New Pedestrian-Bike Path Opens Monday Along Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Almost three years after it opened for cars and trucks, the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is now welcoming people on foot, and on bikes.
The bridge path is now open, and already drawing crowds.
For Weschester cyclists, it's a "wheelie" exciting day - pun intended.
"Bike sales are through the roof. People are looking some place to go, families are looking to do stuff together, it's the best idea ever," said Christine Schopen of the Westchester Cyclists Club.
The view from Drone Force 2 shows the bridge path that opened Monday, a protected ribbon of blue 12 feet wide and 3.6 miles long. It runs along the north side of the bridge, linking landings in Tarrytown and Nyack. There are six overlooks along the way, each with a different theme.
Near the midpoint of the bridge, the overlook is called "Painters Point." It frames an amazing view made famous by the Hudson River school of artists in the 19th Century.There's a heck of a view when you look down as well, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.
A metal grate under your feet provides a thrilling peek at the water, 102 feet below.
The overlooks feature kiosks with historical background on river towns and bridge construction.
"All of them offer exquisite views. It's really breathtaking, honestly, and I think people are going to be very pleased to see this," said Matthew Driscoll of the New York State Thruway Authority.
Riders, runners and walkers will pass artwork and sculptures.
The governor cut the ribbon on what would have been Mario Cuomo's 88th birthday. He predicts the bridge path will drive tourism to the Hudson Valley.
"You can see New York City to the south, the Hudson Valley to the north, I think you're going to get thousands of people who come, they'll stop in local shops, stop in local restaurants, stop in local bars," he said.
And stop to catch their breath as they cross the historic Hudson River.
