Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #17-061
Friday, August 11, 2017
NYC DOT: Scott Gastel/Lolita Avila (212) 839-4850
Chinatown BID: Wellington Chen (212) 346-9288
NYC DOT and the Chinatown BID Present “An Evening Stroll On Mott Street”
Along Mott Street, from Bayard Street to Worth Street in Manhattan, two neighborhood streets will transform into a “Shared Street”—allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to coexist together in a traffic-reduced zone
In partnership with the Chinatown BID, the New York City Department of Transportation today announced the second Chinatown Shared Streets, where two city streets are converted into a public playground for residents and visitors to enjoy. “An Evening Stroll on Mott Street,” scheduled for August 11th from 5-9pm, will open the streets to pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles; Motorists are encouraged to drive a maximum speed of 5mph in the space. Also, from Bayard Street to Worth Street, whether by foot or bike, residents will have the chance to engage in fun activities, shop at local businesses, and embrace the unique culture of this community with less congestion and vehicular traffic.
“Mott Street, in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, is the perfect place to create our latest Shared Street,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Mott has wonderful storefronts, bustling pedestrian traffic and an unusual narrow, curved design that together already serve as an invitation to step off the curb to explore. We are now happy to give residents and visitors further opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic culture this community has to offer, and we encourage everyone to come enjoy delicious food, music, and fun activities – and for the first time do it in a traffic-reduced 5mph zone.”
“We are so pleased that DOT is sponsoring this new initiative so that folks can relax and enjoy some wonderful Chinatown offerings,” said Chinatown BID Executive Director Wellington Chen. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to share our hidden gems.”
Mott Street’s transformation will be enhanced by participating businesses and merchants, which are allowed to bring their seating or wares out to the sidewalks and streets. Food and drinks, ranging from bubble tea and desserts to traditional Chinese cuisine, will be available throughout the route. Additional bicycle corrals will also be available.
“Shared streets allow pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike to traverse our city more safely,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Opening up our streets and reducing the traffic zone will allow families to fully take in all that Chinatown has to offer. And Mott, with its narrow street, abundant storefronts, and busy foot traffic, is a perfect place to step into the street and explore. I am pleased to see DOT and the Chinatown BID partnering for this series of Chinatown Shared Streets.”
"As someone who has fought hard to make our city more pedestrian friendly, I am happy to help unveil this second Chinatown Shared Streets event," said City Council Member Margaret Chin. "It is my hope that this initiative will help attract both longtime residents and newcomers to experience all of the wonderful and unique things that Chinatown has to offer. I thank Commissioner Trottenberg and the Chinatown BID for this effort to enhance the magic of Chinatown for residents and visitors to enjoy."
Chinatown Shared Streets is a family-friendly, reduced traffic zone that allows New Yorkers to get active and enjoy an abundance of fun activities, and savor amazing food. DOT and the Chinatown BID invite residents and visitors to kick start their weekend by joining in on the fun. The next Chinatown Shared Streets will take place on Friday, August 18th from 5pm-9pm.
For more information about Shared Streets and DOT’s other street programs, please visit the Shared Streets website
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