Manhattan, Car Free

Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York, has announced plans to make a 7 mile stretch of Manhattan totally vehicle free for a 3 day period, after his congestion charge plans were refused.

For three Saturdays in August, to be exact August 9, 16 and 23, between 7am and 1pm, a route linking Brooklyn Bridge in the south and the Upper East Side and Central Park in the north will be a zero traffic zone, up until they reach 72nd street.

Many of the major cross town streets will remain open.

Bloomberg expects the three day period to be an eye opener to many citizens, allowing them to experience what the town would be like without vehicles, and that actually, using traditional modes of transport such as walking, or cycling, isn’t any slower in such a jammed up part of New York.

The days will be orientated around activity, fitness and health, with yoga classes and bike rental and repair facilities available along the route, in an effort to encourage this type of city - car free, emmissions free, and with acutally cheaper forms of transport for citizens.