June 19 , 2009
FIRST LADY MICHELLE PAIGE PATERSON LEADS HUDSON RIVER BIKE RIDE
Bike Ride and Historic Tour Celebrate New York’s Quadricentennial, Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Hudson River
First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson today led a bike tour along the Hudson River to commemorate the 400th anniversary of its exploration, as part of New York’s Quadricentennial Celebration. The First Lady was joined by Harry Verweij, Executive Director of the NY400, who coordinates the Dutch contribution to this year’s celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson. The approximately 8-mile tour on the bright orange NY400 bikes began in New York City’s Battery Park and riders made their way up the West Side Greenway bike route to Harlem. A local historian provided an overview of Captain Henry Hudson’s voyage and the Dutch influence on New York City, including how Harlem got its name.
“I am thrilled to lead this bike tour along the Hudson River and am glad that so many New Yorkers and New York enthusiasts have joined in the celebration of our rich history. With this ride, we not only connect to our past, but we are reminded of our responsibility to protect this River, our environment and our future,” First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson said. “As a route to the New World and the foundation of our economic development, the Hudson is an everlasting symbol of our State and its history. I encourage all my fellow New Yorkers to take advantage of the many opportunities to celebrate the Hudson River and its Quadricentennial.”
As Honorary Chair of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration, First Lady Paterson has led the year-long commemoration of several significant milestones: the 400th anniversaries of the voyages of Captain Hudson, who led the first European expedition to sail up the river that now bears his name, as well as the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, the first European to discover his namesake lake; and the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s maiden steamboat journey up the Hudson River.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash said: “I applaud First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson for highlighting the fascinating landscape and history of the majestic Hudson River. The Hudson Valley and indeed all of New York State offer endless opportunities for biking, hiking, boating and exploration, and I hope New Yorkers will be inspired to celebrate our Quadricentennial and discover what’s in their own backyards.”
New York State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “The bike tour is another wonderful way to commemorate the Quadricentennial of the Hudson River, while at the same time underscoring the State’s priority of connecting New Yorkers to nature. Congratulations to First Lady Paterson. This event and others throughout the Quadricentennial year remind us not only of the Hudson’s grandeur but that, 400 years later, the river remains New York’s lifeblood.”
Executive Director of the New York State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Tara Sullivan said: “This ride demonstrates a sustainability goal of the Quadricentennial - modeled after the good practices of the Dutch to reduce their carbon use. The First Lady is an inspiration to us all to get with the program.”
In addition to the bike-tour, the Quadricentennial Celebration has featured several signature events, including the Hudson River Day Flotilla, an 8-day journey up the Hudson River with historic and modern boats, held earlier this month.
For more information, please visit www.exploreny400.com and www.ny400.org.
