About NYC Parks > Health and Safety in NYC Parks > Car-Free Park Hours
Car-Free Park Hours
Thanks to the Mayor's Office and NYC DOT, there's now more room for everyone to safely run, bike, play, and explore at two of NYC's most popular parks: Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park in Brooklyn!
For more information about NYC traffic and car-free zones, please visit NYC DOT's website.
Cars, NYC Taxis, and other private and for-hire vehicles are not allowed in Central Park without authorization.
The major crosstown Central Park transverse roads at 97th, 86th, 79th, and 65th Streets are still open to motor vehicles.
You may still see cars or other motor vehicles in the park from time to time, including those from the NYPD, NYC Parks, and Central Park Conservancy. These vehicles use the roads to help keep Central Park active, beautiful, and safe. Other vehicles may be approved to use the park to help a concession or special event.
Please continue to stay safe and watch for traffic when using the park.
Learn more about Central Park's car policy
Learn more about scheduled closures at Central Park
Visit Central Park
Cars, NYC Taxis, and other private and for-hire vehicles are not allowed in Prospect Park without authorization.
You may still see cars or other motor vehicles in the park from time to time, including those from NYC Parks, Prospect Park Alliance and NYPD. These vehicles help keep Prospect Park clean and safe. Other vehicles may be approved to use the park to help a concession or special event, or for seasonal access to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. Most permitted events do not allow cars or other vehicles.
Learn more about Prospect Park's car policy
Learn more about rules and guidelines for the Prospect Park Drives
Visit Prospect Park
Citywide Car-Free Events
Summer Streets
Each summer, during three consecutive Saturdays in August, nearly seven miles of streets from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Central Park are car-free for NYC DOT's annual celebration of streets as public space! Everyone is welcome to come out into streets to walk, run, bike, zip line, and enjoy free performances, art, and fun, family-friendly activities in the streets. Learn more about Summer Streets
Weekend Walks
Weekend Walks are multi-block, multi-day events on commercial corridors that promote the use of streets as public space. At Weekend Walk events, select neighborhood blocks are closed to traffic for residents and visitors to relax, explore, play games, and get to know the neighbors! Learn more about Weekend Walks