Press Releases

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.)

NYC DOT's nine locations:

  • Bronx, Roberto Clemente Plaza, 3rd Avenue, 148th Street to 149th Street
  • Bronx, Southbound Mosholu Parkway, Van Cortlandt Avenue East to Bainbridge Avenue
  • Brooklyn, Tompkins Avenue, Gates Avenue to Halsey Street
  • Manhattan, Avenue B, East 6th Street to East 14th Street
  • Manhattan, Broadway, East 17th Street to West 42nd Street
  • Manhattan, Dyckman Street, Quisqueya Plaza to Dyckman Marina
  • Manhattan, St. Nicholas Avenue, 181st Street to 190th Street
  • Queens, 34th Avenue, 69th Street to 94th Street
  • Staten Island, Minthorne Street, Bay Street to Victory Boulevard

Car-Free Earth Day Activities

Mosholu Parkway, Bronx

  • Bird: The Bird Team will be on site to provide support with downloading the Bird app, sharing information about discounts, doing a helmet giveaway, and conducting demo rides on B3 scooters.
  • Councilmember Dinowitz's Office
  • Dominicanos USA: Not registered to vote? Staff from Dominicanos USA and Board of Elections volunteers will conduct a voter registration drive. You can also talk to staff about pathways to citizenship and other support services.
  • James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center: The James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center will provide inclusive, intergenerational activities such as childrens' storytime and seed starting.
  • Lime: Take a demo ride on a Lime scooter and learn about discount programs. Staff will be on hand to provide information on rider safety and distribute helmets.
  • Montefiore Medical Center: Participate in healthy eating/healthy beverage demonstrations and learn about NeighborFood nutrition and food access programs, community gardens, and the Rethink Your Drink program.
  • NYC Department of City Planning (DCP): Discover how our buildings, streets, and parks can help make our cities more equitable and resilient and share your thoughts with DCP on how to build a more sustainable New York City.
  • NYC DOT Mobility Management: Meet NYC DOT's Mobility Management team and learn about projects and initiatives to make the City accessible to all. Spanish and ASL translators will be available at this location.
  • NYC DOT Pedestrian Unit: Learn more about NYC DOT's Mosholu Parkway street improvement project and NYC's Pedestrian Plan.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Participate in bike safety activities and win prizes.
  • NYC Parks Department - Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center: Join the Parks Department to create recycled art. The supplies used were once used for something else. This is a great way to reduce waste and make artwork.
  • Veo: Veo will showcase their electric vehicles including the Cosmo sit down scooter, Astro VS4 stand up scooter and wheelchair accessible device.
  • Wildlife Conservation Society: Enjoy animal trivia, biofact presentations, educational activities, and free giveaways with the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Performances

  • Bindlestiff Family Cirkus: Enjoy Flatbed Follies, a circus variety show featuring delightful performances! The mission of Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. is to bring joy and wonder into the world. They are founded upon a respect for circus tradition and a drive to create new work that speaks to contemporary American culture.
  • King Charles Unicycle Troupe: Straight from the Boogie-Down Bronx New York... True circus legends celebrating over 50 years - The King Charles Unicycle Troupe will astound local Bronxites with an unbelievable game of high-energy Basketball and jump rope routine on Unicycles.

Roberto Clemente Plaza, Bronx

  • Citi Bike: Citi Bike will be offering free day passes! Use the code CARFREE22 in the Citi Bike app to receive unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours. Visit the Citi Bike tent for more details and a free giveaway (while supplies last).
  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Learn about environmental sustainability with DEP staff and pick up a fun giveaway.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Safety Educators will lead pedestrian safety activities for children. Become a traffic safety deputy and win fun prizes.
  • Third Avenue BID: The Third Avenue BID will be on hand to provide bike safety information and equipment giveaways. Bring the kids for giant street games set up on the Willis Avenue Open Street.

Performances

  • Mazarte Dance Company, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm: Mazarte Dance Company will present colorful, cross-cultural, family-friendly, free, and ridiculously fun dance performances and workshops.
  • Silver Shoes Dance Club (11:00am, 12:00pm): Watch Silver Shoes Dance Club members perform on the plaza and join in an interactive dance workshop.

