Supervisor Calls For Postponing Bicycle Sundays

GREENBURGH, NY — The Town of Greenburgh is calling for Westchester County's Bicycle Sundays to be postponed because of the coronavirus crisis. Supervisor Paul Feiner said, in an email to the community, that the Greenburgh Medical Advisory Committee made the recommendation based on a number of reasons.

Feiner, who is bicyclist, said having the event during the state's stay-at-home order violates the prohibition of nonessential gatherings of any size.

Further, the state's PAUSE order, which is in effect until May 15, requires limiting the concentration of individuals outside their homes to providing essential services and prohibits outdoor recreational activities where individuals can come in close contact should be avoided.

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Feiner said the town's medical advisory committee, which is made up of prestigious doctors and medical professionals, said that from a public health perspective it is not advisable to have Bicycle Sundays start up "at this time."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer recently announced the annual event would begin Sunday, May 3 with a modified route that excludes the Westchester County Center which is currently configured as a hospital in case the state needs extra beds.

Organizers said they would be recommending bicyclists wear a mask or a face covering in situations such as this where social distancing may not always be able to be maintained.

Bicycle Sundays are scheduled to take place May 3, 10,17 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Sept. 13, 20 and 27.

With only a limited number of events, Feiner said that no event should be held in May and the county should add extra days in October. June's events, if canceled, could be rescheduled for later in the summer or the first week in November.

Feiner also said that, while wearing masks was useful, they didn't negate the need for physical distancing. He also said that wearing a mask while exercising can cause glasses to fog up and increase the risk of accidents.

Latimer said, in a text message to Patch, that the county was proceeding with Bicycle Sunday this weekend.

"We believe that people need proper physical outlets for exercise and for better mental health, during this period of reduced societal interaction and sheltering in home," he said.

Latimer said the key elements of social distancing and use of masks will be required and ensures the new coronavirus will not be further spread through the event.

The Greenburgh Medical Advisory Committee includes Maura Frank, M.D., of Weill Cornell Medicine; David Kudlowitz, M.D., of NYU Internal Medicine Associates; Iris Schlesinger, M.D., formerly of New York Medical College and Nitin Gupta, M.D., of Rivertowns Pediatrics.

CLARIFICATION: This article has been modified from its original version to include comments from Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

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