“Trick Or Streets” Next Monday Expansion Across NYC For Halloween Night

‘TRICK-OR-STREETS’: ADAMS ADMINISTRATION TO ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER EXPANSION OF OPEN STREET HOURS FOR HALLOWEEN, CUT RIBBON ON 34^TH AVENUE REDESIGN IN QUEENS

 Nearly 100 Open Streets and other newly pedestrianized streets will be car-free next Monday evening, October 31^st, activated for ghoulish “Trick-or Streets” events that will allow families more public space in celebration of Halloween.

The 34^th Avenue Open Street in Jackson Heights is also celebrated — as extraordinary public space improvements implemented by DOT this year have permanently prioritized pedestrians and cyclists.

NEW YORK—Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the activation of nearly 100 Open Streets and other newly pedestrianized streets to celebrate Halloween night. Today’s event was held along the 34^th Avenue Open Street in Jackson Heights, Queens, one of the prime locations being activated next Monday for a groundbreaking program being called “Trick-or-Streets”. See location list below, or visit the Trick-or-Streets map. Commissioner Rodriguez also joined community groups, advocates, and local elected officials to cut the ribbon on 34^th Avenue, one of next week’s locations that is also New York City’s longest Open Street.

“As we permanently open the gold standard, Open Street on 34^th Avenue, we hope every family and every child has a safe and enjoyable Halloween with special evening Trick-or-Streets across the entire city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This program brings together communities and city government to promote safety, community, and fun, and I want to thank all our partners on the ground for their contributions. Happy Halloween, New Yorkers!”

“I am incredibly excited to build on the triumph of our thriving Open Streets program by launching our first ever Trick-Or-Streets initiative this Halloween, providing greater access to safer, shared community spaces,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

“I thank Mayor Adams and our dedicated staff for planning this groundbreaking event and hope families will take the opportunity to safely Trick-Or-Treat on an Open Street. And as a bonus, we are celebrating Trick-or-Streets with all the fiendish friends and community partners who have made the official ribbon-cutting along the incredible 34th Avenue Open Street possible.”

34^th Avenue Open Street

DOT today celebrated the substantial completion of the 34^th Ave Open Street redesign, a groundbreaking project that has transformed 1.3 miles of 34th Avenue into a pedestrian and cyclist priority corridor.

The project includes new plaza and shared street blocks centered at the schools, enhancing safety, accessibility, and creating vibrant programming space for children attending the seven schools within a block of the Jackson Heights corridor.

Started in the depths of the pandemic in 2020, the 34^th Avenue Open Street quickly developed into a family-focused oasis on what was once a car-centric corridor.  A new network of community spaces was created for Jackson Heights neighbors of all backgrounds and ages, the Open Street dramatically reduced vehicular volumes and through traffic.  As a result of the changes, safety has improved for all road users, with a 41.7% drop in crashes involving pedestrians. 

This project is a shining example of how DOT is working with communities to rethink New York City streets as public space, marking a significant stride in bringing new public spaces from Bike Boulevards to Shared Streets to Pedestrian Plaza to enhance completely residential corridors. DOT will continue to engage with the Jackson Heights community about the future of this corridor, including public surveys and visioning sessions for the capital project funded with $84M in city funding and an additional $750,000 from former City Council Member Daniel Dromm. The larger Open Streets program continues to transform streets for people and DOT has several similar public space projects either planned, or recently completed, in neighborhoods across the city.

Trick-or-Streets

For the first time, Open Streets will expand its hours into Halloween night, when families with children will be welcome to enjoy fa-boo-lous fun on select car-free streets.

In addition to 34^th Avenue, Halloween Open Streets will occur on nearly 100 Open Streets and other newly pedestrianized streets on Monday, October 31^st from 4 PM – 8PM.  See location list below, or visit the Trick-or-Streets map.

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DOT is excited to partner with the following Open Streets for special activations on Halloween:

In partnership with the NYC Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), DOT is also excited to announce several locations opening space for pedestrians on Halloween:

NYCDOT’s Public Space partners are joining in the fun throughout the Halloween weekend!

