Bike and Pedestrian Path Opens Along the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

The 3.6-mile path features public art displays and amazing views of Rockland and Westchester counties

By Patrick Gunn July 20, 2020

Governor Andrew Cuomo officially opened the public bike and pedestrian path that runs along the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge on Monday. The path along the once Tappan Zee Bridge features a bike trail that connects Rockland and Westchester counties, complete with beautiful, scenic views, digital kiosks, a shuttle system, and a public art display. In a time when traveling is uncertain and our usual summer plans are changing left and right, the path provides another fun opportunity to engage with your children outside, stay active, and learn about our home state of New York.

The path is located along the northern side of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge’s westbound side. Visitors can ride their bikes, jog, or walk across the bridge with their families and friends every day from 6am-10pm. Walkers and cyclists can download a free mobile audio tour detailing the Hudson Valley’s history while using the path.

“The addition of this state-of-the-art bike and pedestrian path will provide New Yorkers and tourists alike with more ways to cross the river, as well as updated amenities and a unique, interactive experience to enjoy while taking in the scenic views of the Hudson River Valley,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release.

The path is 3.6 miles long, with three miles over water, according to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge's Twitter. It takes approximately 20 minutes to ride your bike over the path, and about 80 minutes to walk over the path. It’s 12 feet wide and features six overlooks. This leaves plenty of time for exercise, sightseeing, and relaxing on the path. Bikers must ride at the 15-mph speed limit. The path has blue light phones if you need any assistance along your way.

The entrances to the path have four-hour parking limits. If you want to park your car in a less time-restricted location, you can take the Hudson Link shuttle. Starting on Friday, the free bus service leaves every 20 minutes from the Palisades center and stops at each county’s landing points in South Nyack and Tarrytown. The shuttle is open from 7am-7:30pm. from Monday-Thursday during the year, and weekends (Friday-Sunday) over the summer.

The path also features fantastic public art displays that showcase the creativity and history of the Hudson Valley. There are five sculptures on display, with three more coming later this month, referencing landmarks like the Palisades and the New York City Skyline. The artwork was commissioned in partnership with ArtsWestchester and the Arts Council of Rockland. Viewers can ride past a 4,000 square-foot mural, a custom-designed bike rack, and three sculptures using old steel from the Tappan Zee Bridge.

“With the expansion of COVID-19 outdoor recreation guidelines, the new bridge over the mighty Hudson is a visionary place for people to enjoy public art on their way to and from the Hudson Valley,” Janet T. Langsam, ArtsWestchester CEO, said of the displays.

At this time, guests are expected to take COVID-19 related precautions before, during, and after using the path. Visitors should wear face masks and try to maintain social distancing from others walking along the trail and in the public bathrooms. In addition, the Hudson Link shuttles have a 25-customer limit, along with hand sanitizing units on each bus. The path may close at times because of poor weather conditions, maintenance or security concerns.

Main image courtesy Mario M. Cuomo Bridge