Open Street

Usage: Wide

Open Streets prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicular users by restricting or limiting vehicle access through barriers, signage, or other traffic devices and Common Components. These streets create safer, more vibrant public spaces and support a range of community uses, including recreation, cultural programming, and local business engagement.

Open Streets can be classified as Limited Local Access, Full Closure, or Full Closure: Schools, each with specific operational guidelines. These designations help balance access needs while maximizing pedestrian and cyclist usability. For more information, visit Open Streets.
 

34th Avenue, Queens
103rd Street, Manhattan

Benefits

  • Fosters community-building among neighbors
  • Prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists
  • Provides opportunities for arts and cultural programming, community arts and crafts, active and healthy living, and educational activities for all ages
  • Supports local businesses, educational institutions, and community-based organizations by increasing foot traffic and outdoor activity
  • Promotes the use of streets as public space

Considerations

Process

  • Open Streets applicants apply on an annual basis. Returning partners must reapply, but can update the previous year’s application
  • Visit Open Streets for additional information about the Open Streets application process

Application

  • Sites are chosen based on partner capacity, as well as equity goals set forth in the NYC Streets Plan. For more information, review the Open Streets Rules

Design

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