Senator Carlucci and Officials Announce $100K State Grant for Bike Bypass Trail

Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) was joined by Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart, Orangetown Councilman Paul Valentine, the Rockland Bicycling Club, and Palisades MTB, to announce the procurement of a $100,000 state grant to construct a 1,300 foot long bike bypass trail to improve the safety of cyclists in Rockland County.

During the summer and fall months, one of the most popular recreational activities Rockland County residents participate in is cycling. On weekend mornings throughout the Town of Orangetown, motorists will often encounter groups of cyclists peddling past them as both they, and cyclists, obey the rules of the road.

One particular route that’s popular among cyclists takes them from Nyack over Clausland Mountain towards Greenbush Road in Blauvelt, forcing cyclists to navigate oncoming traffic for several hundred feet on Route 303 before safely getting back onto Greenbush Road. A few years ago, a cyclist was hit by a car and along that stretch of road and died, prompting town, county and state officials to identify solutions to improve cyclist safety.

Through this funding, a paved bike path will be built that will re-connect the two ends of Greenbush Road, effectively bypassing Route 303. This path will run through state parkland and allow cyclists to continue along their route towards their destination, minimizing their risk of being hit by a car.

I would like to thank Supervisor Stewart and Councilman Valentine for bringing this important issue to my attention,” said Senator David Carlucci. By building this bypass, we are reducing the risk for cyclists, and encourage people to come ride in Rockland County. Once the new Tappan Zee Bridge is completed, we want cyclists to know our community looks out for them, and we look forward to enticing more activity in Rockland County. 

“By securing these State funds, we “The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is pleased to partner with Orangetown on this new bike path connection,” said Jim Hall, Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. “This new connection will now afford a safe connection for cyclists to bypass traveling on Rt 303.  We are glad Senator Carlucci was able to assist in securing funding for the project.

"With the opening of the new Tappan Zee Bridge in a few years, I expect Orangetown to see a significant increase in the number of cyclists on our roads,” said Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart.” “Finding ways to make our town safer for cyclists and drivers is a priority, and this project will help with that critical goal. I thank Councilman Valentine for his work on this project and Senator Carlucci for delivering state funds to build this bypass.”

“From my office, I can see hundreds of bikers that come through this dangerous intersection every week,” said Councilman Paul Valentine. “It was important very important that we worked together to develop a solution, and I would like to thank Senator Carlucci for delivering these funds to ensure the safety of our cyclists in Orangetown.”

“This was a great idea, and I’m extremely happy everyone followed through and came up with the money,” said Michael Benowitz, of the Rockland Bicycling Club. “It will make our cyclists’ ride much more safe and enjoyable. This route will be more attractive to cyclists, and I hope this sets precedence for the rest of Rockland County.”