You are viewing 32 posts in the category Bucks County
What's on Deck for the Circuit
Based upon a review of the status of Circuit trail projects in the nine counties, we are able to update the estimated completion dates of twenty-six trail projects and four on-road bike lane projects that are likely to occur over the next 24 months. There are roughly 30 miles of trails and 15 miles of bike lanes expected to be added over the next two years. Many exciting trail projects that everyone has long been waiting for are on this list!
|
Project Title |
Type |
Mileage |
County |
ESTIMATED Completion date |
|
Delaware Avenue Extension |
Paved Trail |
0.6 |
Phila |
Fall 2015 |
|
Green Lane Connector |
Paved Trail/Sidepath |
0.1 |
Bucks |
Fall 2015 |
|
Newtown Square Trail |
Trail |
0.9 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Darby Creek Stream Valley Park |
Paved Trail |
1.2 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Tinicum Route 291 ECG |
Trail/Sidepath |
0.5 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Pennypack Trail - Route 63 to Byberry Road |
Stone Dust Trail |
3 |
Montco |
Fall 2015 |
|
Cobbs Creek Segment A |
PavedTrail |
1 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Manayunk Bridge |
Paved Trail/Bridge |
0.6 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Pennypack Trail - Crossing of Frankford Ave |
2-Way Protected Bike Lane |
0.05 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Marcus Hook ECG |
Bike Lanes |
1 |
Delaware |
Spring 2016 |
|
Betzwood Bridge |
Bridge |
0.5 |
Montco |
Spring 2016 |
|
Big Woods Trail |
Stone Dust Trail |
2 |
Berks |
Spring 2016 |
|
Kinkora Trail |
Trail/Sidepath |
3 |
Burlington |
Spring 2016 |
|
Lawrence Hopewell Trail - Carter Road Section |
Trail |
2 |
Mercer |
Spring 2016 |
|
Chester Creek Trail |
Paved Trail |
2 |
Delaware |
Summer 2016 |
|
SRT Pottstown - Phase 1 |
Trail |
1.5 |
Montco |
Summer 2016 |
|
Tookany Creek |
Paved Trail |
0.5 |
Montco |
Summer 2016 |
|
Bartram's Mile |
PavedTrail |
1.25 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
Baxter Trail |
Paved Trail |
1.75 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
K&T Trail |
Paved Trail |
1.8 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
SRT - South St to Christian |
Paved Trail |
0.3 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
Tyburn Road Underpass |
Trail |
0.2 |
Bucks |
Fall 2016 |
|
Del Rvr Heritage Trail |
Trail/Sidepath |
5 |
Burlington |
Fall 2016 |
|
Gray's Ferry Swing Bridge |
Bridge |
0.75 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
Lindberg Blvd - 84th St to John Heinz |
Paved Trail/Sidepath |
0.5 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
Ben Franklin Bridge Ramp |
Bridge |
0.3 |
Camden |
Spring 2017 |
|
Delaware River Waterfront Trail - Washington Ave to Pier 70 |
Trail Improvement |
0.5 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
TOTAL TRAIL MILEAGE |
32.3 |
|||
|
Tuckahoe Road Bike Lanes - Monroe Twp to Route 40 |
Bike Lanes |
10 |
Gloucester |
Fall 2015 |
|
Camden/North Camden Waterfront Bike Facilities |
Bike Lanes |
1.6 |
Camden |
Fall 2015 |
|
Camden/North Camden Waterfront Bike Facilities |
Sharrows |
2 |
Camden |
Fall 2015 |
|
North Park Drive Bike Lanes (Part of the Circuit) |
Bike Lanes |
1.6 |
Camden |
Summer 2016 |
|
TOTAL BIKE LANE MILEAGE |
15.2 |
Circuit Trail Segments Poised For the PA TIP
Since May 2014, the PA counties have been working to strategically prioritize segments of the Circuit. As a result of this work, a number of these projects are being nominated to receive Regional Trail Program funding for design and engineering, construction, or additional study. The nominations will be up for approval at the June 2015 DVRPC Board meeting. If approved, this phase will distribute almost $1.4 million in funding.
The PA counties have also sought to identify projects that could be placed on the PA Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is the 5 counties' transportation capital budget program. An action will be introduced at the June 2015 Board meeting to create a Circuit line item on the TIP. Seven high-priority trail projects deemed ready for design have been identified for inclusion in this line item.
