Fats in NY Times Blog!

[Ranger Danger]

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/04/answers-about-development-on-the-hudson/

Ned Sullivan, the president of Scenic Hudson, did some Q&A in a blog for the New York Times last week. One of the questions involved bicycle access in the Hudson Valley and wouldn't you know it - our little bike club got mentioned.

Q: Nowhere in any discussion or promotion of the “Walkway Over the Hudson” that will “transform the abandoned Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into the world’s longest elevated pedestrian park” do I see any mention of accommodating both bicyclists and pedestrians, much less doing so in an organized and safe manner.

The Hudson Valley is a popular region for cyclists already, the possibility of crossing the Hudson on this bridge will increase tourism and indeed can also make it possible for additional commuters in the area to switch to using bicycles instead of cars.
What plans do you and the Scenic Hudson organization have for including facilities in this and other projects?
— Posted by Dana Hudes

A: Dana – As a bike enthusiast, I’m pleased to report that plans are in the works to make the Walkway Over the Hudson accessible and perfectly safe for both walkers and bicyclists. The planned 30-foot-wide path will provide plenty of room for both activities, and an elevator on the Poughkeepsie side of the span will enable bicyclists to continue their travels along the river’s east side. Eventually, Dutchess County plans to link the bridge with a new rail trail running a dozen miles from Poughkeepsie to East Fishkill. Links are in the works that could eventually lead to a continuous trail all the way to New York City. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland, Ulster County, is envisioned to connect with both the Walkway and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz. Once this goal is realized, cyclists will be able to enjoy a 30-mile car-free ride through some of the Hudson Valley’s – indeed, the nation’s – most beautiful countryside.

Trails at Scenic Hudson’s beautiful Shaupeneak Ridge (Esopus, Ulster County) already are very popular with mountain bikers. The Orange Trail there was developed especially for bikers with the help of the volunteer organization Fats in the Cats , which is dedicated to fostering safe and responsible cycling in the Hudson Valley and helps maintain the trail. The group also is working with us to create opportunities for mountain biking at Franny Reese Preserve State Park in Highland, also in Ulster County, which Scenic Hudson preserved and continues to manage.

Further afield, Scenic Hudson has been working for several years with Albany County, the organization Parks & Trails New York, and the Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy to create a new recreational rail trail running for nine miles through the heart of several Capital Region communities. Though more work needs to be done to make this a reality, the concept already has received strong support from local officials and bicyclists.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[tom church]

Nice!

Tom

[bike this]

Very cool
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Shut up and ride.!

[Ranger Danger]

The mention of Shaupeneak reminded me to send out a big thanks to the Fats who showed up to the work day on Saturday; Manson & Henrick -you are most hardcore.
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Chicks dig guys who do authorized trail work.

[Tim845]

After Ive seen 10 too many "no bikes allowed" signs, I like when cyclists get some share of recognition
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Pedal, b*tches!!