Path along Palisade Ave. is feasible

To the editor:

I would like to comment on the articles relating to the Hudson River Greenway in the Jan. 23 issue of The Press.

I worked for twelve years as the Bicycle Program Director for the New York City Department of Transportation. During that time I commuted by bicycle across the Henry Hudson Bridge and along the Hudson River from Riverdale to lower Manhattan during the Manhattan Waterfront Path’s various stages of development.

I am also a member of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Committee’s (NYMTC) Hudson River Valley Greenway Task Force.

I praise Senator Charles Schumer for seeking the funding needed to achieve this project.

Charles Moerdler states in his point of view that “A pedestrian and bicycle path currently runs across the Henry Hudson Bridge, albeit one not as wide as desirable.”

This path cannot be called a bicycle path. In fact, MTA Bridges and Tunnels has “No Bicycle Riding” signs posted at both entrances to the bridge. Walking a bicycle across the bridge is extremely difficult due to the narrowness of the walkway, especially when encountering another bridge user either on foot or bicycle.

I believe that NYMTC’s plan would most likely work within the right of way of Palisade Avenue and have minimal impact on the property owners along this portion.

In addition, it would greatly enhance safety for both pedestrians and bicyclists.

The cost of doing this would be well worth it as an incremental approach to achieving NYMTC’s ultimate goal of a riverfront path.

I have done extensive bicycle touring and have cycled from Lake Champlain to New York City during a time when no paths existed along the Hudson River. It would be wonderful if we could create a path along the waterfront that could be shared by all forms of non-motorized transportation to travel between Battery Park and the northern reaches of the Hudson River.

JOHN BENFATTI