A glance down from the 21st floor window might surprise you in August. In lieu of antsy taxi cabs and meat trucks, street scenery will include pudgy children in rollerblades, cyclists in neon spandex, and women pushing heavy strollers, and even heavier gossip.

The allure of Summer Streets might have something to do with freedom of mobility, redefined: the celebration, as sponsored by the New York City Department of Transportation, opens up seven miles from Brooklyn Bridge to Central park to all forms of transportation, except cars. For three consecutive Saturdays in August, bikers, joggers, cyclists, dancers and yoga enthusiasts can declare victory over motor vehicles and travel the route without looking in both directions.

For the fearless, Summer Streets will feature a new attraction: a 160 foot long zip line in Foley Square near City Hall. Other activites, such as a 25-foot climbing wall near Lafayette and Spring Streets, and Weekend Walks in every borough offered by the DOT, continue the celebration in its fifth year. For more information, visit the event at the Department of Transportation.

Image: NYC DOT