Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks today announced an expanded Bicycle Sundays season for 2021. The program kicks off on May 2 and continues every Sunday from May through October – except Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Columbus Day weekends. This expands the program from 12 events to 22 for the 2021 season. The program is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by the Westchester Parks Foundation and its partners, through generous donations from co-presenting sponsors Con Edison and NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. Danny Cycles will return as the exclusive bicycle shop.
To help kick off the expanded series, Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks Department will promote Bicycle Safety Month this May with online tutorials and safety tips to help promote a safe ride along the 6.5 miles of the Bronx River Parkway. The annual event welcomes bicyclists, skaters, joggers, and walkers.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Getting outdoors and active has always been good for physical and mental health – and over the past year we have experienced this more than ever. In 2020, Bicycle Sundays offered residents a rare outlet as activities were limited and I am thrilled to continue this annual event in an extended capacity.”
Seth Mandelbaum, Chairperson of Westchester Parks Foundation stated, “Bicycle Sundays is one of the most iconic events in Westchester, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this event for free to all residents from May-October. It not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also a much-needed mental health break to all during the pandemic. We are grateful to Con Edison and NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital for their generous support and commitment to parks and open space.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “The expanded Bicycle Sunday dates continues to prove how parks have become a naturally essential part of our everyday lives. Thank you to the Westchester Parks Foundation for continuing to bring this beloved Westchester tradition to life, to our sponsors for your support and to County Executive Latimer for believing in the power of parks.”
Bicycle Sundays runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers – a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry, exit, and parking along the way. The event is free to the public.
Michael Fosina, president of NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, said, “NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital is committed to improving the health of our communities and supporting local programs that enhance the well-being of children and adults. Bicycle Sundays is a great way for the entire family to get some exercise, and we are excited to be collaborating with Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks on such an innovative and outstanding program.”
Frances A. Resheske, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Con Edison stated, “Con Edison is pleased to co-sponsor Bicycle Sundays again this year. We are proud to support hundreds of nonprofit organizations across Westchester, including Westchester Parks Foundation, to help strengthen the neighborhoods we serve and increase environmental awareness for the thousands of people that participate each year.”
Residents and visitors can enjoy Bicycle Sundays this year on the following dates between
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.:
- May 2, 9,16, 23
- June 6,13, 20, 27
- July 11, 18, 25
- August 8, 15, 22, 29
- September 12, 19, 26
- October 3, 17, 24, 31
Bicycle Sundays are a beloved Westchester tradition since 1974. Since 2012, this program has been funded by Westchester Parks Foundation and its partners. Each year, more than 60,000 thousand cyclists, joggers, and others come out to enjoy the curves and wooded scenery that make the nation’s first parkway a national historic landmark. The path winds alongside the wooded Bronx River Reservation.
For more information visit: https://www.thewpf.org/programs/bicycle-sundays/
About Westchester Parks Foundation
Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to engage the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit thewpf.org
About Westchester County Parks
The nationally accredited Westchester County Parks Department manages more than 50 parks that cover 18,000 acres. There are places to swim, launch a boat, enjoy a picnic, play golf or discover nature as well as miles of paved trails ideal for walking or cycling, rugged pathways for hiking and challenging mountain biking treks. Playland Park, Westchester’s premier family amusement complex, the Westchester County Center, one of the county’s largest and most popular community arenas, Muscoot Farm, an early 20th century working farm, and Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial are among the special county parks attractions.
We offer a children’s camp and a selection of concerts and special events like Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway; the popular Cultural Heritage Festival; and the free July 3 Music Fest and Fireworks at Kensico Dam Plaza. Special winter activities and holiday-themed programs and events take place in the cold-weather months.
Go to westchestergov.com/parks to find out more about the parks, programs and services offered by County Parks.
