The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) is well respected as one of our city’s leading bicycling advocates. TTF recently joined the Circuit Coalition and hosted a presentation about The Circuit and the Circuit Campaign at our office at Globe Dye Works by BCGP’s policy director and Circuit Co-Chair Sarah Clark Stuart.
Sarah gave an inspiring talk about the Circuit Commitment Campaign, whose goal is to replenish the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Trail Fund, a competitive grant program established by the William Penn Foundation. The fund has distributed $10 million in our nine-county region to plan, design and build nearly 40 miles of trail. Sarah also shared the vision of folks being able to spend all day on a trail without having to get onto a street! So far, 250 miles of trails have been completed and 50 miles are in the works.
Not only will these trails provide transportation links throughout the city and its green spaces, it will connect the entire Philadelphia region. This trail network will reach the surrounding counties and even the Appalachian Trail. When the proposed total of 750 miles are connected, 50% of people in the region will be living one mile or less from this network.
Everyone will benefit from this forward thinking, yet simple, green highway concept.The previously vacant Race Street Pier is just one example of how trails can aesthetically and economically transform an area. Trails connected to “destination sites” such as Valley Forge or the Pine Barrens function as links to cultural and historical enrichment. Easy access to trails enables a healthier, more active lifestyle, connecting pedestrians or cyclists with the environment. Many paths join up and intersect parks, streams, and other green spaces within the network.
The Circuit goes hand in hand with TTF’s mission to enhance the health and vitality of our watershed. Our own Tacony Creek Trail is part of the circuit, and will connect to the Delaware River and Montgomery County! One of our biggest challenges is providing access to our creeks. The Circuit will help us do just that, providing a wonderful opportunity for our watershed neighborhoods and communities. Spending quality time on our watershed’s trails encourages a caring attitude towards these valuable spaces. To quote Sarah, “building trails is a winner!”
Circuit Campaign Meeting
We’re so excited that our watershed and its trails are part of The Circuit! Learn more about how you can support The Circuit by attending our Circuit Information Meeting on October 29 in Cheltenham!
Light dinner will be provided.
DATE: Tuesday,October 29
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: Glenside Hall, 185. S. Keswick Avenue, Glenside 19038
CONTACT: RSVP to Julie at julie@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853.
