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The Manayunk Bridge Is Officially Opening!
It’s the moment runners, cyclists and pedestrians have all been waiting for! The Manayunk Bridge will officially open as a pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting the Cynwyd Trail in Lower Merion to Manayunk and the Schuylkill River Trail on October 30. The bridge will serve as a key link in the Circuit Trails, a unique connection between the city and the suburbs, and a site for spectacular views of the river valley. Join us on October 30 at 11 a.m. to celebrate this major milestone and be one of the first people to cross the bridge. Be sure to join the Facebook event here for more information and updates.
Circuit County Workshops Scheduled for October
During the month of October, the Circuit Coalition, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) will host workshops in Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The purpose of the workshops is to provide updates on Circuit Trail development in each County, discuss a range of current and on-going funding sources, and look at ways to further develop Circuit trails currently in the pipeline. Each Circuit Trails Workshops will be held from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm on the designated day in each of the five counties.
These workshops will follow separate information sessions on the Transportation Alternatives Program (to be held from 2-3:30pm), which DVRPC and Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation will host to explain the upcoming competitive funding cycle for the TAP.
Registration for both the Circuit Trails Workshops and the TAP Information Sessions can be completed with the links below. You can register for either the information session or the workshop or both. There is no charge for either event.
If you have any questions pertaining to the Circuit Trails Workshop, please contact Sarah Clark Stuart at or 215-242-9253, x306.
Tuesday, October 20th – Philadelphia County
DVRPC Main Conference Room
190 N. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://dvrpc.ticketleap.com/tap-ctw-phila-co/
Thursday, October 22nd – Delaware County
Media Courthouse – DelCo Room
201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063
http://dvrpc.ticketleap.com/tap-ctw-del-co/
Monday, October 26th – Bucks County
Bucks County Planning Commission – 4th Floor Conference Room
1260 Almshouse Road, Doylestown, PA 18901
http://dvrpc.ticketleap.com/tap-ctw-bucks-co/
Tuesday, October 27th – Chester County
Chester County Planning Commission – GSC Room 149
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19382
http://dvrpc.ticketleap.com/tap-ctw-ches-co/
Wednesday, October 28th – Montgomery County
Montgomery County Planning Commission – Montgomery Room
One Montgomery Plaza Building Suite 202
425 Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19401
http://dvrpc.ticketleap.com/tap-ctw-mont-co/
Circuit Spotlight: Taylor Fleming
Join Us for Two Ribbon Cuttings This Week!
Throw those helmets on, get on your bike and head out to two new trail openings this week!
Tomorrow is the opening of the Pennypack Trail Extension, being held at Welsh Road Trailhead at Route 63. The new, 2-mile stretch of the Pennypack Trail from the Welsh Road Trailhead to the Byberry Road Trailhead is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trail.
Then, next Thursday is the opening of the on-road trails of the Camden Greenway. This marks the addition of 4.3 miles of separated bike lanes to Camden, making connections between existing trails along the Camden Waterfront, the Ben Franklin Bridge and North Camden
Don’t miss out on both of these significant milestones for the Circuit! Find more details on our events page here.
Help Connect the Circuit in Newtown!
Hey friends, the Newtown community needs your help! On Tuesday, September 8 we invite you to join us at the Newtown Borough Council Meeting where the Newtown Borough will consider a resolution to support the Newtown Rail Trail. The proposed trail will extend from Newtown all the way to the Montgomery County line, spanning 8 miles. The new trail would provide important connections to Pennypack Trail, Neshaminy Creek Trail (planned), Tamenend Park, and Churchville Reservoir.
If you are a borough resident and can’t make the meeting in person, please consider sending an email to Newtown Borough council members to voice your support. Or if you happen to see a council member around town, please share with them your support in favor of the new trail.
Citizen support for this multi-use trail has been led by the Penn Tammany Greenway Coalition. We also want to give a special thanks to the Bucks County Planning Commission for their hard work moving this project forward and to the Bucks County commissioners for supporting the creation of new bike and hike trails in Bucks County.
We hope you can join us at the council meeting. Every bit of action helps connect the Circuit and move trail development in the region forward!
Tuesday, September 8th, 2015 7:00-9:00 p.m.
