate, but study after study shows that car-free streets significantly reduce traffic violence too. Car-free streets are key to our NYC 25x25 vision to reprioritize streets for people and must also be central in our approach to Vision Zero."

"Tackling climate change requires taking bold action," said Liam Blank, Policy & Communications Manager for Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "Car-Free Earth Day shows us what's possible when we reimagine our streets, promote sustainable mobility, and provide more community programming. We are thrilled that NYCDOT is expanding on this tradition because we must roll back our overreliance on cars in order to make our city safer, and for there to be any hope in saving the environment we all depend on."

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters said "Earth Day encourages us to take the future of the planet into our own hands. We can drastically reduce our emissions by skipping a car and electing to take public transportation or micromobility options instead. We can't drive our way out of the climate crisis, and Car-Free Earth Day will not only help get cars off the road, but exemplify how prioritizing pedestrians can benefit our communities. The New York League of Conservation Voters thanks Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor Adams for this programming and their forward-looking leadership on the environment."