Safety On The Shared Use Path Over The Tappan Zee

SOUTH NYACK, NY — The Shared Use Path across the Tappan Zee opened on June 15 and many thousands of people have used it.

The South Nyack - Grand View Police Department has reminders for residents on its use; Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner has taken a survey of users with complaints; and the New York Thruway Authority is making some tweaks for safety.

The SUP, which is 3.6 miles long and 12 feet wide, is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Temporary closures may occur to due inclement weather, maintenance operations, or security concerns.

Separated from traffic by a concrete barrier, the path features six scenic overlooks of the Hudson River. The visitor centers on the Rockland and Westchester sides of the Mario Cuomo Bridge have restrooms and water fountains.

Feiner conducted a survey and revealed the results July 11. He said 667 people responded; 72 percent of them had used the walkway.

"We asked those responding to the survey if they witnessed accidents or other unpleasant interactions between bicyclists and pedestrians and 40.42 percent said yes, 59.58 percent said no," Feiner said. "Many people who contacted me by phone or in writing suggested that the Thruway Authority should widen the path or create a separate path on the other side of the bridge."

He said he was concerned about accidents and injuries on the SUP and that another worry shared by correspondents was that they saw many cyclists and pedestrians not wearing masks.

A New York Thruway Authority spokesman said that between its opening and July 1, there were tens of thousands of visitors and five reports of incidents on the path requiring an emergency response.

To enhance safety, NY Thruway crews have added additional signage and pavement markings, and soon will be lowering the speed limit to 5 mph as cyclists approach the overlooks.

"Whether it’s the highway or the shared use path, the Thruway Authority continues to make safety our top priority," he said. "But a shared use path also requires shared responsibility from all of its users. We ask cyclists and pedestrians remain aware of their surroundings and be respectful to each other so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience."

Here's basic information from the South Nyack-Grand View police:

The SUP can be accessed from 3 locations in South Nyack:

• The new parking lot within the exit 10 interchange that is accessible from either direction on Route 9W. There are 57 parking spaces with a 4-hour limit.

• From the intersection of Clinton Avenue and S. Franklin Street (use the concrete pathway).

• The staircase on the north end of South Nyack Village Hall (bicyclists are able to walk their bicycles up the stairs).

Police services for the SUP are provided by the New York State Police. The NYSP patrol the SUP on UTV's and ATV's during SUP hours of operation.

An additional security team monitors the SUP and the bridge at all times. There is a manned security booth on the SUP between South Nyack Village Hall and the South Broadway overpass.

If assistance is required on the SUP, blue light phones are available.

Local law enforcement and emergency departments are working with the state police and New York State Thruway Authority. The South Nyack - Grand View Police Department regularly communicates with the NYSP and NYSTA for coordination of services and addressing issues as they arise. The department will provide mutual assistance when appropriate.

Residents can contact the South Nyack - Grand View Police Department with questions or concerns at 845-358 - 0206.

SEE ALSO: Ribbon-Cutting For Walking Path Over The Hudson On The MCB

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, path visitors should wear a face mask and practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet of distance between themselves and others.

This article originally appeared on the Nyack-Piermont Patch