The Chancellor Center
30 North Chancellor St
Newtown, PA
http://bikebuckscounty.com/newtown-borough-to-consider-newtown-rail-trail/
Cadence Youth Cycling is heading out #onthecircuit!
On Saturday, members of Cadence Youth Cycling, including 14 youth 7 adults, will kick off a 3-day, 2-night biking and camping sojourn weekend along the Circuit.
This event is organized by Cadence Youth Cycling and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The purpose of the Sojourn is to explore a portion of the Circuit Trails, learn about local environmental organizations, watersheds, and have fun! will be attending this trip.
The ride will leave from Philadelphia, travel through Pottstown and stop for the night to camp in French Creek State Park. Eventually the group will go to Marsh Creek State Park, and travel back through Valley Forge to the Schuylkill River Trail.
Along the way, youth will be getting watershed education lessons from Tom McKeon of Rails-to-Trails and history lessons from one of the youth, Allen Williams, who’s done research and helped plan the route. Of the adults on the trip, three are bike mechanics and will be able to help if any bikes break down or need a tube change.
“My role has been to organize logistics for this trip, planning the route, making reservations, advising on lessons and activities for watershed topics, communicating with youth and parents, making sure all edges are smoothed over for a fun and happy time,” said Tom McKeon, Youth Engagement Coordinator at Rails-to-Trails.
“The idea for the sojourn trip came about when we brought the youth to Seattle for the Youth Bike Summit,” said Cy Maramangalam, Cadence Youth Cycling Program Manager. “At the bike summit, there were other organizations that had gone on bike tours with the youth and when our students saw that they said they wanted to bring that back to our region. And we were able to make it happen when we made the partnership with Rails-to-Trails.”
The 21 riders (14 youth 7 adults) will leave on Saturday, September 5 and return on Monday, September 7.
INVISIBLE RIVER 2015 Is Almost Here!
The community arts festival takes place in, on and above Philadelphia's Schuylkill River in East Fairmount Park Saturday, August 29, combining dance, art, boating, and love of the environment.
The event begins at 2:00 p.m. at Mander Recreation Center with a drum line processional that will lead the audience from the gateway of Fairmount Park to the Schuylkill River. The audience is then greeted with a panorama of different experiences: public boat rentals and paddling lessons in canoes, kayaks, and row boats; interactive art installations about the future of the park and the river; yoga, circus, fishing and storm water management demonstrations and classes; and four local food vendors and a beer garden from Sly Fox Brewing Company.
The finale performance at 5:30 p.m. is a multigenerational ensemble of 22 dancers using stand up paddleboards and the center of the river, while two aerialists descend from above the Strawberry Mansion Bridge for the perfect grand finale. After the performance, festivities continue until 8:00 p.m.
Guests can enjoy for free from the shore but tickets are available to be a part of the Invisible River experience on the river. Book a boating ticket in advance to watch the performances seated in a kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board or a row boat.
Also, if you can, be sure to ride your bike #onthecircuit to the performance. Hope to see you there!
Invisible River 2015
When: Saturday, August 29, 2:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: East Fairmount Park and Strawberry Mansion Bridge; Main festival site, 2200 Kelly Drive
Cost: From the shore, free; From a boat, $25 and up
More info: www.invisibleriver.org
Run For a Cause #onthecircuit
Looking for an exciting outdoor challenge? Why not tackle a new challenge and support a great cause!
On September 12, runners and walkers are invited to enjoy the scenic cliff paths of the Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmont Park during the Boxers’ Trail 5K. Proceeds from the Boxers' Trail 5K benefit Mander Recreation Center in North Philadelphia, which organizes youth programs, including runs along the Boxers' Trail. Race Day registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. Click Here to register.
Later this fall, experience views of Philadelphia unlike ever before during the Cooper-Norcross Run the Bridge Challenge on November 1! The 10K certified course begins at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge on the New Jersey side, crosses the bridge, doubles back, takes you through the waterfront area and finishes in Campbell's Field. A two-mile bridge walk immediately follows the start of the run. Also available to runners and walkers is a Dedication Bib where $100 participants will have the opportunity to run or walk for a cause and each participant’s cause will be promoted on Run the Bridge’s Facebook page. Don’t want to leave the kiddos behind? During the race, an event for kids will simultaneously take place at Campbell's Field. Click here to register.
Cadence Youth Cycling Meets the Mayor!
