New York's Forgotten 2,000-Mile Bike Network-And What It Can Teach Us Today - Streetsblog Empire State

"New York had a 2,000-mile bicycle highway system by the year 1900, known as the sidepath system, resulting from passionate cyclists and forward-thinking engineers."

"The sidepath movement of the 1890s serves as a reminder of how visionary, feasible, and transformative bicycle infrastructure can be for communities."

"Early cyclists documented the need for smoother, safer, and more continuous routes for human-powered travel, sparking a movement for better infrastructure."

"The legacy of New York's bicycle infrastructure offers powerful lessons for today's trail planners and advocates, emphasizing the importance of connected travel."

By 1900, New York State established a 2,000-mile bicycle highway system known as the sidepath system, driven by passionate cyclists and innovative engineers. This network aimed to provide safe and connected bicycle travel, reflecting a public good belief. Although it declined with the rise of automobiles, its legacy informs current trail planners and advocates. The early cyclists of the 1870s and 1880s highlighted the need for better routes, paving the way for modern greenways and trail networks.

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