The James Carnevale Bike Route

Photo (provided): In this Nov, 5, 1986 photo from the Webster Herald, the Town of Webster presents Nancy Carnevale with one of the signs marking the new bike route. 

These beautiful first weeks of fall are a great time to go out for a bike ride. If you’re up for a 14-mile ride along some of Webster’s most beautiful roadways, you might want to explore the James W. Carnevale Bike Route.

The route was named in honor of James Carnevale, who lived on Old Farm Circle. He served in Korea as an Army Intelligence Officer, and was awarded a bronze star for photography. He served as Webster’s Recreation Commissioner for many years, and was an active member of the town’s Democratic Party. He passed away suddenly in 1977 at age 47 and is buried at Webster Union Cemetery. 

The bike route which was named after him was originally established in 1968. The 14.5-mile route took riders (in general) west from Holt Rd. to Klem, then along Bay, Volk and Dewitt roads, ending at Inspiration Point. There, the riders would turn around and wind their way back.

In 1986, the route was officially renamed the “James W. Carnevale Bike Route” in honor of his service as Recreation Commissioner. At a ceremony held in November, the Town of Webster presented Carnevale’s widow with one of the signs.   

Most of the original signs seem to be gone, but apparently there’s still one standing at the corner of Drumm and Herman roads, and there might be one at Klem and Five Mile Line. The one pictured in the photo with Nancy Carnevale is still hanging just inside the Webster Museum entrance, next to the antique bicycle. 

Discover more interesting bits of local history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org to learn more.

Missy Rosenberry
Webster Community Blogger

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