Last week, the Cadence Youth Cycling Cycle Squad signed up to attend City Hall for Lobby Day with three goals in mind: Get the mayor and City Councilmembers to listen to them regarding the Delaware Watershed, The Circuit, and a Vision Zero policy for Philadelphia. Students Coleman Milligan, Tamia Santiago, Sykheem Adams, Marlina Hardy, Joshua Walton, Krystal Philson, Taevon Oliver, and Allen Williams, then, were largely successful in their endeavors.
Throughout the day, students met with Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and the staff of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, to speak about the issues with which they were concerned. Among them: Wanting to make the roads safer, cleaning up the pot holes, cleaning up the roads, (sometimes broken glass will steer them into the middle of the road, students said). They also spoke about the ideas behind Vision Zero and advocated for that to the city’s leadership. Click here for the full story.
Help Greater Philadelphia Become More Bike-Friendly
Last year's launch of the CyclePhilly smartphone application provided a valuable glimpse into the bicycling habits of Greater Philadelphia. From May to October 2014, hundreds of bicyclists used CyclePhilly to record thousands of trips, allowing DVRPC planners to see where people rode (to the closest intersection) and why. The app automatically mapped all of the routes, which can be broken down by trip purpose.
Check out the CyclePhilly 2014 data summary and stay tuned for information about exciting app updates that are in the works.
If you missed using the app last year, you have another chance to inform future bicycle infrastructure investments. Urban, suburban, and rural cyclists are all encouraged to participate. Simply download the CyclePhilly app today, press record, and go. Log a trip between now and October 2015 and you could win a GoPro camera!
Ride. Record. Reimagine your Routes with CyclePhilly at www.cyclephilly.org.
Watershed Education #onthecircuit
Summer vacation is in full swing, but troves of kids in the Philadelphia region aren’t putting learning on hold. Through watershed education programs on the Circuit, Philly students are connecting to their home turf in the get-your-hands-dirty kind of way.
Tom McKeon, youth engagement coordinator with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, is teaching watershed education curriculum to youth in the Philadelphia region. Working with a variety of partners, including the Asian Arts Initiative, Neighborhood Bike Works, Cadence Youth Cycling, Lloyd Hall Boathouse, TTF Watershed Partnership and the Wooden Boat Factory, allows McKeon’s brand of education to break from the mold. The groups he works with get a hands-on, real world experience, which allows education to be which allows outdoor education to be fun and memorable.
The Circuit’s access trails, such as Cobbs Creek Trail and Tacony Creek Trail have allowed McKeon to organize bike rides and hikes focused on local watershed topics. And because the connection to Philadelphia’s rivers and streams is such a central focus for many of the region’s residents, the on-trail watershed education is a no-brainer.
“Watersheds are important because their health impacts public and ecological health,” explains McKeon. “And the diversity of the Circuit makes these projects easy and fun,” says McKeon. “The Circuit really is the most effective way of running an outdoor program.”
Over the course of the summer, McKeon and his eager students share the wonders of benthic macro invertebrates, dig into issues like storm water runoff, and discuss the importance of healthy wetlands and riparian buffers. And the best part? The “lab,” “classroom” and “library” are all trailside.
For some students, the summer watershed education is the first introduction to the Circuit trails. It’s an assuming entrance point for youth in Philadelphia, and a taster of the incredible asset to which the region lays claim.
“I’ve seen how the Circuit is interwoven with Philadelphia culture,” explains McKeon. And the outreach that’s being done on the Circuit- by McKeon and others- that’s educating and inspiring the next generation of trail users.
Take Action to Help Fund New Jersey Circuit Trails
Supporters of Circuit trails in New Jersey - Speak Up!
Are you fond of the Delaware and Raritan trail and can't wait to see it complete from Trenton to Bordentown? Do you use the Cooper River Trail but wish there was a seamless bike/ped trail between the Ben Franklin Bridge and Haddonfield? These are just a few of the many trails that are part of the Circuit in Mercer, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties that are awaiting funds for planning, design and construction.
Now, there is a major opportunity for Circuit supporters to send a message to their elected officials to dedicate transportation funding for Circuit trails in Mercer, Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.
The Draft DVRPC Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for New Jersey (FY2016-2019) is out for public comment. It lays out the transportation priorities for the four New Jersey counties in the Greater Philadelphia region. The deadline for sending a comment is August 10th.
