Safe walking and biking opportunities are expanding in Suffolk County as part of the implementation of the Suffolk County Hike and Bike Master Plan. Published in 2020, the Hike and Bike Master Plan, was the product of a robust community and stakeholder engagement and thorough consideration of the County’s existing and planned trail assets. The plan’s vision and recommendations were developed based on public input received through an online public input tool and multiple pop-up events; input provided by the Hike-Bike Technical Advisory Committee which includes town planners, hike and bike enthusiasts and advocates, County DPW and parks representatives and local planning organizations; and gap analysis conducted by the project consultant.
Check Out the 2020 Suffolk County Hike and Bike Master Plan
The Hike and Bike Master Plan recommended over 1,200 miles of prioritized improvements that would build upon Suffolk County’s existing network of on-road pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Namely, the Hike and Bike Master Plan aims to increase the footprint of the following pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure across the county:
- Shared-Use Paths and Sidepaths
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
- Curb Extensions and Bulb-Outs
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
- Bike Boxes
- Bike Lanes
- Separated/Buffered Bike Lanes
- Bike Boulevards and Signed Routes
Since publication of the Hike and Bike Master Plan, progress on developing an expanded network has already begun. In 2022, the County opened the ten-mile Port Jefferson to Wading River Hike-Bike Trail, which uses public utility rights-of-way to develop a comfortable, safe bikeway and pedestrian path along the North Shore. Suffolk County has been working on advancing priority recommendations to preliminary design and construction. Currently, Suffolk County has completed the development of conceptual designs for a dozen corridors, with more anticipated in the coming year.
For updates on the progress of the implementation of the Hike and Bike Master Plan and to see the existing pedestrian and bicycle network in Suffolk County, please check out the brand new Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Portal.
For any questions on Suffolk County’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Network or on the Suffolk County Hike and Bike Master Plan, please reach out to us at ecodev@suffolkcountyny.gov.
To view this portal in full screen, please visit: https://gisapps.suffolkcountyny.gov/hikebike/
