Don’t freak out if parts of Manhattan look like a vehicular ghost town Friday. It’s for the environment.
The city is holding its first Car Free day in several sections of the borough to encourage greener alternatives to commuting. Cars will be prohibited on streets surrounding Washington Square Park and Broadway between 17th and 23rd streets between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in sections of Washington Heights between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who spearheaded the effort, said 25 precent of carbon emissions come from vehicles and a lot of New Yorkers don’t consider other options. As part of the initiative several companies, such as Citi Bike have pledged to help New Yorkers get around the city.
The bike share company will offer New Yorkers a free ride Friday to anyone who signs up on its website.
