Mayor Mamdani Reopened Freedom Drive to Car Traffic
New York City officials restored vehicle access to the Queens road after a request to alleviate local traffic congestion.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall
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Mayor Mamdani reopened Freedom Drive in Forest Park to cars on October 7. The decision followed requests from local officials aimed at addressing traffic congestion for residents.
Why it matters
The reopening marks a shift in how city leaders manage park accessibility versus vehicle thoroughfare needs. Officials cited the necessity of relieving congestion as the primary driver for allowing cars back onto the path.
Freedom Drive now allows car traffic during the city's six-month off-season, which spans from October through April. This policy follows a precedent set by previous administrations that allowed vehicle access on park drives.
The players
Mamdani
The current Mayor of New York City who authorized the reopening of Freedom Drive to car traffic.
Adams
The former Mayor of New York City who previously ordered the restoration of car access to park drives.
Bill de Blasio
The former Mayor of New York City known for his policy of reclaiming park drives exclusively for pedestrians.
Parks Department
The city agency responsible for managing traffic access and operational schedules on municipal park drives.
The details
Cars returned to Freedom Drive nearly a month ahead of the typical schedule managed by the Parks Department. This change aligns the route with current city rules that also permit vehicle traffic on Silver Lake Park Road in Staten Island on weekdays.
Timeline
2018: Bill de Blasio reclaimed park drives for pedestrians.
April 2025: Adams ordered cars back onto Silver Lake Park Road.
December 2025: Adams ordered cars back onto Freedom Drive.
October 7, 2026: Cars returned to Freedom Drive.
October 2026: City officials originally planned to keep cars out.
Political Context
Opponents of the reopening emphasize the importance of maintaining pedestrian-only spaces in urban parks to ensure safety and recreational value. Advocacy groups argue that prioritizing car traffic undermines the original goals of the Covid-19 pandemic-era park drive vehicle ban.
Drivers in Queens can now utilize Freedom Drive as an alternative route through Forest Park during the off-season months. Residents should anticipate increased vehicle presence in the park area until the traffic rules shift again in April.
The takeaway
Urban park management often requires balancing competing needs between commuter congestion relief and pedestrian safety. Residents can track seasonal traffic changes to plan their daily commutes through city parks more effectively.
Further reading
For more updates on local governance and infrastructure policy, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Streetsblog New York City.
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