Bicycle Sundays are back in Westchester!
Sunday, May 5 marked the kickoff of Westchester County’s 50th annual Bicycle Sundays program, which sees the Bronx River Parkway closed to motor vehicles and opened for the enjoyment of bicyclists, joggers, skaters, pedestrians, pets, and more.
Since its inception in 1974, the Bicycle Sundays program has been immensely popular among Westchester residents looking to get outdoors and stretch their legs while staying close to home. The Bronx River Pathway, a trail enjoyed year-round by cyclists and pedestrians, runs alongside the Parkway, but Bicycle Sundays allow for a more inclusive experience perfect for kids and casual bikers.
The 6.5-mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway reserved for the program reaches from Yonkers to White Plains and will be open every Sunday in May, June, July, September, and October 6 (except for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends).
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks joined on the steps of the County Center to celebrate the milestone. New for this year, six hand cycles will now be available to individuals who need extra assistance, thanks to a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.
Westchester Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and preserving the County’s parks, and the Westchester County Parks Department co-administer the program, with financial support from New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and Con Edison.
The Bronx River Parkway runs parallel to the Bronx River Parkway Reservation, an 807-acre park that is the oldest in Westchester and a picturesque backdrop for a day of outdoor fun. The trial runs through six municipalities including White Plains, Hartsdale/Greenburgh, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Yonkers.
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The Parkway itself is similarly historic, being the oldest parkway not just in Westchester but the United States. This year, it will celebrate its 102nd birthday.
Bicycle Sundays began May 5 and will run Sundays this summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to share your Bicycle Sunday memories by posting old photos using the hashtag #BicycleSundaysTurns50.
Related: Explore Westchester’s Outdoor Recreation Destinations by Town