Tompkins Avenue, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

  • Ancient Blends Apothe'Care
  • Botanical Life/Black Girls Sew
  • Bridge Street Development Corporation
  • Brooklyn Kettle and Narrativ
  • Brown Butter NYC
  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • Councilmember Osse's Office
  • EDSA: Participate in an interactive experience that ties together landscape architecture, public space, and earth-centric activities.
  • Make Manifest
  • NYC Department of City Planning (DCP): Discover how our buildings, streets, and parks can help make our cities more equitable and resilient, and share your thoughts with DCP on how to build a more sustainable New York City.
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Learn about environmental sustainability with DEP staff and pick up a fun giveaway.
  • Services R Us
  • Street Lab: Stop by for two great activities with Street Lab. The Street Marker installation features chalk and custom chalk tools to draw, mark streets, and create expansive murals. BUILD is a pop-up, interactive building station featuring Lego, Magna-Tiles, and more.
  • The Horticulture Society of New York: Enjoy Earth Day planting activities with The Hort!
  • Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association

Avenue B, Lower East Side, Manhattan

  • Bio Bus Lab: Scientists help participants investigate the environment through a different lens, and develop scientific reasoning skills in a mobile biology lab set-up.
  • Black Cowboys of Brooklyn: Children are invited to enjoy activities and pony rides from 1:30pm – 4:30 pm. The Black Cowboys of Brooklyn are committed to sharing Black Cowboy culture and heritage with children in urban environments.
  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • Councilmember Rivera's Office
  • FABnyc East Village Community Coalition: Participate in arts and culture workshop led by team of artists and organizers working to preserve, strengthen, and grow the cultural vibrancy of the Lower East Side.
  • Loisaida Open Streets Coalition and Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens (LUNGS) 9th Annual Spring Awakening: Celebrate the reopening of the Community Garden season with a popup garden, seed and plant giveaways. LESReady and FDNY home safety advocates are partnering with LUNGS to distribute emergency preparedness information, kits, and giveaways at the popup.
  • Materials for the Arts: Materials for the Arts will have a booth set up where everyone can make their own art pieces out of an inspiring selection of found objects and re-used materials including hundreds of leftover shiny CDs. People can make puppets, wands, and whatever else their imagination decides upon at this art-making station that celebrates sustainable strategies.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Participate in activities about transportation and the environment to win prizes.
  • The Horticulture Society of New York: Enjoy a plant giveaway and interactive workshop with The Hort!

Performances

  • Batala New York (1:00pm): Enjoy a performance by Batala New York.
  • BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance (3:45pm): Enjoy a performance and dance workshop with Teresa Fellion Dance.
  • Drag Queen Story Hour (11:30am): Drag Story Hour is a storytelling program designed for children ages 3-8. A local drag artist trained by children's librarians will read picture books, sing songs, do movement activities, and provide an age-appropriate introduction to the concept of drag as a form of dress-up and play. Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, Drag Story Hour celebrates gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable. Learn more at https://www.dshnyc.org.
  • Marching Cobras (2:00pm): Enjoy a performance by the Marching Cobras.

Broadway, Midtown Manhattan

  • Broadway Performers: Enjoy pop-up performances featuring Broadway performers, brought to you by the Times Square Alliance.
    • 11:00am – 11:20am
    • 11:25am – 11:45am
    • 11:50 am – 12:10pm
    • 12:15pm – 12:35pm
  • Broadway Trivia: Join the Times Square Alliance for Broadway Trivia from 1:00pm – 1:45pm. Test your knowledge about Times Square, Broadway, and going green with prizes from Times Square Alliance and Broadway Green Alliance.
  • Live Music Performances: Enjoy live music performances featuring Broadway performers, brought to you by the Times Square Alliance.
    • 2:00pm – 2:45pm
    • 3:00pm – 3:45pm
    • 4:00 pm – 4:45pm

Activities, Workshops and Demonstrations at 26th Street

  • Brown Bike Girl: Join the Brown Bike Girl for bike law trivia at the Flatiron Open Street from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
  • Flatiron BID: Bring your mat and join the Flatiron BID for yoga at 11:00am.
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Learn about environmental sustainability with DEP staff and pick up a fun giveaway.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Safety Educators will lead pedestrian safety activities for children. Become a traffic safety deputy and win fun prizes.
  • NYC DOT Department of Sanitation: Learn about the importance of recycling in NYC with DSNY Bureau of Recycling staff.
  • Transportation Alternatives (TA): Talk with TA members and pick up information about Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets.

