Build it and they will bike.
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that construction has started on the $16.2 million, 10-mile-long final section of the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway Shared Use Path on Long Island.
The path spans Oyster Bay, Babylon and Islip in a project that the state said should “enhance safety for cyclists, walkers, runners and skaters; promote green transportation; and attract people to the natural beauty of beaches and state parks” on Long Island.
“The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway will provide cyclists, runners and walkers new opportunities to get outside while at the same time providing a new route for people to get to the many outdoor recreational activities the area has to offer,” Cuomo said.
This final stretch of the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway will lengthen the existing path on the northern side of the parkway from its current end at Tobay Beach to Captree State Park.
Hundreds of new plantings such as beach grass, evergreen trees, bayberry plants and beach plums will be planted as part of the project. Shaded rest stops will be placed approximately every three miles along the path.
The governor’s office said that informational panels will be installed “detailing the history of Long Island’s beachfront and highlighting the new vegetation and local wildlife.”
The asphalt path will feature standard lane markings and signs and include bridges over existing pedestrian walkways.
A cable guiderail will separate the Ocean Parkway from the Greenway, providing a barrier between motorists and path users.
New bicycle parking areas will be installed at Gilgo Beach, Cedar Beach Marina and Captree State Park.
