The NYC Economic Development Corporation is planning to create a new bicycle and pedestrian path on Randall’s Island under the Hell Gate Bridge.
The path will eventually connect the island to the South Bronx Greenway, which is bringing bicycle access to the waterfront through a network of bike paths in SoBro. With so much hot air expelled over bike lanes in Brooklyn and Manhattan, it’s nice to know the Bronx is getting some love, too! Of course, the virulently anti-cyclist editors at the NY Post took one look at this development and said, “Bikeway to hell!” But from what an NYCEDC spokesman told us, there’s nothing hellish about it.
Right now the only way to legally get to the island by bike is via the 103rd Street Pedestrian Bridge in Manhattan. But that bridge is closed during the winter months. (Also, it’s currently being rehabilitated and won’t open until at least mid-2011.) There are other pedestrian bridges, but they’re technically for pedestrians only. Once complete, the Randall’s Island bike network will bring the island closer to cyclists in the Bronx. The project is being funded by the city, with a budget TBD.
Kyle Sklerov at the NYCEDC tells us, “The construction of new bike and pedestrian pathways will provide increased recreational opportunities and improved access to Randall’s Island. The pathways will provide visitors great opportunities to walk, jog, and cycle under the historic Hell Gate Bridge railroad trestle.” And maybe one day South Bronx residents will be able to fulfill their lifelong dreams and ride their bikes to a Dave Matthews Band concert on the island!