The DVRPC Board is poised to dedicate $5 M of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to that line item for the construction of the projects. Identified projects will be eligible to use those funds for construction. They will also work through the PennDOT process during design, making them well-positioned to compete for future federal construction funding sources.
In addition, six of the seven projects in the line item will receive Regional Trails Program funding to pay for design and engineering. Finally, it should be noted that approximately $9.5 million in construction funds are already programmed for the Chester Valley Trail Extension. This project is included among the seven because it has been nominated to receive supplemental funding for design and engineering from the Regional Trails Program.
The PA Circuit TIP Projects will be:
Philadelphia - 1) Pennypack Trail - State & Rhawn Crossing
2) Cobbs Creek Segment D– 84th Street to entrance of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge along Lindberg Blvd.
3) Spring Garden Street Greenway - Final Preliminary Design
Montco - 4) Chester Valley Trail Extension
5) Pennypack Trail - Byberry Road to County Line Road
Bucks - 6) Newtown Branch (Southampton section)
7) Bridge Street Crossing – D&L Canal Towpath
The following projects will receive Regional Trail Program Round 2 funds for construction or study, but will not be placed onto the TIP:
- Chester - Chester Valley Trail Phase 4A (construction)
- Schuylkill RIver Trail - 422 to Moser Rd (construction)
- Frankford Greenway (alignment analysis study)
- Cross County Trail (alignment analysis study)
Philly Mag Shares Some of the Region’s Best Running Trails, Including Many on the Circuit
With the iconic Broad Street Run just a few weeks away, Philly Mag shared some of the best running trails and parks in the Philadelphia area and beyond, and several Circuit trails made the recommended list! Trails with spectacular views included the Ben Franklin Bridge, Boxers’ Trail, Cobbs Creek Trail, Cynwyd Heritage Trail, Wissahickon Trail, Tyler State Park, Valley Forge Historic National Park, Schuylkill River Trail, and Cooper River Park. Go to Philly Mag to see the full list of trails and parks to take advantage of while the weather is warming up!
2014 Highlights of the Circuit
2014 Milestones
- 12 miles of new trails were added, including the Boardwalk on Schuylkill Banks
- Manayunk Bridge and four other trails broke ground
- $13.2 million in federal, state and local grants were made in 2014 for Circuit projects.
- The Willilam Penn Foundation awarded $8.6 million for Circuit trails and a communications plan
- 8 counters were installed on Chester Valley Trail, Cynwyd, SRT at Kelly Drive, SRT at Pawlings Road, Lawrence Hopewell Trail, US 202 Parkway Trail, Wissahickon Trail.
- The Pennsylvania FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program committed an additional $1 million for Circuit projects in the next round of Transportation Alternatives awards and the five PA counties agreed to prioritize their Circuit trails for future funding.
- Coverage in 47 outlets that reached 89 million viewers
300 miles are now complete
The Circuit grew in 2014 through the opening of the following trails:
Eleven Ribbon Cuttings/Trail Openings
- Neshaminy Creek Trail - Doylestown & New Britain
- Pennypack North/South Extension
- Chester Valley Trail 2 & Trail 3
- Schuylkill River Trail-Boardwalk
- Kinkora Trail
- Lawrence Hopewell Pennington Connection
- Schuylkill River Trail-Leesport
- Baldwin Run Trail
- Poquessing Creek Trail (not an official Circuit Trail)
- Yellow Springs Trail (Valley Forge) (not an official Circuit Trail)
- Destination Peace Valley Trail (not an official Circuit Trail)
Five Groundbreakings
- Manayunk Bridge
- ECG- Baxter Trail
- Pennypack N/S Extension
- Sullivan's Bridge
- Schuylkill River Trail West (not an official Circuit trail)
Media Impressions
Number of Viewers/Readers Reached:
89,776,236
**Huffington Post Viewership: 54,657,952**
Estimated Advertising Value:
$349,257.10
**Does not include Huffington Post advertising value**
*All readership, unique viewers and advertising equivalency numbers are estimates based on the best available data
Major Messages
- As the trail network grows, small businesses are benefitting
- Key assets in the Circuit are being completed
- Collaboration leads to progress in trail development
- Philadelphia is one of the most accessible cities for cyclists
- The Circuit will make Philadelphia a world-class city for trail access
- Funding is key for further trail development
Media Placements:
- Since June, 47 different outlets covered stories
- More than 16 TV segments
- An impressive 8 Inquirer stories
- All 4 Major Philly news channels covered events
50 Miles in Progress
Circuit Trails in the 9 county region were awarded $13.2 million in federal, state and local funding.
