MYFOXNY.COM -
The NYC Department of Transportation kicked off the fifth annual Summer Streets event Saturday.
The Summer Streets event unveiled the 160-foot zip line at Foley Square and will feature a 25-foot rock-climbing wall provided by outdoor retailer REI at Spring and Lafayette Streets.
Summer Streets creates temporary car-free streets in Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park providing dozens of activities from free bike and rollerblade rentals to dance and exercise classes.
Stretching seven miles from Park Avenue and 72nd Street to the Brooklyn Bridge and Foley Square, you could literally walk in the middle of the street in Manhattan.
Organizers say it's a chance to get in touch with your inner adventurer.
"His name is Sport. He's a veteran rider and he has his doggles – he's good," said Holly about her dog.
With her dog named, Sport, who wears shades called doggles, Holly is taking full advantage of these Summer Streets.
"We ride around with him every weekend but it's so nice in Summer Streets – we can go further, he loves it."
Leticia Emanuel, another New Yorker who enjoyed the Summer Streets added, "It's pretty great. It's cool to see families out here and bikers, runners and scooters running together. It's cool so many people are out here."
From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge – the DOT closed streets -- a freeing feeling for biker Emanuel.
"Because it's fun, because you get to ride your bike in the street like you were a kid," added Emanuel.
There was plenty of room to bike, run or just take a walk.
"I just walked across the bridge and I'm heading back to the park," said another Summer Streets participant.
"It's really, really nice. I've never been this deep into NYC."
Michael Agusta and his daughter Lena were taking a break after long walk under the 90 degree August sun.
"I drive the streets but today, you really get to take in the sights, architecture – it's a different view," said Agusta.
This is the fifth year for Summer Streets and the highlight this year -- the zip line in Foley Square -- it's very popular.
"It's beautiful, everything is fabulous," said one happy zip rider.
A group from Hunter College walked the full seven miles and they're feeling good.
"Get up off your butts at home and come on out and join us."
Summer Streets is scheduled for the next two Saturdays and it ends at 1:00 p.m. If you want to take that zip line, get there early because it books up fast.
