News Flash

     I am a cyclist.   Bicycle Sundays was my concept over 45 years ago.   It was my first entry into politics.    Sadly, I must recommend that this year’s Bicycle Sundays be postponed.    There are two reasons.
     First, the Governor’s NYS PAUSE 10-point Plan requires the following:        -  #2: Non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason be cancelled or postponed      -  #3: Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to providing essential services      -  #6: Outdoor recreational activities where individuals come in close contact with each other should be avoided.  
     The Governor has extended NYS PAUSE until May 15.    Bicycle Sundays would not meet the above requirements of NYS PAUSE.
     Second, the medical advisory committee of prestigious local doctors and other medical professionals has advised me that from a public health perspective it would be inadvisable for Bicycle Sundays to proceed at this time.    The committee’s memorandum is below.
     Residents have inquired about this.  Since Bicycle Sunday would normally start on the upcoming Sunday, May 3, your attention to this matter is of some urgency, both in terms of complying with the Governor’s directives and public health of Westchester residents.
     There are only a limited number of Bicycle Sunday’s every summer - May, June and September.    No dates in July, August or October.   Instead of  taking away from cyclists a fun and healthy activity, we would recommend that no Bicycle Sunday’s be held in May and that the County add extra days in October.   If June bicycle Sundays will be cancelled, we could have some summer Bicycle Sunday’s later in the summer or the first week in November.  The same number of Bicycle Day’s would be held if our recommendation is adopted.

                                                                              PAUL J. FEINER                                                                              TOWN SUPERVISOR

Memorandum to Town Supervisor Re Bicycle Sundays:
     Staying healthy is important during this crisis.  Exercise and being outside is part of a healthy regime.   However, the benefits must not outweigh the negatives, particularly the risk of contracting COVID-19.
     The medical advisory committee is concerned that, at this point in time, the risks associated with Bicycle Sundays outweigh the benefits.  
     Public health literature advises that those exercising outdoors maintain at least a 6-foot distance to reduce risk.   But it is impractical for bicyclists on the Bronx River Parkway to maintain a 6-foot minimum physical distance.    
     Wearing masks is of course useful.    But wearing masks doesn’t mean that physical distancing should not be maintained, as different masks have different degrees of efficiency.  Additionally, wearing a mask, particularly when one is exercising, can cause glasses to fog up, increasing the risk of accidents. 
     According, the Medical Advisory Committee suggests that Bicycle Sundays be deferred for the time being.
April 26, 2020  
Medical Advisory Committee: