How many of you use the "Old Putnam Trail"? It runs from Van Cortlandt Park north to the head of the South County Trailway. Presently it's a packed dirt trail that follows the old train line that was there. There is still evidence of the old tracks as you pass portions where the railroad ties stick into the trail. The trail also has its share of roots, small ditches, and other hazards. There was one massive ditch behind the lake that was impassable on a rainy day that was recently filled in with large gravel, that you can't ride on but can walk over. Sometimes there's enough room on the side to ride when it hasn't rained.
The trail is about a mile long and when dry I always felt it was a fun adventurous portion of my ride that made me glad I have a hybrid but have always felt the path need some fixing. There are some narrow section where passing opposite direction traffic is dangerous.
While having my morning coffee and playing on the internet I came across some info that not only is there a plan to fix the path there is a major fight over it.
It seems the Parks Department has a plan in place (with funding) to pave it. They want a paved bike lane and an earthen jogging lane and a two foot buffer. A real all the way fix it job. They don't want to be the weak link in a bigger plan. That trail leaves the park at the south end along the route of the Major Deagan Highway down the whole length of the Bronx. Using the Willis Ave Bridge and it's bike path you could hook up to the eastside greenways.
There are people who are opposed to this plan who don't want to see it paved they feel it would be bad for the wetlands in the park. They don't total oppose fixing the trail they just want a lot less done.
There will be a public meeting about this on Wednesday Nov. 18 at the YMHA in Riverdale.
Putnam Rail Trail, Van Cortlandt Park : NYC Parks
https://www.facebook.com/PutnamTrail?fref=nf
Save The Putnam Trail
https://www.riverdalenature.org/putnam-line-trail/
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/ny...fans.html?_r=0
https://nycc.org/message-board/advoc...le-ymwha/77384