Please take a moment to contact your county freeholders to create a "line item" for Circuit Trails in the FY2016 TIP.
Click here to send an email to your county representative!
Thank you for taking action for the Circuit!
Schuylkill Canal Towpath to Re-open Today!
Later today, a ribbon-cutting will celebrate the completion of the Schuylkill Canal Towpath Restoration Project, a unique reconstruction of the historic canal towpath. The trail, located in the villages of Mont Clare and Port Providence in Upper Providence Township, serves as an extension of the Schuylkill River Trail and a key trail segment in the Circuit. This project, undertaken by Montgomery County, officially completes the Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Phoenixville, and provides a unique trail connection from Lock 60 and the Lock Tenders House to Montgomery County’s Upper Schuylkill Valley Park.
This 1.75-mile project, which includes the restoration of the Red Bridge, the installation of a 125-foot long pedestrian bridge, and the restoration of the towpath to its original width with reinforced embankments, is part of Montgomery County’s 10-mile Trail Expansion Program. Funding for the project was provided by Montgomery County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and William Penn Foundation. This project marks another milestone in the completion of the Circuit!
WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Red Bridge
Intersection of Canal Street and Port Providence Road in Upper Providence Township
DVRPC Data Shows Increased Demand for Circuit Trails!
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) released the first year of data from its permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters that have been placed on 11 trails around Greater Philadelphia. Thanks to generous support from the William Penn Foundation, the permanent counters enable the Commission to collect continuous volume data around The Circuit trails. The five trails with the highest combined bicycle and pedestrian volumes for a one-year period are:
- Schuylkill River Trail at Kelly Drive – 663,201
- Chester Valley Trail – 240,182
- Schuylkill River Trail at Pawlings Road – 208,180
- Wissahickon Trail – 208,114
- Cynwyd Heritage Trail – 114,619
The data collected by the permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters shows significant use of these regional transportation assets. DVRPC maintains one of the nation’s most widespread bicycle and pedestrian counting programs. The counters combine a passive infrared sensor, which detects body heat, with an inductive loop, which detects the metallic signature of bicycle wheels, to provide a count of pedestrian and cyclists, including their travel direction. This technology paves the way for the introduction in Philadelphia of real-time “bicycle barometers” that simultaneously collect data and encourage bicycle use due to their prominent visibility and digital displays.
More $ 4 Circuit -- Say Thx!
Let's give DVPRC a shoutout!
As readers of this blog know, this past June 26th, the DVRPC Board voted unanimously to support the dedication of federal and private dollars toward 11 circuit trail segments in Pennsylvania. It approved a new “line item” for the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (AKA the PA TIP) that designates $5 million in federal transportation dollars for construction.
Take a moment to say a quick thank you to the Board members of DVRPC by clicking here to send an email.
Tips for all Beginner Runners and Cyclists
1. Hydration is key - During these hot and humid summer days, drinking water is the simplest and most important tip of all. Runners should drink two cups of water prior to running and one cup of water every 30-minutes. Dehydration can have negative effects on performance and recovery, and poses a huge threat to one’s overall health. If you can, plan your exercise for the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
2. Looking good = Feeling Good- Ever look at runners or cyclist in magazines and think to yourself, “their workout gear costs more than my entire wardrobe!”? Well yes, some top of the line gear could put a dent in your paycheck, BUT being too stingy with your workout gear can hurt you. I hate to say this, but toss aside your oversize college t-shirts and discounted sneakers and trade them in for appropriate apparel. Gear does matter for performance. Blisters, chafing, sweat build up, and joint problems are all common issues that arise from wearing improper workout gear. Stay away from cotton, avoid rough fabrics and make sure your shoes provide proper support. If you’re looking for new workout gear, make sure to check out North Wales Running Co and if you're looking for bike gear or repairs, there are several options for you including Breakaway Bikes, Bicycle Therapy and Fairmount Bicycles.
3. Stretch it out- Some of the most common injuries occur because people don’t stretch after a workout. Sometimes after a long bike or run all you want to do is sit down and relax, but relaxing can wait. Stretching helps reduce tightness and possible injuries. It is best to stretch for 10-15 minutes after a short warm up period and again at the end of a workout. Then you may fall to the ground and take a nap.
