An extension of the bike path that runs along the shore of Jones Beach Barrier Island opened to pedestrians on Wednesday, state officials said.
The shared use path, Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, had run 3.6 miles from Jones Beach State Park to Tobay Beach. In 2019, state officials announced plans to finish the final leg of the project and extend it about 10 miles east to Captree State Park by summer 2021. The $16.2 million project is now complete a few months ahead of schedule.
“The addition of this new ocean front, outdoor attraction that spans Ocean Parkway, connects to additional trails and boasts stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Jones Beach is certain to be a new favorite for both residents and visitors alike,” Discover Long Island CEO and president Kristen Jarnagin said in a statement.
The path allows for walkers, runners, joggers, skaters, and cyclists to exercise along the shore. It also connects to another shared use trail, the Jones Beach Shared Use Leisure Path, on the West End. The path includes new bicycle parking areas at Gilgo Beach, Cedar Beach Marina, and Captree State Park.
Safety measures have also been put into place along the new path, including curved sections of the path, green-painted crosswalks, reflective cable guardrails between the path and Ocean Parkway, and an overall design that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Exploring Long Island’s coastline ranks among New York’s most awe-inspiring outdoor experiences,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in a statement. “I’m thankful to Governor Cuomo and the Department of Transportation for the early completion of Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway Shared Use Path, providing a safe and scenic path for cyclists, runners and walkers to enjoy this landscape, and building on New York State’s work to revitalize Jones Beach State Park.”
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