Activities, Workshops and Demonstrations at 39th Street

  • 511NY Rideshare: 511NY Rideshare helps reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and empower New Yorkers to make smart transportation choices. 511NY Rideshare does this by providing free commuter services for travelers, implementing transportation solutions for organizations & strategic communication to raise awareness. At the 511 table, you will find information about biking, alternate Mass Transit routes, and other sustainable transportation options. For Earth Month 2022, we are asking New Yorkers to pledge to use a more sustainable commute or do something green i.e. composting.
  • NYC Department of City Planning (DCP): Discover how our buildings, streets, and parks can help make our cities more equitable and resilient, and share your thoughts with DCP on how to build a more sustainable New York City.
  • NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS): The DCAS Office of Fleet Management will be displaying electric vehicles which will be the future of the City of New York's municipal fleet as we transition to an all-electric fleet by 2035. The City's fleet currently contains over 2,415 electric on-road vehicles with another 1,000 on order. Vehicles on display will include an all-electric garbage truck and an all-electric NYPD police car.
  • Zing! Fitness: Participate in family friendly, interactive fitness sessions throughout the day at Broadway Boulevard Plaza, Broadway at 40th Street.
    • 11:30am
    • 12:30pm
    • 1:00pm
    • 2:45pm

Pop up Performances

  • Fogo Azul: Catch one of three energy-filled drumming performances by Fogo Azul.
    • 11:30am, Broadway at 17th Street
    • 12:30pm, Broadway at 26th Street
    • 1:30pm, Broadway at 39th Street
  • Group Ride to Car-Free Earth Day: Join The Brown Bike Girl for a ride through Manhattan (the Lenape name for the island of Manhattan) along the length of one of the most prolific Indigenous thoroughfares in historic and modern New York – Broadway. The ride is approximately eight miles from 155th Street and Broadway down to Madison Square Park and Car-Free Earth Day. More details and registration at bit.ly/3DPkBzs.

Dyckman Street, Inwood, Manhattan

  • Bameso USA: Visit the Bameso USA tent to learn more about their NYC Clean Up program. Youth are invited to join in volleyball games throughout the day.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): CERT will be onsite to share information regarding emergency preparedness, for both humans and pets. Pick up comic books and coloring books for kids.
  • Creative Art Works: Join Creative Art Works for youth-oriented, interactive art-making projects at Car-Free Earth Day. Experience and celebrate the power of art and learn about program opportunities.
  • Hudson Community Sailing: Meet staff and youth from Hudson Community Sailing and learn about their seasonal programs. Youth will show off their boatbuilding projects and lead knot tying demonstrations. Walk to Dyckman Marina to enjoy free sailing! Participation is limited to five people per boat and participants need to sign a liability release. Sails are scheduled for:
    • 12:00pm
    • 1:00pm
    • 2:00pm
  • Literacy Inc.: Visit the Literacy Inc. tent for a book giveaway and learn more about their community work.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Participate in bike safety activities and win prizes.
  • Uptown Soccer Academy: Children are invited to participate in soccer games and fun soccer drills with Uptown Soccer Academy.