400 Miles to Go
We expect the following trails in the coming years to open:
2015:
- Manayunk Bridge
- Bartram’s Mile
- SRT in Phoenixville and along the tow path in Mont Clare
- Baxter Trail
- Pennypack between Welsh Road and Byberry Road (Bryn Athyn)
2016:
- Ben Franklin Bridge ramp,
- Chester Valley Trail in Montgomery County
- new bridge over the Schuylkill River at Valley Forge
Doylestown Bike and Hike Cuts The Ribbon on Two Trails
A blustery wind did not deter an enthusiastic group of Bucks County residents and public officials who cut the ribbons on two trails this afternoon in Doylestown Township and New Britain Borough.
Attendees departed by bus from Covered Bridge Park in New Britain to the newest segment of the Neshaminy Creek Greenway located off Upper State Road in Doylestown Township. The .7 mile trail parallels the creek and connects the 202 Parkway Trail. After the ceremony the group was bused back to Covered Bridge Park for a second dedication for the 1.1 mile long Destination Peace Valley Trail along Pine Run.
Both trails are included in the 24 mile Doylestown Community Bike Hike System. The Bike Hike System is a cooperative project of Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township and Chalfont Borough.
PA awards grants to Circuit Trails
PennDOT's Multi-modal Fund
Philadelphia County
- Delaware River Waterfront Corporation – $200,000 for pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements on Spring Garden Street between Columbus Boulevard/North Delaware Avenue and 2nd Street to enhance mass transit access and leverage transit-oriented development.
- Schuylkill River Development Corporation – $1.7 million for Bartram's Mile, the extension of the Schuylkill River Trail, a multi-use commuter and recreational trail, along the west bank of the Schuylkill River from just south of Grays Ferry Avenue to 56th Street.
Montgomery County
- Upper Dublin Township – $2.9 million to reduce the width of part of Commerce Drive to allow the construction of a 10-foot wide trail to connect Pennsylvania and Delaware Avenues, allowing construction of .75 miles of a section of the Cross County Trail
Commonwealth Financing Authority's Greenways, Recreation & Trails Program
Philadelphia County
- Delaware River City Corporation - $150,000 for the K&T Trail
- Natural Lands Trust - $150,000 for the Friends Hospital Conservation Easement (Tacony Creek Trail)
Northhampton
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.- $217,375 for Lehigh Valley Trail Connectivty Project
Delaware
- Natural Lands Trust - $224,000 for the Darby Creek Greenway Addition
Chester
- East Goshen Township - $52,500 for the Paoli Pike Trail
Bucks
- Solebury Township - $110,000 for Solebury Route 202 Gateway Trail
Look for Rails to Trails Conservancy Trail Surveys #onthecircuit
- Chester Valley Trail
- Cynwyd Heritage Trail
- Port Richmond Trail
- Perkiomen Trail
- Radnor Trail
- Route 202 Parkway Trail
- Schuylkill River Trail (Valley Forge area)
- Schuylkill River Trail (Fairmount Park area)
- Schuylkill River Trail (Schuylkill Banks area)
- Wissahickon Trail
- Blackwood Railroad Trail
- Cooper River Trail
- Elephant Swamp Trail
- Lawrence-Hopewell Trail
- Monroe Township Trail
PennDOT Accepting Applications for the 2015-2016 Multi-Modal Fund. But Hurry!
DCNR To Hold Public Meeting on Rec. Plan
What does the future hold for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania? How will the state meet the demands of a growing and changing population, while maintaining and improving a vast and varied recreation infrastructure?
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and partners is in the process of updating Pennsylvania’s five-year outdoor recreation plan, and would like to hear what you think about the draft recommendations contained in the plan. Are we addressing your top recreation concerns and wishes? The feedback of those who live and work in urban areas is of particular importance in the development and implementation of the plan.
Please join representatives from DCNR for a public open house hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on Tuesday, October 7, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the PHS Town Hall , 100 North 20th Street, first floor.
Stop by at 5 p.m. for some refreshments and a tour of the new PHS offices. DCNR will give a brief overview of the recreation plan at 5:30, and then invites you to visit five “priority stations” where you can learn more and provide your feedback.
