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A plan to encourage bicycling beyond ‘trophy trails’

Alexander Roberts

They are baby steps, but the Lower Hudson Valley is cycling toward a greener future.

In June, New Rochelle held a public hearing on a new ordinance requiring, “Off-street bicycle parking facilities shall be provided for any structure or use requiring site plan approval.” It would mandate the accommodation of one bicycle parking space for each 10 required car parking spaces, and would apply to all multi-family dwellings of 10 units or more and mixed use buildings that require at least 10 parking spaces. Where any bicycle parking spaces are required, the owner would have to supply a bicycle rack with at least two spaces. The cost for this revolution: a few hundred dollars for a bike rack.

The hearing attracted about a dozen people, who were generally enthusiastic, thanks to a newly invigorated Westchester Cycle Club and Westchester Biking and Walking Alliance that is promoting bicycling as a legitimate means of transportation. (Cycling enthusiasts have been just as active in Rockland County, which has long been a magnet for cyclists escaping the traffic-clogged streets of New York City and New Jersey. – Editor.)

An even more ambitious proposal in Bedford would require widening the existing shoulders to a consistent 4 feet for 3.5 miles on Bedford Center Road between Route 117 in Bedford Hills and the Bedford Cross at Route 22 to make it safer for bike riders.

Via: A plan to encourage bicycling beyond ‘trophy trails’ | lohud.com | The Journal News.

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