Avoid Driving In NYC During These Holiday Season Days, City Says

NEW YORK CITY — You might want to skip the car into and around Manhattan this holiday season.

Wednesday not only is the start of December, it's the month's first Gridlock Alert day, according to the city's Department of Transportation.

Traffic is no picnic on the best days in Manhattan, but holiday visitors are expected to grind it to a halt for nine days this month.

"NYC DOT designates the busiest traffic days of the year as Gridlock Alert Days," the DOT's website states. "Whether traveling for work, errands or recreation, please consider walking, biking or taking public transportation whenever possible."

The gridlock days this season are:

• Wednesday, Dec. 1
• Thursday, Dec. 2
• Friday, Dec. 3
• Wednesday, Dec. 8
• Thursday, Dec. 9
• Wednesday, Dec. 15
• Thursday, Dec. 16
• Friday, Dec. 17
• Wednesday, Dec. 22

Many advocates want New Yorkers and others visiting the city to forgo car travel altogether. Doing so will make the city more inviting, safe and environmentally friendly, they argue.

And car traffic has been particularly dangerous this year. Transportation Alternatives has frequently noted the number of traffic deaths in the city is poised to break records.

New Yorkers looking to avoid gridlock this holiday season in are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation. No word on whether Santa's sleigh is available.