Westchester’s Bicycle Sundays Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Friends of Westchester County Parks and Con Edison Partner for Third Year

Forty years ago, a one-day “Bicycle Rally” ran from the Westchester County Center north to Kensico Dam to encourage bicycle use in the interests of energy conservation and pollution control. Today, that same program has turned into an iconic event in Westchester County attracting over 60,000 residents over twelve Sundays from May to September, and runs the distance of approximately 6.5 miles.

This signature event in Westchester continues with the public-private partnership with Friends of Westchester County Parks and Con Edison.

The 2014 Bicycle Sundays program began yesterday, Sunday, May 4, as leaders across Westchester gathered for the official kick-off of the popular program.  Representatives from Friends and Con Edison were on hand to each present checks for $20,000 to underwrite the program. Bicycle Sundays runs until September.

Thousands of bicyclists, as well as walkers, joggers and in-line skaters can take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the Bronx River Parkway, the nation’s oldest parkway, which is closed to traffic during the program. In 2011, the program was cut from the county budget, but with the support of Con Edison and Friends, the program continued when each donated $20,000. Since then, both have committed to saving the program each year with the same donation.

“Bicycle Sundays are an iconic event in Westchester County that gives people a place to avoid the crowded streets, get some exercise and gives families a chance to spend some time together,” said Joanne Fernandez, Chairperson of the Friends of Westchester County Parks. “We are grateful to Con Edison for working again this year with Friends to provide the needed funding.”

Jane Solnick, director of Public Affairs for Con Edison and a member of the board of directors for the Friends of Westchester County Parks, said: “Con Edison has a long-standing tradition of committing to programs that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Westchester and encourage them to enjoy the benefits of nature.  We are pleased that our partnership enables Bicycle Sundays to continue.”  

This year’s first Bicycle Sunday also coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week. Guests and residents are urged to use the Guide to Outdoor Adventure in Westchester, which features the county’s vast hiking and biking trails and other points of interest along the way.

“Bicycle Sundays is one of Westchester’s favorite traditions,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “It’s something the entire family can do together – for free – while also enjoying the outdoors and getting some great exercise. On behalf of the 60,000 people who enjoy the program each year, I want to once again thank Friends of Westchester County Parks and Con Edison for generously supporting Bicycle Sundays.”

Annually, Bicycle Sundays attract 60,000 participants on weekend dates in May, June and September, except Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The event runs through ten municipalities and five legislative districts that include: White Plains, Hartsdale, Greenburgh, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Yonkers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way. Parking is available at the County Center lot in White Plains for a fee of $5. Bicycle Sundays 2014 are May 4, 11 and 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; and September 7, 14, 21 and 28. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friends of Westchester County Parks engages the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system.

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