Bicycle Sunday tomorrow -celebrating 50 years

I got my start in public service by serving as the chair of the Task Force for Bikeways in Westchester in 1973 (when I was still in school). In 1974 I served as a member of former County Executive Al Del Bello's Bikeway Committee. I recommended that the county close the Bronx River Parkway for cyclists - an initiative the County Executive enthusiastically supported. It's been 50 years of fun on the parkway and I can't wait to get on my bicycle as I do every year and enjoy this fantastic program.

In 1973, when I was chair of the County Task Force for Bikeways, I was a big pain. I kept calling legislators at night and on weekends asking the county to fund the first bikeway in Westchester (Bronx River Parkway bike path). I wrote letters, spoke at meetings. Organized petitions. Persuaded newspapers to write editorials. One day the Minority Leader of the Board of Legislators asked me to agree to a deal: the Board of Legislators would fund the bikeway if I agreed not to show up at Board of Legislators meetings for six months. I did! And the bikeway was funded. We're continuing to make Greenburgh and Westchester a more bicycle/pedestrian friendly community. In recent years Greenburgh has overseen the funding and building of almost 12 miles of new sidewalks. More to come.
PAUL FEINERGreenburgh Town Supervisor
from the Westchester County website
2024 commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Bicycle Sundays! Since July 21,1974, Westchester County residents have been enjoying the popular Bicycle Sundays program. It opens a 6.5-mile stretch of the historic Bronx River Parkway to bicyclists, skaters, joggers, and walkers on a series of Sundays throughout the warmer weather months each year. Bicycle Sundays is one of Westchester’s longest-running and popular recreational programs.
Tag us on social media using the #BicycleSundaysTurns50 (see details below)
The series runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:*

• May 12 and 19
• June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
• July 7, 14, 21, 28 (*Note: July program times run from 8 a.m. to noon.)
• Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29
• Oct. 6

Bicycle Sundays is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by Westchester Parks Foundation and its partners, through generous donations from co-presenting sponsors NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester and Con Edison, with Jen’s Cycles in Yonkers as the official Bicycle Sponsor.
The Westchester Parks Foundation and the Westchester County Parks Department are also encouraging residents to share their memories by posting old photos and tagging both organizations on social media and using the #BicycleSundaysTurns50
During Bicycle Sundays, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. The round-trip distance is 13 miles. The road is closed to automobiles in that stretch of parkway. Admission is free and free parking will be available in the East Lot at the Westchester County Center.
Rules and Regulations:

• Open to all bicyclists, scooters, walkers and joggers.
• Walkers, joggers and slower wheeled traffic must use the right lane; faster wheeled traffic must use the left lane.
• New York State law requires helmets for children under age 14, including those riding in bike trailers; helmets are strongly recommended for all wheeled participants.
• New York State law prohibits children under age 1 from riding on bicycles or in a separate seat.
• All headsets are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to music devices and hands-free cell phones.
• No skateboarding allowed.
• No dogs allowed.
• Bicyclists must obey the posted parkway speed limit of 40 m.p.h.
• Children riding in strollers must be strapped in at all times.
• Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
• All participants must be off the parkway by 1:50 p.m.

In the event of rain, the program will be canceled.M