The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that car-free time in Central Park will be increased by one hour in the morning on the park's West Drive, starting Monday, August 6.

In making the announcement, new DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said: "Central Park is busy in the mornings with walkers, joggers and cyclists. I am pleased we will be able to provide additional time for everyone to utilize the park free from vehicles."

Although this was less of an incremental improvement than we had hoped for from the new administration at DOT, with this additional hour the West Drive is open to traffic for only two hours a day, from 8-10 am, and we're one step closer to a completely car-free park.

There is a great deal of fear surrounding the closing of any road to motorists, even if that road is in the world's most famous urban green space. The only way to dispel those fears once and for all will be a full-fledged trial closure of the park to cars, which is the next logical step.

Ken Coughlin, Chair
Transportation Alternatives' Car-Free Central Park Campaign