Connect the Circuit | Circuit Coalition

Circuit Coalition

The Circuit Coalition

The Circuit Coalition is a collaboration of non-profit organizations, foundations, and agencies working to advance completion of a connected network of trails – The Circuit – in the Greater Philadelphia region.

The Circuit Coalition's goal is to raise the profile of bicycle/pedestrian trails and their public benefits so that building The Circuit becomes a significant regional priority.

The Coalition has a steering committee that follows an agreed-upon governance framwork. Read more here about the governance of the Circuit Coalition. (if link doesn't work, right-click and open in new tab).

If your organization wants to learn more about joining The Circuit Coalition, please click here.

If you want to know more about what criteria Circuit trails must meet and how to nominate a new trail to become part of the Circuit, click here.

Nonprofit and Foundation Partners

Appalachian Mountain Club

The Appalachian Mountain Club promotes the protection, enjoyment and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The organization believes that mountains, forests, and waters have intrinsic worth and also provide recreational opportunities, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the region. Because successful conservation depends on active engagement with the outdoors, the club encourages people to experience, learn about, appreciate, and understand the natural world.

Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions

Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions To achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources through leadership, education, and support of environmental commissions and other local boards, public officials, environmental organizations and concerned citizens.

Bartram's Garden

Bartram's Garden is America's oldest living botanical garden, a 45-acre National Historic Landmark that features an 18th century farmstead, native plants, wildflower meadow, and wetland.

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Because there are better ways to get around, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has created this map and website in partnership with the Circuit Coalition. Have you paid your trail toll?

Brandywine Conservancy

Protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Brandywine watershed and other selected areas, the Brandywine Conservancy has been instrumental in permanently protecting more than 59,000 acres of land in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.

Chester Valley Trail Funding Project

The CVTFP is a vibrant and innovative private-public partnership with the Friends of the Chester Valley Trail, the Government of Chester County, PA. and The Natural Lands Trust. The Chester Valley Trail Funding Project's goal is to seek private support for the Chester Valley Trail so that the Trail can provide county residents with miles of safe walking and biking opportunities,attract tourists and become an alternative method of transportation for commuters.

Clean Air Council

Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy, and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws.

Cooper's Ferry Partnership

Cooper's Ferry Partnership is facilitating the revival of the City of Camden creating an environment where people choose to live, work, and invest. We develop visionary, long-range plans for the redevelopment of Camden’s waterfronts and work with private sector, government and community partners to make these plans a reality.

Darby Creek Valley Association

Darby Creek Valley Association (DCVA) is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of all the Darby Creek watershed's resources, including water, wildlife, historical sites, and the floodplain. The Darby Creek watershed encompasses three counties in southeastern Pennsylvania (Montgomery, Delaware and Philadelphia) and eventually flows into the Delaware River at Tinicum, PA. DCVA's primary mission is public education.

D&R Greenway Land Trust

D&R Greenway Land Trust is central New Jersey's nonprofit land preservation organization, tasked with preserving watershed lands and large-scale landscapes, thereby preventing the loss of open space to development. The Trust's operating region consists of over 1,500 square miles, encompassing portions of the Delaware, Raritan and Millstone River watersheds and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This includes Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Burlington and Monmouth counties.

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a joint effort of private groups and interested citizens, county and municipal governments, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government to conserve cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of Pennsylvania that traverses the historic Delaware and Lehigh Canals. Since the Delaware & Lehigh's designation by Congress in 1988, it has been our mission to restore historic places, conserve green space for public use and preserve and interpret our heritage to enhance life for generations to come.

Delaware River City Corporation

Delaware River City Corp is revitalizing a sustainable riverfront corridor in Northeast Philadelphia by reconnecting the people, places, businesses, and neighborhoods of the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region to the Delaware River while simultaneously promoting a diversity of uses through implementation of the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Plan.

Delaware River Greenway Partnership

The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) seeks to engage with public and private partners to promote stewardship of the Wild and Scenic Lower Delaware River and its tributaries and to foster a shared sense of place among communities that adjoin the river by pre-serving and enhancing its ecological, scenic, historic, cultural and recrea-tional resources. DRGP’s activities are concentrated in the region from the Delaware Water Gap through the upper Estuary, but some projects necessarily extend beyond these boundaries. DRGP is the host organization for the federally designated Delaware River Scenic Byway

Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is responsible for designing, developing, and managing the Central Delaware waterfront in Philadelphia between Oregon and Allegheny Avenues, including the design and construction of a continuous waterfront trail and numerous parks and other improvements.

Doylestown Community Bike and Hike System

The Doylestown Community Bike and Hike Trail is a network of 16 miles of completed trails and sidepaths for use by bicyclists and pedestrians. The Doylestown Community Bike and Hike System is a joint effort to develop the proposed additional trails as grants and donations permit.

East Coast Greenway Alliance

The East Coast Greenway vision is for a long-distance, urban, shared-use trail system linking 25 major cities along the eastern seaboard between Calais, Maine and Key West, Florida. It will serve non-motorized users of all abilities and ages. A 3,000-mile long spine route will be accompanied by 2,000 miles of alternate routes that link in key cities, towns, and areas of natural beauty. This green travel corridor will provide cyclists, walkers, and other muscle-powered modes of transportation with a low-impact way to explore the eastern seaboard.

East Falls Development Corporation

The East Falls Development Corporation is dedicated to the economic revitalization of East Falls. We concentrate efforts on the East Falls Riverfront Business District and on making connections between the District and the River and River Trail.

Friends of Chester Creek Branch

The Friends of Chester Creek Branch work to promote the Chester Creek Trail as a rail-trail in central Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail will follow Chester Creek along the Civil War-era Chester Creek Branch line of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

When complete, the trail will run from the former SEPTA Wawa R3 station to Caleb Pusey Plantation in Upland. The middle section of the trail, consisting of 2.8 miles through Middletown and Aston townships, will be the first to be completed, with construction to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.

Friends of Chester Valley Trail

The Friends of Chester Valley Trail is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania to assist the Chester County Parks and Recreation Department promote trail activities, plan for future programs, facilities and improvements, alert staff to trail conditions, assist in reducing maintenance costs, and provide other assistance to the public as may be requested.

Friends of Cresheim Trail

The Friends of the Cresheim Trail’s mission is to promote community building, health and open space through promoting and creating multi-use trails for recreation and transportation. The Friends of the Cresheim Trail is a non-profit, volunteer, community initiative working to build a multi-use trail in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties primarily along an old rail road right-of-way.

Friends of Cynwyd Heritage Trail

The Friends of Cynwyd Heritage Trail supports the design, construction, maintenance, and community involvement in the Trail. Going forward, the FOCHT secures financial support to sustain and enhance the park and its natural, educational, and recreational resources. They also promote and coordinate volunteer time, talent, and fundraising to provide for permanent improvements and amenities along the Trail.

Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Agency

Founded in 1990, Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Agency (GVF) is a not-for-profit organization created to advocate and promote a viable transportation network for the region's economic vitality. To maximize awareness and develop sustainable support, we partner with public and private entities.

GVF's mission is to achieve a desirable quality of life and a healthy, competitive economic environment by developing multi-faceted transportation strategies.

Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) is a 20+ miles bicycle and pedestrian recreational trail and transportation corridor through public and private lands in Lawrence and Hopewell Townships, Mercer County, New Jersey. The idea for the LHT grew out of a commitment to improving the quality of life for all who live or work in the region. The LHT supports an active, livable, and sustainable community with alternative forms of transportation to reduce reliance on automobiles. We also promote health and fitness, recreation, and outdoor education.

Manayunk Development Corporation

As a community development corporation, Manayunk Development Corporation cooperates with other civic and community organizations in the Manayunk area to plan and carry out community programming and physical improvement projects of interest to both businesses and residents in Manayunk.

