MANAYUNK

Posted by: Kelly Whelihan, Summer 2013 Intern

On Tuesday, July 23, USA Today published an article naming the top urban bike paths across the USA.  Ranking among other top cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Boulder, Colorado is Philadelphia, PA and the Schuylkill River Trail. 

A great bike path can make city cycling a truly different experience: you can skip traffic, commute with nature and see the city from a new angle. USA Today recognized bike paths across the country that have elevated the quality of life in their respective cities. To determine which paths made the list they asked the question:  what makes a good bike path?

One important feature is that the path gives cyclists direct access to business districts while avoiding city traffic and streets all together. The Philadelphia Schuylkill River Trail was specifically designed to bring commuters from the suburbs where mass transit does not reach.  Another important aspect is the surface of the path. The Schuylkill River Trail is paved which makes for easy riding. In addition, the paths are of course, beautiful! The Schuylkill River Trail boasts gorgeous, local flora and fauna, an unbeatable view of the Schuylkill River, and even artwork, like the new mural under the Green Lane Bridge in Manayunk.

Kay Sykora, Director of the Schuylkill River Project, explains that the Schuylkill River Trail is one of the best biking trails in the US because, “It takes you through a wide range of landscapes and provides a connection from the suburbs into the City via recreational trail. It is the spine and connector that allows continuous long or short bike rides.  It feeds into a wide range of communities.”

The 23-mile Philadelphia Schuylkill River Trail (running from Center City to Kelly Drive) is perfect for commuters entering the city from Montgomery County, residents looking for a scenic shortcut through parts of downtown, and recreational cyclists enjoying a weekend escape. The path winds unbroken, except for two short segments, all the way to Valley Forge National Historical Park, making the full length of the trails 140 miles.

The Schuylkill River Project has helped change the landscape of the Schuylkill Trails since it began in 2006. Kay Sykora explains the vision of the Schuylkill River Project to further improve the trail. She states, “Our vision is to see all missing connections completed (and right now there are only two), to make a seamless biking experience into and through our section of the City.”

Have you been on the Schuylkill River Trail yet? It’s the perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous day for a bike ride or a stroll. To find out more about the Schuylkill River Project visit the website: http://www.destinationschuylkillriver.org/