ASTORIA, Queens (WABC) — Twenty-two miles of typically busy New York City streets opened up on Saturday for the summer’s biggest block party.<\/p>\n
‘Summer Streets’ is back and organizers say this year it is bigger and better than ever with more than 400 blocks of open roads. For the first time, the Department of Transportation partnered with New York Road Runners to roll out the Start Line Series — a new initiative bringing free community fun runs to Summer Streets.<\/p>\n
“We’ve seen a tremendous growth in running,” said New York Road Runners Chief Event Production Officer Ted Metellus, “It’s been amazing to se these young people out there running. Had so many first timers that have never participated in a road race or event before.”<\/p>\n
Summer Streets started in Queens and Staten Island and will make its rounds across the boroughs over the next few Saturdays until August 23.<\/p>\n
Visitors can expect plenty of programming and activities for children.<\/p>\n
“It’s often hard to find outdoor spaces that aren’t a little repetitive, particularly in Queens. So we’re always looking for activities where there’s just, you know, lots of different things for the kids,” said Bella Wang of Elmhurst.<\/p>\n
Summer Streets continues in Manhattan next Saturday and for the first time the Department of Transportation is partnering with Bike NY to launch a group ride.<\/p>\n
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