Earth day is celebrated on April 22 and New York is celebrating it in a novel way by making 30 blocks free of traffic so that people can just walk through the streets and enjoy doing fun filled activities without being exposed to noise and pollution. The streets will be closed to cars, buses and transportation from 10 am to 4 pm.

People will be able to stroll through the streets, through the core of the Big Apple on any street between Union Square and Times Square on pedestrian walkways lined with activities.

According to Department of transportation, the Manhattan roads off Broadway will host a variety of events like fitness classes, sustainability workshops, and recreational options. City bikes which are normally available on rent will be provided free to the users all day.

City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez said that they wanted to show New Yorkers the potential of a car-free Broadway and what open streets could look and feel like. Reducing car usage in the city can bring about a big change. It can help them to take advantage of space currently used for parking lots and gas stations; it can reduce traffic fatalities and injuries; it can make the city healthier and more breathable; and it can bring a newfound sense of calm to their bustling metropolis.

He added that countries around the world have taken this concept to new heights and New York should be no different. He said that cars are not the answer to a sustainable future for New York or the planet and celebrating Earth Day is the best way to drive home this point.