The Bike Walk Alliance works with citizens and officials on every level of government to create bike-and pedestrian-friendly communities in the lower Hudson Valley.

With support from the Westchester Community Foundation, we’ve hosted the Westchester Bike Summit in 2009 and 2010, partnering with Westchester County and local governments to discuss ways to improve infrastructure and promote healthier lifestyles in New York City’s northern suburbs.

The Alliance is an affiliate of the East Coast Greenway, the national non-profit organization spearheading creation of the 3000-mile pathway from Maine to Florida, which includes 15 miles along Westchester’s Sound Shore.

In 2010, we won approval of Merrill’s Law, the safe biking bill that requires New York motorists to pass cyclists “at a safe distance” on roadway, making the state one of18 nationwide with such protections for riders.

In Mamaroneck, we worked with village officials to craft a model bike parking ordinance that encourages cyclists to park their bikes at hitching posts, and lets kids ride bikes on village sidewalks, except in the crowded downtown area.

We’re working with county planning officials to develop a county bike policy while also working with tourism officials to attract New York City riders here for daytrips and weekends.

We support bike racks on county buses, completion of the South and North County trailways in Westchester, and extension the Putnam County Trailway. We want secure bike parking at Metro-North train stations, eased regulations for bikes on commuter trains, and more bike racks in downtown commercial areas.

2011 National Bike Summit

Bike Walk Alliance advocates met with the new 19^th District Congressional Representative Nan Hayworth in Washington DC on March 10^th during the National Bike Summit. Advocates discussed the importance of implementing and funding programs and policies which create safe condition for cyclists and pedestrians in our towns. Representative Hayworth stated that she rides a bike and looks forward to working with us in the future.

In the photo left to right, David Wilson, Representative Nan Hayworth, Michael Oliva, Deborah Ramsey