4. Team up for success- Working out regularly is not an easy task. Often times life gets in the way and forces us to pass on that run or bike we had planned. Finding a group of buddies to exercise with can help motivate you to get moving. Follow a beginning running plan that sets realistic goals for you and your group. Check out The Bicycle Club of Philadelphia or Philadelphia Runner for a list of biking/running groups and lessons in the area.
5. Don’t Overdo It- We all want to be able to run or bike miles at a time without feeling like we are going to pass out. Don’t worry, you will one day! But first stick to a solid, comfortable pace and don’t do too much, too soon. By building up to your goal slowly, you will save yourself a lot of frustration and pain in the long run (pun intended).
Go Philly Go - Directions for Multimodal Trips
Over the past 10 years it has become a lot easier to to obtain bike, walk or transit travel information thanks to a plethora of web and phone applications such as Google Maps, The Transit App and Ride the City. However where those applications fall short is when you need multimodal directions. A common scenario is that you get off the Market Frankford El but your next connecting bus is in a half hour. And then when you reach your stop, you then have to walk 5 blocks to your final destination.
Enter GoPhllyGo.
GoPhillyGo essentially takes Google Directions to the next level. The app not only allows you to get multimodal directions with own bike, but you can also find out if Indego bike share is available for your trip. Or maybe you just want to find great places to go. GoPhillyGo includes completed Circuit trails and can produce a coverage map for up to 2 hours of travel time.
Broad Support for New Trails Across 9 County Region
In May 2015, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia conducted a public opinion survey across all nine counties of the Delaware Valley. The survey aimed to gather an understanding of the general population’s awareness of the Circuit and the level of demand for more trails in the region.
The survey found high levels of support for trails in the region. Overall, 85 percent support building more trails in their counties. Furthermore, 70 percent were in favor of spending $2 per person in public dollars annually to pay for new miles of trails.
Sixty percent of respondents said they would like to have access to a trail, or more trails within 10 minutes of their homes. Of respondents under the age of 45, that level of support rose to 72 percent.
Read more by reviewing the full survey results analysis or a breakdown of survey results by each county.
All Aboard the Patriot on the Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill Banks is buzzing with activity, both on-land and on the water. The Schuylkill River Trail is the perfect spot for running, walking, cycling, yoga, picnics, etc., and the Schuylkill River is great for kayaking and boat cruises! The Schuylkill River Park Alliance recently announced a 20% discount for all Schuylkill River tours offered by Philadelphia Harbor Lines. Each cruise features a unique experience and a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy the history and significance of the Schuylkill River!
Grab family and friends and board the Patriot – a new 1920's style 35 passenger commuter boat – this summer.
- Secrets of the Schuylkill: a 1 hour fun and fact filled tour highlighting the past, present and future of the Schuylkill
- Boat to Bartram's Garden: a 3 hour cruise with a two hour tour of Bartram's Garden
- Walnut to Walnut: a 1 hour 45 minute cruise from Walnut Street on the Schuylkill to Penn's Landing on the Delaware
- Different Night - Different Lights: This one-hour cruise highlights Philadelphia's skyline at night, with its varying and delightful hues
- Hidden River Cruise: a 1 hour fun and fact filled tour highlighting the past, present and future of the Schuylkill
To order your discounted order tickets, use our promo code SRPA15 and click here.
DVRPC Board Approves $5 Million for Circuit Trail Expansion
Today, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) took a major step in moving the Circuit forward by approving $5 million in federal transportation dollars, which seven Circuit trail projects will be able to draw from for construction funding! Drawn out in our last blog post (click here), the funding will be allocated to a total of 11 Circuit trail projects.
This approval comes on the heels of a recent public opinion study by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, which reports high levels of support for trails in the region. Conducted in May, the telephone survey aimed to gather an understanding of the general population’s awareness of the Circuit and their opinions on demand for more trails in the region. Sixty percent of respondents said they would like to have access to a trail, or more trails within 10 minutes of their homes. Of respondents under the age of 45, that level of support rose to 72 percent. Overall, 85 percent support building more trails in their counties. Furthermore, 70 percent were in favor of spending $2 per person in public dollars annually to pay for new miles of trails.
This support for trails is tremendous and this is a very exciting time for the Circuit as funding and construction continues!