St. Nicholas Avenue, Washington Heights, Manhattan

  • Adeusa: Join Adeusa for yoga and tai chi sessions throughout the day. Learn more about recycling with demonstrations on how you can participate in the upcoming Ecological Fair.
  • Bike New York (11:30am – 1:30pm): Bike New York will offer a free kids"Learn To Ride" class from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Please register in advance at https://www.bike.nyc/education/programs/.
  • Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano (CCCD): Learn more about cultivating as a way to preserve the sustainability and longevity of the earth with this interactive project. CCCD will distribute seeds and plants to promote clean air through cultivation.
  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • Dominicanos USA and NALEO Educational Fund: Not registered to vote? Staff from Dominicanos USA and Board of Elections volunteers will conduct a voter registration drive. You can also talk to staff about pathways to citizenship and other support services.
  • New York-Presbyterian: New York-Presbyterian's Division of Community & Population Health will offer blood pressure screenings and provide health education on Heart Disease, Diabetes and BMI. Stop by for important health information and giveaways.
  • NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY): Participate in an interactive recycling game and pick up literature from DSNY. Take a photo with the City's recycling mascot and enjoy the artwork displayed on a Sanitation Truck of Art.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Safety Educators will lead pedestrian safety activities for children. Become a traffic safety deputy and win fun prizes.
  • The Armory Foundation: The Armory Foundation will host obstacles and activities for young people to complete on the street, using jump ropes, hula hoops, agility ladders, and more! Everyone who is successful will get a prize.
  • Uptown Stories: Enjoy magnetic poetry and coloring activities with Uptown Stories.
  • Van Cortlandt Titans Youth Football: Participate in a free football clinic led by the Van Cortlandt Titans.
  • Washington Heights BID: Join the Washington Heights BID, and local artists for arts and crafts activities.
  • Word Up Community Bookstore: Stop by the Word Up Community Book Store tent for a kids book giveaway, along with story times, puppets and singing. Kids can participate and make their own puppets at the craft station.
  • Futures Ignite:  Learn about youth programming and local environmental justice projects

Performances

  • Dance Project of Washington Heights (1:00pm): Get on your feet as the Dance Project of Washington Heights hosts a participatory Latin class. The group will also showcase a performance by their young ensemble dancers, their most talented and dedicated students.
  • The Jazz Power Initiative (11:30am): The Jazz Power will perform on the St. Nicholas Earth Day stage featuring the Jazz Power Band and introducing their newest vocal ensemble, Jazz Power Community Singers. They will offer an intergenerational presentation of jazz music, featuring movement, classic songs, and new music engaging an audience of all ages. The initiative will also provide interactive workshops in singing, percussion and movement at their tent throughout the afternoon.

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

  • Gap Year Programming
  • Street Lab: The Street Marker installation features chalk and custom chalk tools to draw, mark streets, and create expansive murals.
  • Zumba

73rd Street - 74th Street

  • Kuki Tape Artist
  • Strolling Violinist

77th Street - 78th Street Performances

  • Green Tape Productions: Enjoy a performance by pianist and singer, David Bishop.
  • Michael Rosman: Enjoy a variety of performing artists in a show hosted by and featuring Michael Rosman.
  • Queensboro Dance: Enjoy performances by Queensboro Dance.
  • Tulip Dance

78th Street - 79th Street

  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • NYC Department of City Planning (DCP): Discover how our buildings, streets, and parks can help make our cities more equitable and resilient, and share your thoughts with DCP on how to build a more sustainable New York City.
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Learn about environmental sustainability with DEP staff and pick up a fun giveaway.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Participate in bike safety activities and win prizes.
  • The Horticulture Society of New York: Enjoy a plant giveaway and interactive workshop with The Hort!

79th Street - 80th Street

  • Gardening the Median

80th Street - 81st Street

  • Queens World Film Festival – Red Carpet Experience

81st Street - 82nd Street

  • 34th Avenue Dancers
  • Aztec Dance
  • Piñata Class
  • Strolling Violinist
  • Zing! Fitness: Participate in family friendly, interactive fitness sessions on 34th Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street at 11:00am and 12:00pm.
  • Zumba Class

87th Street - 88th Street

  • Empire Clean Cities – Electric School Bus and Environmental Festival

91st Street - 92nd Street

  • Naturally Occurring Retirement Community

93rd Street - 94th Street

  • Bryant Park Jugglers
  • Bubble Performer
  • Hula Hoop Workshop
  • Street Lab – PLAY
  • Strolling Violinist