Feel free to share this invitation with your staff, colleagues, board or members, as well as friends and family members of all ages. The more proponents of outdoor recreation that express their opinions, the better!
More information on the 2014-18 PA Outdoor Recreation Plan, including background and research findings, is available at www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.
The draft recommendations to be discussed at the public meeting will be posted on Oct. 6. Please RSVP by Friday, October 3rd.
Click here to register or call 215.988.1698.
Regional TAP funds three Circuit Trail Projects
On Thursday, June 26th, the board of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Comission approved the awarding of federal "Transportation Alternatives Program" funding to three Circuit trail segments.
Here are some more details about what the awards will do for the Circuit.
- Neshaminy Greenway (Bucks) ($800,000) -- This project begins at Lenape Lane in Chalfont Borough and continues through New Britain Township, along the Creekside Open Space and into New Britain Borough at the Wilma Quinlan Nature Preserve. It then connects through the Goldeneye Open Space to the Nesahminy Greenway Trail (NGT) at the Upper State Road in Doylestown. The section of the NGT to the east will be under construction in 2015. The section to the west is fully funded for design and construction and will also be under construction in 2015. The trail will be an ADA compliant, 10' wide, paved shared use trail.
- Liberty Trail (Montgomery) ($635,000) -- This project will design and construct multiuse trail connections in the Landsdale Borough from the Madison Development to the Stoney Creek Park to help complete the Liberty Trail. The proposed construction will extend the trail through Lansdale Borough to the neighboring municipalities of Hatfield Township and Upper Gwynedd Township.
- Solebury Route 202 Gateway (Bucks) ($980,859) -- The Bucks County Route 202 Cross County Trail begins in Solebury and the Township has completed Engineering and permits for 4 trail segments. Two have been constructed between the D&L Trail and the intersection of Routes 202-179. Developer fees will construct the segment from 202-179-Kitchens Lane to 202-Sugan Road. This grant will buidl the structurally intensive Route 32 segment to creat a completly off-road trail between these destinations. The project includes a road diet, new off-road trail segment, a new pedestrian crossing, and interpretive signage.
Take a Ride on the Circuit During National Trails Month
In celebration of National Trail Month, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will be hosting several guided trail rides during the month of June. Tickets for each event range from $10 to $18, depending on the particular event and time of purchase, and include a post-ride lunch. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.facebook.com/pecnationaltrailmonth.
Sunday June 8, 2014, 8:30 AM to 1 PM: Cooper River Trail Ride
Saturday, June 14, 2014, 10 AM to 2 PM: Schuylkill River Trail Ride
Saturday, June 21, 2014, 8:30 AM to 2 PM: 202 Parkway Trail Ride
Saturday, June 28, 2014, 10 AM to 1 PM: Cobbs Creek Trail Walk (on foot)
You can also explore the Circuit with the Bicycle Coalition during Trails Month on these two rides:
Friday, June 20th, Longest Day of the Year Ride
Saturday, June 29th, Petty's Island Ride
These two rides are Bicycle Coalition members only events. Not a member of the Bicycle Coalition? You can join for a special rate of $20 by registering for a ride.
More rides and walks are planned for August through November. Check them out here.
Multi-Modal Fund Rountable Discussion May 22
The Transportation Management Agency of Chester County (TMACC) is hosting a Roundtable Discussion with PennDOT Representative Daivd Bratina on May 22nd from 7:30 to 9:30am to help inform interested applicants about the Multimodal Transportation Grant Fund. This is a terrific opportunity for municipalities, boroughs, counties, economic development organizations, non-profits and others about the fund's program guidelines. Don't miss this important opportunity to learn more about how to apply to this fund for biking, walking and trail projects. To register, go to http://goo.gl/rWiA0N
Quakertown Area Trails Study Looks At Connecting To The Circuit
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has released a feasibility study of routing the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail through the Quakertown Area this complements a study released last Spring that analyzed connecting the PA Highlands Trail with the New Jersey segment of the Highlands Trail which is maintained by the NY/NJ Trail Conference.
Like the trail in New Jersey the PA Highlands Trail will be a combination of natural surface trails, rural roads and shared use paths. The Circuit, with a few exceptions only includes the latter, so it is fortunate that most of the trail alignments in the study strived for piecing together new and existing shared use path connections through the region's semi-rural landscape.
