POUGHKEEPSIE – On Friday, one lane of Market Street between Church and Mansion Streets was dedicated to bicycles as part of a survey to study traffic patterns.
Paul Hesse, city community development coordinator said “A bicycle lane along Market Street makes an enormous amount of sense when you consider the connections it would provide, from residential areas on the city’s south side to the commercial center and to the Walkway Over the Hudson and points north.”
From 7 am to 7 pm, the western lane of the roadway was limited to non-vehicular traffic, allowing cyclists to travel the route safely. Dylan Carey of Parks and Trails NY was stationed in front of the county courthouse to provide information on the Empire State Trail that will come through the Hudson Valley.
County Executive Marc Molinaro joined Senator Sue Serino and Mayor Rob Rolison at the intersection of Main and Market Streets to tout the trial run. Calling the corridor “The most trafficked and pedestrian roadway in Poughkeepsie,” Molinaro called dedicated bike lanes a way to traverse the city in a healthy way. Molinaro also hinted at plans for the county to
take possession of Market Street in the future to aid in making the area more user-friendly.
Senator Serino noted that the pandemic gave people plenty of time to consider activities that are beneficial to their health. “People are thinking about being healthier and this bike route supports the initiative. It also allows cyclists another access route to the Walkway Over the Hudson, which is great.”
“The need to make Market Street friendlier for cars, bikes, and pedestrians is mandatory,” said Rolison. Years ago, urban renewal projects dissected the city in a negative way. Allowing people to travel through Poughkeepsie in a user-friendly way is a benefit for everyone.”
Many of the lane users stopped to say how convenient the route is. “We’re going up to Lola’s for lunch and then biking across the Walkway. It’s really cool,” said Kevin Patterson. As Patterson and his friends used the lane, not everyone was excited about the plan. While most drivers negotiated the reduced roadway, delivery drivers were inconvenienced due to parking issues. Stephen Farrell, a package carrier said “This street is already a disaster. Now they’re going to make a bike path because some government officials don’t drive. Absurd!”