Minthorne Street, St George, Staten Island

  • Citizens' Climate Lobby: Learn about respectfully engaging elected officials, community leaders and the public on the best solutions for climate change. Children are invited to make climate change postcards.
  • Glam Gardener NYC: Aly Stoffo owns Glam Gardener NYC, a business that offers herbal products, education, and art under one roof. As an environmental educator, she teaches others to harvest wild edible plants as a means to get connected with nature, an activity called foraging. She combines her education in Sustainability Sciences with her love for New York City greenspaces to inspire fellow New Yorkers to explore our city-based natural ecosystems. Learn more about her at glamgardenernyc.com.
  • HONK NYC: Join HONK NYC's Craftivation: My Musical Garden! What grows in YOUR musical garden? Bring your dreams to life at HONK NYC's craftivation for Car-Free Earth Day. Make a marching band hat, build a cardboard horn you can play, color the flowers and insects that live in your musical garden.
  • NYC Department of City Planning (DCP): Discover how our buildings, streets, and parks can help make our cities more equitable and resilient, and share your thoughts with DCP on how to build a more sustainable New York City.
  • NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS): Join the DCAS Fleet team to learn about initiatives to make the City's fleet safe and sustainable.
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Learn about environmental sustainability with DEP staff and pick up a fun giveaway.
  • NYC DOT Safety Education: Participate in activities about transportation and the environment to win prizes.
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden: Come join the fun at the Snug Harbor Earth Day station to celebrate Open Streets and eco-friendly art practice. Learn about the importance of organics recycling with the NYC Compost Project Hosted by Snug Harbor. Explore the world of plant-based inks and take home an ink wash painting of your own, along with an edible planting from the Heritage Farm.

Performances

  • Hungry March Band (4:00pm): Enjoy a performance by Hungry March Band
  • Maker Park Radio: DJ Jen & Nutmeg of Maker Park Radio will DJ at Minthorne Street. MakerParkRadio.nyc is a non-profit free streaming community radio station airing from Staten Island's North Shore. Featuring 130 DJs who host programs across many music genres, MakerParkRadio.nyc also does remote DJing with their pop-up, tiki bar themed DJ booth that runs on solar power. Vinyl Record and Digital DJs range across many genres, celebrating the music of soul, disco, house, reggae, rockabilly, funk, indie, salsa, international music and more! Be sure to catch them across the city this summer by following them on Instagram at @makerparkradio.
  • Mambembé NY (12:00pm): Enjoy a performance by Mambembé NY.
  • The Dal Segño Brass Band (2:00pm):Enjoy a performance by The Dal Segño Brass Band.

Public Space partner locations:

  • Bronx, Fordham Plaza: Bronx Appreciation Day featuring Fordham University and Empire Clean Cities, produced by Masc Hospitality.
  • Bronx, Jennings Street: Join Caldwell Enrichment Programs for Car-Free Earth Day activities on Jennings Street, from Prospect Avenue to Chisholm Place.
  • Brooklyn, Albee Square and Albee Square West:  Featuring- The Redhawk Native American Dancers, Zumba, Build your own Mini-Beacon, the Pulpmobile, Herbarium Verbarium, Materials for the Arts, Brooklyn Book Bodega, Big Reuse, Bike and Flow Yoga, Bike New York, Rebirth the Earth, and more! For more details visit downtownbrooklyn.com.
  • Brooklyn, Hillel Plaza:  Live DJ's throughout the day, City agencies including DOT, DEP, and DSNY, giveaways and discount cards to local business! https://www.exploreflatbush.com/about-the-bid/
  • Brooklyn, Reed Street:  Join Hometown BBQ for Car-Free Earth Day activities on Reed Street, from Conover Street to Van Brunt Street.
  • Brooklyn, Vanderbilt Avenue:  Join the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council for Car-Free Earth Day activities on Vanderbilt Avenue, from Atlantic Avenue to Park Place.
  • Queens, Reads Lane: Join Kesher Bridging Communities for Car-Free Earth Day activities on Reads Lane from Caffey Avenue to Meehan Avenue.
  • Queens, Woodside Avenue: Join the Thai Community USA for Car-Free Earth Day activities on Woodside Avenue from 76th Street to 79th Street.

"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."