UPPER WEST SIDE — The Parks Department has proposed a new route for bicyclists in Riverside Park that will let them avoid a congested pathway on the Hudson River.
The alternate path would sit east of the Hudson River Esplanade and run parallel to it between West 72nd and 83rd streets, the agency said.
Community Board 7's Parks Committee on Monday approved the plan, which would be funded by $200,000 from City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal.
The new proposed bike lane would pass through "wooded areas behind the track and softball fields," avoiding a highly congested area around West 72nd Street, the Parks Department said.
To create a continuous bike path east of the Esplanade, the city would extend the staircase at West 72nd Street and cut an archway into it for bikes to pass through. The 79th Street rotunda roadway would be made bike-friendly via re-paving, the proposal noted.
At West 83rd Street, the new path would converge with the Esplanade and the existing bike path would resume.
Cyclists had previously voiced concerns about the new path having enough lighting and getting cleared of snow in the winter.
The Parks Department said that part of the plan would include new LED lighting along the path, adequate clearing to prevent pooling and snow banks and new markings along the route.
The Parks Department will seek Board 7's approval at the next full board meeting scheduled for Nov. 1.
