Summer Streets made its annual return to the city this weekend.

The program - which closes streets to cars and trucks and opens them up for cycling, walking, dancing and other outdoor activities - kicked off in Queens and Staten Island on Saturday.

"It's wonderful. It's wide open," said Kevin Kou, who was riding his bicycle in the middle of Vernon Boulevard in Queens.

What You Need To Know

  • Summer Streets made its annual return to the city this weekend.

  • The program - which closes streets to cars and trucks and opens them up for cycling, walking, dancing and other outdoor activities - kicked off in Queens and Staten Island on Saturday.

  • This year, more streets in Long Island City and Astoria are closed off to cars than ever before. In Queens, Summer Streets runs along Vernon Boulevard, from 44th Drive to 30th Drive, and on Staten Island, the program runs along Broadway, from Richmond Terrace to Clove Road

  • The summer of fun will continue on upcoming weekends in other boroughs. Summer Streets will run in Manhattan for the next three weekends, and in Brooklyn and the Bronx on Aug. 24

The open streets are ideal for New Yorkers who want to get out and get moving.

"I'm a cyclist, I'm a runner, and I teach yoga, and so having outdoor space, especially in the summer, is just one of best things about living in New York," said Elaine O'Brien, whose activity of choice was cycling.

This year, more streets in Long Island City and Astoria are closed off to cars than ever before. In Queens, Summer Streets runs along Vernon Boulevard, from 44th Drive to 30th Drive, and on Staten Island, the program runs along Broadway, from Richmond Terrace to Clove Road.

"Very happy without the cars. It's easy to run anywhere," said Arvin De LaVega, who was running on the open streets with his running group.

The summer of fun will continue on upcoming weekends in other boroughs. Summer Streets will run in Manhattan for the next three weekends, and in Brooklyn and the Bronx on Aug. 24.

"The more open streets for pedestrians and cyclists, the better," said Fiona Peach, who had just finished her four-mile run when NY1 caught up with her. "There's plenty of open space for cars in the rest of the city."

The initiative run by the city's Department of Transportation now lasts longer than ever - from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Extending open streets to much longer hours gives us that much more opportunity to enjoy it," O'Brien said.

"I might make it out a second time later with my husband - if it's on until three, then I can get home, take a nap, come back out," Peach added.

For some New Yorkers, it's a chance for the community to come together with food and drink tastings, fitness activities, and dance parties. For others, it's a chance to explore the city while the streets are car-free.

"This feels more zen. It feels more calm to be able to just bike. It feels meditative, almost," Kou said.

Citi Bike is giving New Yorkers a chance to ride bikes for free during Summer Streets. Riders can access free day passes for Citi Bike's classic bikes during Summer Streets using the code: CITI SUMMER 24.