I don’t what it costs to close off 5 miles of Manhattan streets to vehicle traffic and staff every corner with what looked like at least 5 NYPD officers. But it was worth it for anyone who got up on Saturday and took part in the New York Summer Streets on this perfect weather weekend. Really, it was probably the best one-day public event I’ve ever attended in the city – no lines, free, beautiful views – and I don’t even like running that much. 

Summer Streets happens one more weekend: August 20. Look at the route map on the official site.

Here are some photos from this past Saturday, starting from the Brooklyn Bridge and going north until 72nd Street. You can see my entire photo set on Flickr.

Some joggers and bikers started the route on the Brooklyn Bridge

There were other workout stations scattered throughout the route, including this yoga lesson near the federal courthouse.

Not everything was workout related, including this sand sculpture station near the courthouse.

Near Foley Square

Canal and Lafayette Streets, one of the few intersections in which east-west traffic is allowed to cross.

Houston and Lafayette Streets

Astor Place

Near the Union Square Farmers Market

City Picnic on 24th Street; Whole Foods and other sponsors gave out free smoothie, apple sauce, and sorbet samples.

Near 34th Street, facing south. I guess growing up in New York means learning how to bike by putting on the training wheels on Park Avenue.

I don’t think this bridge over Pershing Square facing Grand Central normally has pedestrian access, so this was especially cool.

Park Avenue splits around Grand Central; again, doesn’t seem like there’s pedestrian access here normally.

Park Ave. past Grand Central

Leaving Grand Central

53rd Street

Midtown, facing south

This is where the route ends at 72nd St. and loops back to the south. For those of us who can’t get into the NYC Marathon through the usual means, this gave us a little taste of what it’s like to run through a wide avenue of Manhattan, sans the cheering.

Summer Streets happens one more weekend: August 20. Look at the route map on the official site.

You can see my entire photo set on Flickr.