The study also breathes new life into the somewhat dormant Liberty Bell Trail alignment which has seen little progress since Mongtomery County published a feasibility study in 2001. Building the trail on the north end has generated a lot of buzz since the popular Saucon Rail Trail was completed to Coopersburg near the Bucks - Lehigh County Line.
The PA Highlands Trail is planned to expand west along Unami Creek to meet the Perkiomen Trail in Northern Montgomery County. Milford Township intends to complete its path network along the creek up to the Montgomery County Line. The Appalachian Mountain Club which is a Circuit Coalition partner is already working on trail planning efforts in Montgomery County.
Quakertown Region Master Trail Plan 2013 uploaded by John Boyle
Pennsylvania DCNR & CFA Announces $3.5 Million in Grants for Circuit Trails
Two announcements of grants for trails within the Circuit system were announced by PA's DCNR and the Commonwealth Financing Authority over the past several weeks. Congratulations to all!
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants for 2013
The following grants advance Circuit trails.
Berks
Jim Thorpe Borough, $365,000, further development of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, work to include construction of approximately 0.9 miles of trail along the east bank of the Lehigh River from the future pedestrian trail bridge
Bucks & Phila
Pennsylvania Environmental Council - Pennsylvania Environmental Council, $100,000, prepare a Trail Stewardship Plan for a 4-mile section of the East Coast Greenway from the mouth of the Poquessing Creek to the mouth of the Neshaminy Creek in Bensalem Township and Philadelphia City, work to include a written report. Patrick Starr, 215-545-4570.
Bensalem Township - $250,000 for the Bensalem Greenway (East Coast Greenway)
Righters Ferry Associates - $250,000 for the Pencoyd Bridge (Schuylkill River Trail)
Delaware River City Corporation - $250,000 for the Baxter Trail (East Coast Greenway)
Schuylkill River Developement Corporation - $225,000 for South to Christian St. Trail (Schuylkill River Trail)
Schuylkill River Development Corporation - $175,00 for Grays Ferry Crossing (Schuylkill River Trail)
Bucks County - $8,885 for the Lower Neshaminy Creek Greenway Trail Feasibility (East Coast Greenway)
D&L Towpath Repairs Continue South of Easton
Delaware Canal State Park contractors continue work on repairing the flood damaged canal prism (the berm that carries the towpath) with the hopes of the reopening a closed section of the D&L Trail in the Spring. This section of the towpath has been closed since the canal wall collapsed from flooding associated with Tropical Depression Lee in September 2011. For those that have been blurred by memories of Irene and Sandy, Lee was a storm that added to the inland flooding misery created by Hurricane Irene.
As of Late October work on the breach in Raubsville, Williams Township just north of the Bucks/Northampton County Line has been repaired and work on restoring the Towpath is now in progress. Other repair projects in Easton and near New Hope are also in progress.
The Delaware and Lehigh Canal towpath sections of the D&L are extremely vulnerable to flooding, we commend DCNR the D&L Trail Alliance and the Friends of the Delaware Canal's committment to preserving this historic transportation corridor.
Route 13 Passageway Ribbon Cutting
Route 13 Passageway Ribbon Cutting
D&L Trail - Del. Canal Towpath at Tullytown
145 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, PA
https://maps.google.com/?q=145+Levittown+Parkway+Levittown+PA
October Events #onthecircuit
Circuit Ribbon Cutting Events
Lawrence Hopewell Trail - October 1st
Port Richmond Trail – October 29th
Circuit Trail Meetings
East-West Park Community Vision Meeting – October 2
Circuit Presentations
Tedx Phoenixville - October 5th
Kayak, Riverboat Tours & Movie Nights
Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour (one hour) – October 5, 17, 19, 24
Schuylkill Riverboat Tour to Bartram's Garden (three hours) – October 6, 20
Rides & Runs & Walks
Cobbs Creek 5 K – October 12th
Historic Bristol Day & Bike Tour – October 19th
Get Your Tail on the Trail - October 26th
Workshops
Safe Crossings for Eastern Pennsylvania – October 2nd
Trail Tuesdays on Cynwyd Trail – October 22nd
How Savvy Businesses Take Advantage of the D&L Trail
- A 2012 survey of the D&L Trail shows over $19,076,000 total economic impact with $16,358,201 estimated as going directly into the local economy. Survey respondents reported spending an average $33.49 per visit in locally-owned shops!
- Is your signage visible and well-designed? Clearly stating what is sold?