New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition

NJBWC is the only statewide organization working to protect the rights of bicyclists and pedestrians in New Jersey. The organization's mission is to protect the rights and safety of New Jersey bicyclists and walkers; promote bicycling and walking for fun, fitness, and transportation; educate bicyclists, walkers, and drivers about our rights and responsibilities, and connect our communities with a smarter transportation system. The organizations advocates at the state and national level and works with communities to further grass roots efforts to make them more livable places.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation

New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserves land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all.

New Jersey Safe Routes to School National Partnership

New Jersey is one of seven jurisdictions participating in the Safe Routes to School state network project (network project), funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. New Jersey has been a network state since 2012. The network project's goal is to advance state-level policy reform, resulting in the award and obligation of federal transportation funds, street-scale improvements and joint-use agreements.

Outward Bound Philadelphia

Outward Bound is the world’s oldest and largest adventure based education program. Using innovative instructional practices in both urban and wilderness environments, Outward Bound inspires participants with opportunities to make positive choices for their futures as students and as members of their communities.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

Philadelphia Parks Alliance

The mission of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance is to champion the public’s interest in outstanding parks, recreation and open spaces, key to making Philadelphia a healthy, vibrant and sustainable city for all.

The Parks Alliance’s vision of a great city is one with great parks and interconnected green spaces. The Parks Alliance leads the diverse and expanding citizens’ movement which shapes public policies required to build the nation’s premier parks and recreation system.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., whose mission it is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.

Scattergood Foundation

The Scattergood Foundation is guided by the vision to “be Thomas Scattergood” for our time, driven by a disruptive sense of purpose to challenge and change how behavioral healthcare is viewed, organized and practiced.

Schuylkill Center

The Schuylkill Center inspires meaningful connections between people and nature. We use our forests and fields as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding, and encourage stewardship of the environment.

Schuylkill Project

The Schuylkill Project is dedicated to connecting the communities of East Falls and Manayunk to the river through planning, programming and projects. It is a joint effort of the Manayunk Development Corporation and the East Falls Development Corporation funded by the William Penn Foundation.

Schuylkill River Development Corporation

The Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) is a non-profit organization leading the revitalization of the tidal Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. SRDC works with public and private agencies to coordinate, plan and implement economic, recreational, environmental and cultural improvements and tourism initiatives on the Schuylkill River between the Fairmount Dam and the Delaware River.

Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) is a National and State Heritage Area that uses conservation, education, recreation, historic and cultural preservation and tourism as tools for community revitalization and economic development. The SRHA has taken a lead role in unifying and promoting the entire Schuylkill River Trail, and is directly responsible for building and maintaining the trail in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

Schuylkill River Park Alliance

The Schuylkill River Park Alliance advocates on behalf of all users of the Lower Schuylkill River (below the Art Museam dam) for the preservation and enhancement of safe and accessible access to Philadelphia's Schuylkill River Trail and to promote responsible development, management and enjoyment of the Park.

Southeastern PA Group - Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. The Southeastern PA Group represents Sierra Club members from Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia.

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford (TTF) Watershed Partnership

TTF’s mission mission is to improve the health and vitality of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek and watershed by engaging our communities in education, stewardship, restoration and advocacy.

Transportation Management Agency of Chester County

TMACC is non-profit that was established in 1992 by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. MACC’s charter is to serve as liaison between public sector transportation agencies and the private sector on transportation issues affecting the Chester County business community. It focuses on Mobility Management and Sustainability through education, advocacy and special programs.

Trenton Cycling Revolution

Trenton Cycling Revolution's mission is to create a safe and healthy environment for bicyclists in Greater Trenton through education, engagement, advocacy and promotion.

Tri-State Transportation Campaign - South Jersey

Tri-State Transportation Campaign works to create more sustainable, equitable and transit friendly communities in downstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond. We conduct advocacy, education, coalition building and legislative work that results in safer roads, livable communities, and more attractive walking, biking, and transit routes.

Urban Promise/Urban Trekkers

Urban Promise equips Camden's children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth and Christian leadership.

