Members of the Nassau County Legislature voted on Monday, Sept. 27 to approve the use of public land to expand the Empire State Trail Extension Project – an initiative that will connect existing bike and pedestrian trails to facilitate longer rides and walks and provide new options for shorter treks.
Phase I of this project is a 25-mile-long span that will connect Eisenhower Park at the Trail’s western end to Brentwood State Park at the eastern end. As part of the Long Island Greenway within New York State’s Empire State Trail, the project will not only link existing trails, but also connect them to parks and communities and provide a central “spine” for many future trails.
“This trail project will be a wonderful addition to the County’s existing trails for bicyclists and pedestrians,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Since the project will also promote Long Island’s parks and cultural resources and communities, it will provide an added benefit of promoting tourism along with recreation.”
For those who do not own bikes or wish to rent one while on vacation the County is also entering into an agreement with PedalShare to make affordable rentals available for recreational use at County parks.
Starting with Eisenhower and Cedar Creek Parks, the first phase of the program will make up to 200 bikes and 40 stations available; rentals will be $4 per hour, $35 for 24 hours, or $59 annually for unlimited 1-hour rides. More locations will be added in phase 2 based upon data obtained during the first season and interest from municipalities.
Feel free to contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton about this or any other topic at 516-571-6211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov.