- Do you promote trail user amenities such as free Wi-Fi & restrooms?
- Are your store windows clean and well lit at night?
- Is your façade appearance well-maintained and in good repair?
How’s your customer service?
- Are customers greeted warmly when they enter?
- Can your employees answer questions about the town and region? Do they do so in a friendly manner?
- Do your store hours match customer needs? Be open for events and large tour dates.
- Water fountain
- Rest rooms
- Simple, hearty and healthy snacks & food
- Ice cream and/or good beer
- Wireless Internet & phone charging stations
- Trash cans
- Maps of the Trail, town and region
- Souvenirs of the town and region such as postcards
- Bike rack
- Benches
- Sign the Trail through town with D&L wayfinding sign templates
- Decide the best locations for kiosks, maps and trailhead signage
- Develop a trail information page on your municipal webpage
- Be an advocate for making your community more trail-friendly
- Get involved on-line w/ local trail “friends” groups showing you are “one of them”
- Sponsor a “clean up” section of the Trail
- Sponsor trail-related mini events w/ your business name and t-shirts (free bike wash; hot dogs, etc.)
- Promote town-to town bike rides and walks.
September Events #onthecircuit
Circuit Commitment Campaign Events
Circuit Postcard Trail Day - Brandywine Tour - September 1st
Circuit Postcard Trail Day - Cooper River - September 7th
Circuit Postcard Trail Day - Scenic Schuylkill Century - September 8th
Circuit Postcard Trail Day - Chester Valley Trail - September 21st
Circuit Commitment Campaign Talk at TTF Meeting - September 24th
Circuit Postcard Trail Day - Bucks County - September 28th
Circuit Special Events
Delaware River Heritage Trail Ribbon Cutting - September 8th
Delaware River Heritage Ride - September 8th
Cynwyd Heritage Trail Planting Prep - September 14th
Discover the Hidden River at Gray's Ferry Crescent - September 20-22nd
Millennium Bridge Lighting Ceremony on Schuylkill Banks - September 26th
Kayak, Riverboat Tours & Movie Nights
Schuylkill Banks Movie Night - Moonrise Kingdom - September 5th
Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour - September 5th
Basic Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tours - September 5th-28th
Schuylkill Riverboat Tour to Bartram's Garden - September 8th
Basic Schuylkill River Kayak Tours - September 8th
Schuylkill Banks Movie Night - Rocky - September 12th
Schuylkill Riverboat to Bartram's Garden - September 14th
Basic Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tour - September 21st
Moonlight Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tour - September 21st
Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour - September 21st
Basic Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tour - September 28th
Rides & Walks
Early Bird Rate for Cycles & Cemeteries Ride - September 5th
Delaware River Heritage Trail Ride - September 8th
Cycles and Cemeteries Ride - September 21st
West Laurel Hill Woof Walk - September 21st
Get Your Tail on the Trail - September 28th
Fundraisers
2013 Philly Fun Fishing Fest - September 7th
Trust 5K Walk/Run on the D&L - September 7th
Dance on Falls Bridge - September 7th
Friends of Schuylkill Bank Soiree - September 14th
Conferences & Meetings
2013 Pennsylvania Greenways and Trail Summit - September 15-17th
Cobbs Creek Trail pre-proposal RFP meeting - September 12th
The Circuit Revolutionizes DVRPC's Long-Range Plan
A new plan adopted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has big impliations for connecting The Circuit.
On July 30th the DVRPC Board adopted Connections 2040 Plan for Greater Philadelphia. Connections 2040 is the long-range plan for the future growth and development of the DVRPC region. The plan includes land use, environmental, economic competitiveness, and transportation strategies, and puts forth a vision for investing in our transportation system.
The DVRPC plan looks ahead 25 years, and by law it must update that plan every 5 years. A key component of these plans is the list of major regional projects, which are the plan's largest and most significant set of identified projects. To accommodate The Circuit DVRPC created a new sub-category called "major regional bicycle and pedestrian projects." According to the plan there is enough funding available (based on current projections) to pay for about 75% of The Circuit by 2040 ($128M for PA and $99M for NJ).
The inclusion of The Circuit in this group of projects is a big win; the long-range plan has in effect set a target for investment. This makes the goals for the Circuit Committment campaign ($10M over the next 3 years) seem quite modest. But in reality most of the "shovel ready" trail projects are already in the pipeline for development. What is needed now is a big project design push to accellerate trail development over the next decade.