Urban Trekkers program seeks to complement the already successful learning experiences taking place at UrbanPromise Ministries, through expeditionary learning.

William Penn Foundation

The WIlliam Penn Foundation improves quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children's futures, and deepen connections to nature and community. In partnership with others, we work to advance a vital, just and caring community.

Agency Partners

Bucks County Planning Commission

The Bucks County Planning Commission is an advisory board to the county commissioners. The Commission provides guidance and advice on planning and land use issues.

Burlington County New Jersey

Burlington County is geographically the largest county in New Jersey. The county government works closely with our 40 communities and other entities to provide an array of cost-saving shared services.

Camden County

Camden County, in partnership with a coalition including the City of Philadelphia and Cooper’s Ferry Development Association (CFDA), has received a $5.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve walking and biking access through a 'complete streets' rehabilitation, including sidewalks, streetscaping, bike lanes, multi-use paths and trails. Camden County’s portion of the project will connect the Ben Franklin Bridge to Cooper River Park and beyond, by a system of active transportation trails through the county’s greenway.

City of Camden

The City of Camden is guided by the mission to serve and build Camden's diverse community by effectively, efficiently and equitably enhancing resident's quality of life, attracting private investment, stimulating growth citywide and delivering services with a commitment to excellence.

Chester County Planning Commission

The Chester County Planning Commission provides future growth and preservation plans to citizens, so that they can enjoy a Chester County that is historic, green, mobile, and prosperous.

Delaware County Planning Department

The Delaware County Planning Department promotes the sound development and redevelopment of the County through the application of contemporary planning principles and smart growth concepts, while maintaining and enhancing the cultural, economic, and environmental livability of the County.

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is dedicated to uniting the region's elected officials, planning professionals and the public with a common vision of making a great region even greater. Shaping the way we live, work and play, DVRPC builds consensus on improving transportation, promoting smart growth, protecting the environment and enhancing the economy.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation provides a host of resources to support the SE regional trail network: funding for trail planning, site acquisition and trail easements, and final design and construction; a statewide one-stop shop website with comprehensive information for trail users that is powered by users – and extensive technical assistance publications and resources about trail development, maintenance and safety available on the agency’s website.

Gloucester County

Gloucester County, founded in 1686 and once including within its boundaries the present Atlantic and Camden Counties, is unique in that it is an outstanding Agricultural, Industrial and Residential Area.

Greater Mercer TMA

Greater Mercer TMA is a non profit, public private partnership dedicated to reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility in and around Mercer and Ocean County.

Lower Merion Township

Lower Merion Township is committed to preserving the beauty and character of Lower Merion's natural and man-made resources.

Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities

The Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU) is charged with building a shared vision for transportation and coordinating decision-making among City agencies and public and private partners in order to save money and improve conditions throughout the City’s transportation system.

Mercer County

As New Jersey’s capital county, Mercer County is a center for commerce and culture in the Garden State.

Montgomery County Planning Commission

The Montgomery County Planning Commission offers professional planning services and innovative solutions to community challenges. Their major focus has been to promote orderly development while preserving valuable county amenities.

NJ Department of Health

NJ Department of Health's core mission is to improve health through leadership and innovation.

NJ Department of Transportation

NJ DOT encourages adults and children to take advantage of the many opportunities to bicycle for both commuting and recreation. NJDOT offers information on safe biking, events around the state and publications.

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

NJ Departmentof Environmental Protection's core mission is and continues to be the protection of the air, waters, land, and natural and historic resources of the State to ensure continued public benefit. The Department’s mission is advanced through effective and balanced implementation and enforcement of environmental laws to protect these resources and the health and safety of our residents.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

PennDOT oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports and waterways.

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) is a City chartered agency that guides long-range planning and development in Philadelphia. PCPC is actively engaged in trail and bicycle planning through development projects, the recent Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, and the upcoming Philadelphia Trails Master Plan.

Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation

The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation promotes the wellbeing of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, historically significant resources, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, along with enriching cultural and environmental programs.