Bicycle Sundays Continue with 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Westchester Parks Foundation alongside the Westchester County Parks department gathered outside the County Center on Friday May 3 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Bicycle Sundays initiative. Bicycle Sundays began on July 21, 1974 and has grown to be a staple for many Westchester County residents. Each year, the program attracts around 60,000 participants on various Sundays throughout the warmer months.

A Picturesque Sunday

Bicycle Sundays opens up a six-and-a-half-mile stretch of the picturesque Bronx River Parkway for public cycling. This trail is enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and roller-bladers as well. The path takes residents through six municipalities, including Yonkers, and is typically open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Bronx River Parkway is a national historic landmark known for being the nation's first parkway. Various organizations have come together to support a continuing legacy of culture and rich history in Westchester County. Co-presenting sponsors Con Edison and NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester have been a longstanding part of financially supporting the event. The Westchester Parks Foundation since 2012 has also been able to raise funds from private organizations in order to finance the parkway closure. Another big contributor to making this event happen this year is Jen's Cycles, located in Yonkers.

Futhermore, a generous grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation has allowed for the availability of six-handled cycles as part of efforts to expand the Westchester Parks Foundation's Trails Without Limits program. These cycles will help make the event more accessible for individuals who may need extra assistance or support.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary, organizers encourage participants to share photos from past years tagging them with the hashtag #BicycleSundaysTurns50 .

A Broader Mission

These events are supported by the Westchester Parks Foundation's broader mission to generate improved communities and well-maintained parks throughout the county. In addition to Bicycle Sundays, the Westchester County Parks Department hosts a number of other community events throughout the year, and works to maintain the more than 50 parks under its jurisdiction. There are a number of different trails open year-round for residents to enjoy.

Bicycle Sundays takes place throughout the months of May, June, and September, as well as the first weekend of October. All between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this year. They will also take place throughout July from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.