NEW YORK, NY April 02, 2009 --New York State is funding some $81 million in bike paths and public spaces. WNYC's Andrea Bernstein has more.

BERNSTEIN: A greenway in the south Bronx, a riverfront bike path in Brooklyn and a plaza in Queens are among nine projects to get about $20 million in federal funds for surface transportation in the city. That's part of $80 million Governor Paterson says will be distributed statewide. The money includes $34 million in stimulus funds, which meets the state minimum for projects that promote "transportation enhancements," including bike and pedestrian programs. Transportation Alternatives says the funds "provide a lifeline," particularly "in this economic climate."