The Journal News quoted our Director in a new article about hours of operation for the Tappan Zee Bridge's biking/walking path.
Alas, only a few quotes fit in the short "he said / she said" piece.
Our first pullout from the position of South Nyack's Mayor, who wants the path closed from dusk to dawn:
"She said those using the path are just bypassing South Nyack, inconveniencing residents more than enhancing the village."
In reality, South Nyack will be the path's biggest beneficiary:
* Residents will have quick, convenient access to Tarrytown's train station by bicycle * Immediate access to a beautiful walk above the river * That will boost property values * A bike shop cafe would be quite profitable, generating tax or lease revenue for the Village
Our second pull quote for Mayor Christian is:
"We don't need people out there in the early morning hours. Nothing good happens in the early morning hours."
Setting aside the hyperbolic rhetoric, pre-dawn is the _best_ time to ride. Being out in the quiet, fresh air and empty streets is (nearly?) a spiritual experience.
Until Mayor Christian implements a dusk to dawn curfew on people driving, we'll continue working for 24/7 access.
If you haven't written the Journal News on the topic before, please take a moment to jot a ~100 word letter to the editor: letters@lohud.com
The State's transportation department has been rejecting a safe way to get across Route 9 where the TZB path ends in Tarrytown. So we wrote the Governor and Commissioner. The DOT is now saying they're open to discussion of the matter.
https://biketarrytown.org/broadway-for-everybody/cuomo-bridge-path-tarrytown-crosswalk.pdf
Things are a bit vague, and possibly troubling, for linking the TZB with the Old Croton Aqueduct at Lyndhurst.
Our collective efforts in October inspired the Thruway Authority to examine how to extend their Side Path from the DoubleTree Hotel to the OCA!
But the engineers are thinking of having people walking and biking jammed together on a narrow sidewalk. So we wrote the Governor and the Thruway's Director. The reply was non-committal.
Take a look at where things stand. Chime in with us and/or the State on how you think things should proceed.
https://biketarrytown.org/broadway-for-everybody/interchange-9-side-path-extension-2018-05-18.php
We asked the State DOT to create policies for clearing snow and ice from protected bike lanes on State managed roads. They're looking into it.
https://biketarrytown.org/broadway-for-everybody/nysdot-bike-lane-snow-removal-policy-request.php
We produced a fun, 50 second video showing how we can make it safe for everybody in Sleepy Hollow to bike to the Warner Library, C-Town, Patriots Park, Farmers Market, High School, Middle School, John Paulding School, Immaculate Conception Church and Korean Church.
If you live in Sleepy Hollow Manor or Philipse Manor, join us for refreshments and friendly discussion about how we can improve cycling in Sleepy Hollow.
If this applies to you, take a quick poll to help us figure out which night works best for you in your neighborhood:
* Sleepy Hollow Manor https://doodle.com/poll/d7rdmpz684pvvw3y
* Philipse Manor https://doodle.com/poll/rtrvc9f7tx3cxqz3
See you at [Pierson] Park tonight from 6:30 - 8 for free jazz. Dan Williams on the trombone? Can't miss it.
biketarrytown.org | info@biketarrytown.org | T: @BikeTarrytown | F: @BikeTarrytn