NYC-to-Philly riders pedaling in support of Greenway development

While riding from Lady Liberty to the Liberty Bell on Aug. 28-29, participants in the East Coast Greenway’s inaugural New York City-to-Philadelphia Greenway Ride are helping to enhance equitable active transportation in the region. 

In addition to pedaling 125 miles over two days, each rider has committed to raise funds in support of the East Coast Greenway Alliance’s work to further develop the route in the region. Two-plus months ahead of the event, more than $100,000 has been raised by registered riders in support of this important work. 

New local trail and bikeway connections will improve or create access to parks along the Raritan and Delaware rivers, a diverse set of cultural and commercial corridors and major transit options along the northeast corridor’s extensive network of Amtrak, NJ Transit and SEPTA train and bus lines.

“We have amazing segments of the East Coast Greenway between New York City and Philadelphia, but there is tremendous need in the area as well,” says East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano. “Completing the Greenway in this densely populated region can be a game-changer for commuting and recreation for millions of people.” 

Individuals and teams interested in joining the ride are encouraged to visit greenway.org/nyctophilly and register today before the ride is sold out. Volunteer opportunities also are available. 

Key projects needed to expand and enhance the East Coast Greenway between New York City and Philadelphia include: 

• New Jersey: Build out the Essex-Hudson Greenway connector from Jersey City to Newark (9.2 miles)

• New Jersey: Fill in the gaps between local park trails in Union County (14 miles) and Middlesex County, including linking the Middlesex Greenway to Donaldson Park (9 miles) and the Raritan River Park Connector Trail (0.8 miles).

• New Jersey: Safety improvements to crossings on the D&R Canal Towpath, namely the Whitehead Road crossing in Lawrence and the approach to the Calhoun Street Bridge in Trenton

• New Jersey: Complete the gaps in the Delaware River Heritage Trail in Trenton (2.3 miles) and between Florence and North Camden (approximately 23 miles)

• Pennsylvania: Connect Bristol to Center City Philadelphia, including a trail from Bristol Marsh to Croydon Woods (2 miles), as well as the missing gaps along the Bensalem Greenway (4 miles) and along Northeast Philadelphia’s Delaware River Trail (4 miles)

• Pennsylvania: Finish design and start construction on the Spring Garden Street Greenway, which will include raised, protected bike lanes from the Delaware River Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail (2.2 miles)

Thanks in part to the initial success of this inaugural event, the Alliance is adding a full-time New York & New Jersey Greenway Coordinator to lead advocacy work in the two states. Daniel Paschall champions the Greenway in Pennsylvania, while Bruce Donald currently manages the Greenway’s efforts in the Tri-State region.  

In 2020, the East Coast Greenway became the most visited park in the country, hosting 50 million bike rides, runs and walks in the corridor from Maine to Florida. More than 1,000 miles - over 35 percent - of the route is housed on traffic-free trails with more being added annually.  

“The dedication of our NYC-to-Philly Ride participants has been amazing,” says Markatos-Soriano. “Fundraising events like this can go a long way in accelerating the development of the East Coast Greenway, which is more important than ever as we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”