Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of New Coastal Greenway

LongIsland.com

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of Long Island’s new Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, a 3.6-mile path between Jones Beach State Park and Tobay Beach.

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Wantagh, NY - June 5, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of Long Island’s new Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, a 3.6-mile path between Jones Beach State Park and Tobay Beach. The $3.8 million project is usable by cyclists and pedestrians, and provides a scenic ocean side path between the beach communities in Nassau County. 

“This path between Jones Beach and Tobay Beach offers another exciting way to enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island’s south shore,” Governor Cuomo said. “Cyclists and pedestrians alike are now able to take in the stunning scenery along miles of accessible pathway between two of Long Island’s best beaches. This pathway is another asset for communities on Long Island to promote tourism and recreation throughout the region, and I am pleased to see it opened to the public.”

The Greenway runs along the north side of Ocean Parkway and connects the Jones Beach access path, starting at Parking Field 5 Five, to the Tobay Beach western concession area 3.6 miles to the east. Cyclists can now travel from Cedar Creek Park at the start of the Wantagh path, through Jones Beach facilities all the way to Tobay Beach—a total of 8.8 miles on a safe, paved path. 

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway has at long last become a reality that allows cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy Long Island’s exceptional natural beach treasures. This ocean side path is a safe and unique way to visit some of Long Island’s finest natural assets and public facilities and will surely help boost tourism and recreation in Nassau County. We were pleased to partner with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Town of Oyster Bay to produce such a distinctive transportation facility.”

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “The shared use path will build on Governor Cuomo’s broad plan to revitalize Jones Beach State Park by adding more recreational opportunities and encouraging visitors to explore more and stay longer. I'm grateful to an innovative DOT who envisioned, designed and found the dollars to make the path happen--they are fabulous partners.”

Assemblyman Dave McDonough said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation for the creation of this oceanside bike path connecting the crown jewel of Long Island—Jones Beach—with Tobay Beach allowing residents to enjoy the beauty of our shoreline while cycling."

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino said, "With the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway now open for use, cyclists, pedestrians and sightseers alike can take in the views and enjoy the sunshine that Long Island’s beaches have to offer. This is another great investment that residents here will enjoy for years to come, and I thank Governor Cuomo, and everyone involved, for their hard work and vision in making this project a reality. As a steward of the marine environment, I encourage all New Yorkers to enjoy this jewel of the South Shore."

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano stated, "This new Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway between Jones Beach State Park and Tobay Beach provides a beautiful view for cyclists, runners and walkers while enhancing all that Nassau County has to offer residents and visitors alike."

The Greenway, at 13 feet wide, meets the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disability Act, and includes a cable guiderail to protect users from Ocean Parkway traffic. It also features educational signs, informational kiosks, benches, and storage for 24 bicycles at Tobay Beach. Path users can access to the Tobay Beach facilities, including the bay and ocean beaches, restaurant and playground.

Long Island currently features about 27 miles of off-road, separated bike paths and about 160 miles of on-road facilities that include bike lanes and appropriate signage. Approximately 27 percent of the state’s highways on Long Island, including most non-interstate and non-parkway roads, have designated bike routes, bike lanes or adjacent shared use paths. Virtually every state road on Long Island features accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists, with the exception of high-volume highways and parkways where walking and bicycling is prohibited for obvious safety reasons.

Copies of the Long Island Bikeways and Trailways Map and additional information regarding Long Island bike facilities may be obtained here. General information about cycling in New York State is available here.