The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced an expansion of its Open Streets initiative, aimed at improving safety for students during school drop-off and pick-up times. This program will impact 71 schools across the city, a record number, with 12 Bronx schools participating this year.

Street Lab, a nonprofit that creates pop-up programming in public spaces, is one of the key partners in this initiative. They work with the DOT to set up recess programs for schools without gyms or yards. Beyond providing fun activities, the program focuses on safety by temporarily closing streets around schools to protect children from traffic.

Jim Lammers, project manager at Street Lab, emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that closing streets around schools can prevent accidents and create a safer environment for students.

One of the Bronx schools benefiting from this expansion is the Joseph H. Wade School in Mount Hope. Principal Dr. Caron Martin expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying that closing the street in front of the school during dismissal will help protect students who might otherwise take risks crossing the road. The community’s support has been vital in making this project a reality.

As the new school year approaches, the DOT’s Open Streets project is set to provide a safer, smoother experience for students and parents alike.