Bedford Riding Lanes Association
Caroll Bancel
Box 178
Bedford, NY 10506
234-2752
Website: www.bedfordridinglanes.com
Established in 1920 by local families for the purpose of riding and preserving open space, the group does have annual dues but no formal meeting schedule. Bedford's riding trails were first cleared nearly a century ago as an accommodation to the Fairfield-Westchester Hunt to provide a means for foxhunters to travel across the countryside to meets. The Private Lanes Association was later established. Their aim was to preserve, protect and maintain a system of country lanes and trails on private property for the convenience of equestrians, so that they could avoid paved roads and traffic. More than 50 miles were open then and additions were made constantly. Now known as the Bedford Riding Lanes Association, it became a publicly supported non-profit organization under the auspices and leadership of Marilyn Simpson. Today the BRLA still preserves over 100 miles of the most beautiful trails in the Eastern U. S. They continue to work to stimulate interest in the preservation of "horse country" and the unique rural character of Bedford. Membership is open to persons who use the trails and maintenance of this trail network is dependent upon their efforts and financial support as well as help from other individuals.