Keep an eye out for Halloween and Dia de las Muertos programming at a plaza or Open Street near you.  NYCDOT’s Public Space Programing Initiative brings free arts, cultural, fitness, and educational experiences to public spaces that are free and open to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities. Learn more about Public Space Programming at www.nyc.gov/publicspaceprogramming

Upcoming Halloween Events on Monday, October 31^st

Dumbo Arch Way

Pearl Street between Water Street and Anchorage Place, Brooklyn

4:00 pm – Annual March to the Arch – parade through Dumbo & Brooklyn Bridge Park, led by brass bands & puppets! (Start Washington at Water Streets).
4:30 pm -7:00 pm – Dumboween Party. Live music. Arts & crafts. Fa-boo-lous photo booth. Costume contest for humans and pets. And of course, candy. Plus pick up a map of trick or treating in the neighborhood.

12^th Street Plaza

12^th Street Between 44^th Avenue and 43^rd Road, Queens

4:00pm – 6:00pm Families! Trick or treat your way around the 12th Street Plaza with arts & crafts, candy and lots of fun!

Myrtle Avenue Plaza

Myrtle Avenue from Grand Avenue to Emerson Place, Brooklyn

4:00pm – 6:00pm Myrtle Avenue Monster Mash

The annual Halloween dance party on Myrtle Avenue is back with games, treats, a DJ, dancing and a special Thriller Dance off.

Quisqueya Plaza

Dyckman Street between Broadway and Seaman Avenue

3:00pm – Halloween Parade Spooktacular

3:00pm – 8:00pm – Quisqueya Plaza’s First Halloween Party!

Join in the fun with games, food, beverage, and prizes for the best costume!

Open Streets Background

In May 2021, the New York City Council passed legislation to make Open Streets a permanent program. This bill codifies the Open Streets program as part of the City’s administrative code. Through a permanent Open Street program, DOT has created a portal of engagement with the public to allow for a range of activities that promote safe and accessible transportation, economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. More on the program, including how to apply, can be found at nyc.gov/openstreets

“From farmer’s markets to tai chi to kids’ games and more, our Open Streets and the programming they offer have been revolutionary for our city on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. Turning these spaces into spooky hubs of haunted Halloween fun for families next week is yet another incredible example of why the Open Streets program is so great,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “On behalf of families from Jackson Heights, Woodside Flushing, Astoria and Addisleigh Park, I thank the DOT for the activation of these open streets for the holiday.”

“Halloween is a tradition enjoyed by people of all ages, and the Trick-or-Streets project will guarantee a safe festivity packed weekend,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I commend New York City Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez on the Trick-or-Streets initiative to help keep residents out of harm’s way this Halloween.”

“Nothing could be sweeter than trick-or-treating on the 34th Avenue Open Street. This transformative project epitomizes the benefits of repurposing the city’s street space to emphasize pedestrian and non-motorized traffic, and the news that the work to make 34th Avenue a permanent Open Street is largely complete couldn’t come at a better time,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC. We’re also absolutely elated that the Adams administration is giving the city’s kids the opportunity to celebrate Halloween on dozens of car-free streets next Monday. Advocates have been urging the city to do this for years, and we hope that this all-treat and no-trick policy will continue to expand in coming years.”

“Car-free streets are safe streets. Extending the hours of Open Streets on Halloween will protect young people trick-or-treating,” said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Transportation Alternatives. “New Yorkers deserve permanent, 24/7 Open Streets year-round. 34th Avenue can and should be a model of what’s possible when we build streets for people.”

With additional bike lanes, enhanced safety measures, and more open space, all while serving as a central gathering place for our school children, 34th Ave is the quintessential Open Street design,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Kudos to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for transforming this 1.3 mile stretch in Jackson heights—already a major destination with its rich history and diversity—into one of New York City’s safest neighborhoods to explore. And speaking of safety, NYLCV is thrilled with the “Trick-or-Streets” program, which means our trick-or-treaters can worry more about dodging zombies and werewolves and less about cars and trucks.”

“The 34^th Avenue Open Street project is a win for all people living in this area. This is a good initiative to support safe and accessible streets for people with disabilities. We must ensure that the streets are clear of traffic hazards that could injure people with disabilities,” said Sharon McLennon-Wier, Ph.D., MSEd., CRC, LMHC, executive director, Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York.

Banner Image: Trick or Treat. Image Credit – Nick Fewings

NYC DOT

The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents.