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DOT to Host ‘Car-Free’ Earth Day Activities on 34th Avenue Open Street

A performance at the 2018 Car Free Earth Day event in Herald Square, Manhattan (DOT via Flickr)

April 21, 2022 By Allie Griffin

The Department of Transportation is partnering with local organizations to host a slew of activities on open streets across the city in honor of its annual “Car Free” Earth Day celebration Saturday.

In Queens, DOT staff, other city agencies and community-based organizations will take over the 34th Avenue Open street, from 69th Street to 94th Street, in Jackson Heights and fill it with events, performances, activities and environmental programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Families can try chalk drawing, gardening, Zumba and other fitness classes, a piñata class and a hula hoop workshop all along 34th Avenue while enjoying entertainment from several performers. There will be everything from dance numbers to juggling shows to live piano tunes to a bubble show to music from a “strolling violinist”.

The event doubles as a fun day and an educational opportunity for children and adults alike.

Representatives from the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the Department of City Planning, the Department of Environmental Protection, DOT Safety Education and the Horticulture Society of New York will teach attendees about climate change, sustainability, bike safety and more while handing out prizes.

Additionally, Citi Bike will be giving away free single-day passes to new riders as part of the Earth Day celebration. 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 at no cost.

“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, the parent company of Citi Bike. “[DOT] Commissioner Rodriguez’s Car-Free Day is a great opportunity to hop on and try out a Citi Bike.”

The 34th Avenue Open Street is one of nine Earth Day event locations. The other spots are located on open streets in the other boroughs.