8月份連續3個週六，紐約市將清出擁擠的曼哈頓街道，讓單車騎士、路跑者、行人和舞蹈家享有一次無汽車無噪音的體驗。
8月7日，嘻哈明星傑斯（Jay-Z）偕同紐約市長彭博以及市府交通局長薩狄克汗（Janette Sadik-Khan）宣佈這項試驗性計畫「夏日街道」。執行這項計畫時，紐約市將關閉從布魯克林橋到中央公園共7英里的街道。身為熱情的單車族，傑斯為這個活動喝采，他認為這計畫提供了青少年絕佳機會參與正面活動。
市長彭博將「夏日街道」計畫視為享受紐約的新方式，他說：「這是一項盛大的實驗，將大幅改變我們觀看紐約街道的方式；將始終充斥汽車和卡車的街道還諸社會大眾，我們將以前所未見的形式體驗紐約！」
「我們邀請紐約客和觀光客走到戶外，透過步行或單車來欣賞紐約，在數小時無車時段中享受這個城市。」交通局長薩狄克汗說：「到戶外，四處逛逛，看看街道上的人們，或者只是在全無噪音或車水馬龍的喧擾中享受早餐咖啡，以嶄新的方式享受你曾來回走過幾百次的街道吧！」
連續3個週六，8月9日、16日和23日， 從上午7點到下午1點，7英里的紐約街道將由紐約客和觀光客取代車陣，大家可以閒適地在街頭漫步，騎腳踏車，或是參與各式活動，例如合氣道、莎莎舞、太極、跑步、溜直排輪和跳房子遊戲。
「夏日街道」將沿著拉法葉街、第四街、公園街和七十二街，從布魯克林橋開放到中央公園。所有的休息站都提供水、單車地圖和救護站。主辦單位鼓勵參與者自行攜帶健康墊席和水壺，在給水站補充。此外，沿路都提供急救服務。沿線都有機會租或者試乘單車。為確保單車客都有順暢的旅程，在每個休息站都提供單車維修服務。
計畫實施期間，交通警察會把車輛疏散到附近街道；不過，緊急救援車倒是能輕易進入夏日街道，計畫沿線的居民也有特別通行權，或利用夏日街道時段搭市府提供的周邊接駁車。
想了解關於夏日街道更多的訊息，包括活動的詳盡目錄，請點擊這裡。
New York City will clear a stretch of clogged Manhattan streets for the next three Saturdays so that bicyclists, runners, walkers and dancers can enjoy a car-free and noise-free experience.
Hip-hop star Jay-Z joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan yesterday to publicize the pilot program called Summer Streets that will close seven miles of city streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park.
An enthusiastic bicyclist, Jay-Z hailed the events as opportunities for teens to get involved in positive activities.
Mayor Bloomberg sees the Summer Streets program as a new way to enjoy the city. "We're going to embark on a grand experiment that could dramatically alter the way we use and look at the streets of New York," he said. "Streets that are normally tied up with cars and trucks will be turned over to the public - so that we can experience this city as never before."
"We're inviting New Yorkers and visitors to come out and enjoy the city by foot or by bike, and for a few hours, allow people to enjoy it free of vehicles," said Commissioner Sadik-Khan. "Come out and move around, people watch, or just enjoy your morning coffee without the stress of noise and traffic. Enjoy the streets you've been up and down 100 times before, in a whole new way."
For the next three Saturdays, August 9th, 16th and 23rd, from 7 am to 1 pm, vehicle traffic will be replaced along seven miles of City streets by New Yorkers and visitors taking leisurely strolls, going for a bike ride or taking part in organized activities such as aikido, salsa dancing, tai-chi, running, rollerblading and hopscotch.
Summer Streets will be open from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park along Lafayette Street, 4th Avenue, Park Avenue and 72nd Street.
All of the rest stops will have water stations, bike maps and first aid stations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fitness mats and water bottles, which can be refilled at the water stations. Emergency services will be present along the length of the route.
There will be opportunities to rent or test ride bikes along the route. For people who come with bikes there will be bike repair provided at each rest stop to ensure everyone can keep rolling along smoothly.
Police will redirect traffic to nearby streets and emergency vehicles will have unfettered access to the Summer Streets. Residents on streets adjoining the route will have local access and be able to receive deliveries during Summer Streets hours.
To see more information on Summer Streets, including a full list of activities, click here.
※全文及圖片詳見：ENS
