Bike Ramp to Be Constructed on Cedar Street Entrance to Aqueduct Path

A new bike ramp is set to be constructed connecting Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry to the section of the Old Croton Aqueduct that leads to Mercy College.  

The rather rough and under-developed entrance, in it's current state, is truly an impediment to many. With a steep slope, steps and large, jagged chunks of concrete jutting haphazardly out of the ground, the intersection has drawn criticism from bikers, parents wielding strollers and seniors, who say the shoddy condition of this heavily trafficked area is just unacceptable.  

But thanks to the dedicated efforts of an organization called "Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct," the construction of a bike ramp is slated to begin in early next spring, preceding prime biking and hiking season, if all goes according to plan.

"This will mean that people with wheelchairs, strollers and bikes will not have to contend with the steps," Mavis Cain, president of Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, said. "Even better, those huge slabs of concrete that imperil even able-bodied walkers will disappear." 

Cain's organization successfully applied for a federal recreational grant in 2009, despite warnings that their odds of receiving money were slim to none.

The federal grant accounts for $157,000, which the "Friends" are now required to match. Some of that money has already been paid.

"The rebuilding of the entrance is badly needed, so we're thrilled to be awarded the grant," Cain said, acknowledging that the fundraising effort to will undoubtedly be difficult and time-consuming. 

Aside from the ramp, the new construction will also include a wooden stairway that will connect Cedar Street to the OCA trail, along with an information kiosk with aqueduct history and a trail map.

And continuing further on the path, the slopes that abut the back of Dobbs Ferry Middle and High School will also be smoothed and leveled. 

"We want to encourage kids to bike or walk to the Dobbs Ferry Middle School and High School and to Mercy College--even to the Greenburgh Hebrew Center," Cain said. "People from the synagogue have been helping us keep the trail free of litter. We really appreciate their hard work." 

Previously, the "Friends" have worked to improve the Yonkers portion of the OCA trail with help from Senator Nick Spano and Assemblyman Mike Spano. With the Dobbs Ferry project soon underway, they will now be addressing the middle section of the trail.

"No more carrying bikes down the slope and no more looking for help to get a stroller over the slabs. And even people in wheelchairs will be able to negotiate this section safely," Cain said. "We may even see some cross-country skiing on the trail."