Politics & Government

Biking Takes Shape As Transportation Alternative

Best bike rides in Riverhead; a Healthy Riverhead Bike Day to be held Sunday.

With a focus on green transportation alternatives, biking has become a fun and sustainable way to travel around Riverhead.

A new $3 million is in the works, with construction slated to commence sometime between the end of this year and the beginning of next, said Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter.

But until the path is complete, there are a number of beautiful bike paths to explore in Riverhead Town, according to Nick Attisano, owner of , which recentlyn a new Main Street location.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For some scenic biking, Attisano recommends Peconic Bay Boulevard, a "nice, scenic road" that he says follows the waterfront and will be part of the town's new bike trail once complete.

Also, Attisano said another bike-friendly area exists on a partially paved trail at the former Grumman parcel in Calverton. Currently, approximately two to three miles are paved on the parcel, with a goal of nine paved miles completed once funding is secured, he said. Bikers can also ride along the dirt road that runs along the perimeter of the property, Attisano said.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's a nice choice for family and kids that want to bike off the street," he said.

Another option Attisano enjoys is the bike lanes along New York State Route 24, which he takes to the "back roads," including Mill and River Roads, and then, "doing the loop" toward other back roads in the Manorville area.

This weekend, Attisano said, bikers will turn out in force for a Healthy Riders: Healthy Riverhead Bike Day on Sunday, hosted by the Town of Riverhead's recreation department, that will kick off at the Peconic Riverfront at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Five, 15, and 25 mile routes will be offered to registrants, so bikers with all levels of experience can participate, Attisano said. A contribution of $10 is suggested for a single rider, or $30 for a group of four.

Attisano, who sits with Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio on the town's alternative transportation committee, said he looks forward to the town's new bike trail. "We're excited to see it happen," he said.

An enthusiast himself, Attisano, who will participate in the Healthy Riders: Healthy Riverhead Bike Day on Sunday with his daughters, Mary, 8 and Grace, 6, said biking offers a good way to stay in shape. "It's a great form of exercise -- a great cardiovascular workout," he said.

Last year, even though he works seven days a week, Attisano biked approximately 1200 miles.

Other biking events on the horizon at Twin Forks Bicycles include teaming up with the Suffolk County Bicycle Riders Association for a series of Monday and Thursday evening bike rides; the goal is to bike between 20 and 30 miles each evening during the 1.45 hour events.

Meanwhile, plans continue to gather momentum for the town's new bike trail. According to Chris Kempner, Riverhead Town community development director, the town is "just finishing up design approval," with the next step going out to bid with the project so construction can proceed. She urged that individuals who bike on the off road paths in Calverton use insect repellent, to ward off ticks.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here