Ivy Ridge Trail Public Workshop on Monday in Manayunk

You know about the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Lower Merion Township; right? And how the much-anticipated trail on top of the Manayunk Bridge will extend that trail over the Schuylkill River? Well, the Ivy Ridge Trail is the third piece of that trail, extending a wide, paved route to the Ivy Ridge Station. 

Trail enthusiasts and interested neighbors can learn more about the Ivy Ridge Trail's design and timeframe at a public workshop on Monday. Another piece of The Circuit coming into focus!

Trail Cleanup Volunteer Opportunity for MLK Day

Even volunteers with just two arms
can make a difference!

Interested in volunteering on Martin Luther King Day for a trail-related cause? The Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail are hosting their (4th) annual MLK Volunteer Day of Service along the Cynwyd Heritage Trail.

Date: Monday, January 21, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Cynwyd Park parking lot in Bala Cynwyd
Who: All ages

Parking is available in the Bala Cynwyd Park parking lot, along Trevor Lane, and at the Barmouth Station on the Trail (end of Levering Mill Road after crossing Belmont Ave). Or you can bike there!

Tools, gloves, instructions, and refreshments will be provided. Donations of food and refreshments will also be appreciated. For questions, contact info@cynwydtrail.org.

Good Trail News! Pencoyd Bridge & Trail Moves Forward

The Pencoyd Bridge connects Manayunk to Lower Merion

Last night, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement and a Preliminary Plan with O’Neill Properties to allow them to develop 569 apartments along the Schuylkill River in Lower Merion. The pending litigation and various lawsuits need to be resolved, but it is very likely that construction will begin later this year.

The first phase of construction will include construction of an 8’ pedestrian outrigger on the Pencoyd Bridge from Philadelphia to Lower Merion, construction of a .75 mile long, 14’ wide multi-purpose trail along the waterfront, and construction of 2 large public gathering space/plazas at the base of the bridges at either end of the site. The western end of the site will include a 9,000 sq. ft landscaped plaza overlooking Venice island.

O’Neill will also contribute approximately $550,000 as the project is being built, money which will be used to build a connection between his property and the Cynwyd Trail through the Township-owned Connelly property. 

Ask Lower Merion & Montco to Help Build the Trail Over Manayunk Bridge

Friends of Cynwyd Heritage Trail is rallying support to ask Lower Merion Township and Montgomery County to contribute funds to help build a trail over the Manayunk Bridge. This will be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind trail and there are several ways you can help!

View of Manayunk Bridge from the Cynwyd  Heritage Trail

Background

Lower Merion Township Planning Department wants to apply for a state grant of $500,000  to help fund the building of a trail atop the Manayunk Bridge that will connect Lower Merion to Philadelphia. However, this grant is contingent upon Lower Merion Township (and possibly) Montgomery County together matching that funding.


Last week, the Lower Merion's Parks and Recreation Committee voted to recommend that the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners authorize the township to match the state's $500k grant.


The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners next meet on March 21st and will vote on the measure.

What You Can Do

Remember Your Trail Etiquette

Trail Etiquette sign from the
Cynwyd Heritage Trail

If you're reading this post, you probably already know that the Greater Philadelphia Region has some amazing trails for biking, running and walking. The most recent addition to our regional treasure trove is the Cynwyd Heritage Trail.

If you know that, then you also know that our trails are often crowded with others who also want to take advantage of these great resources. We all need to make sure everyone is able to have an enjoyable - and safe! - trail experience by following these tips for Trail Etiquette:

Etiquette for Cyclists

• Be courteous- trails are for all users!
• Keep right (except to pass)
• Ring a bell or politely call out, "On your left!" when passing
• Give ample room when passing, even if that involves slowing down until that is possible
• Keep your speed down, enjoy the view, and keep an eye out for posted speed limits
• Stay single file during busy times
• Yield right-of-way to other trail users - remember that runners and pedestrians are more vulnerable trail users

Etiquette for All Users

• Abide by posted trail signs
• Keep right, walk no more than two abreast
• Stay alert - faster trail users need to pass
• When stopped, step off the trail
• Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your dog
• Share the trail; be considerate of all users

Want to learn more or pass information along to your friends and family? Here is a copy of a Trail Etiquette handout you can download or print.

What are some other tips for etiquette that you think are important?

Cynwyd Trail Opening Sunday 10/23

For a public works project, the Cynwyd Trail was planned, designed and built in warp speed. Driven by Lower Merion Township's Planner Chris Leswing and Friends of the Cynwyd Trail, this new trail is being thrown a big party on Sunday, October 23rd from 1-4pm. Ride your bike to 154 E. Levering Mill Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA (map)

Cynwyd Heritage Trail map

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail runs from the Cynwyd rail station northeast between West Laurel Cemetery and West minster Cemetery, terminating where Belmont Avenue meets Rock Hill Rd. The Manayunk Bridge extension will eventually connect this trail to the Schuylkill River Trail.

In addition to a Ribbon Cutting event, Philadelphia radio host Dan Reed will provide a “Trail Mix” of music. There will be pumpkins, scavenger hunts, face painting, giveaways, food and excitement for the entire community. The Main Line Art Center’s new Art Mobile will be on hand to provide arts and crafts fun for the younger set, and of course, the Friends of the Cynwyd Trail will play a prominent role, providing walking tours (and signing up new members!)

Cynwyd Trail and Chesco's Schuylkill River Trail Ribbon Cuttings

Two new regional trail segments will open in late October. The public is encouraged and invited to attend!

Cynwyd Heritage Trail Ribbon Cutting & Fall Fest
When: Sunday, October 23rd from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Where: 154 E. Levering Mill Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA (map)

Cynwyd Heritage Trail map

The Cynwyd Heritage Trail runs from the Cynwyd rail station northeast between West Laurel Cemetery and Westminster Cemetery, terminating where Belmont Avenue meets Rock Hill Rd. The Manayunk Bridge extension will eventually connect this trail to the Schuylkill River Trail.

The community is invited to enjoy a host of fun activities, in addition to the multi-faceted Trail. Entertainment will be provided by Philadelphia radio host Dan Reed who will provide a “Trail Mix” of music. In addition to music, there will be pumpkins, savenger hunts, face painting, giveaways, food and excitement for the entire community. The Main Line Art Center’s new Art Mobile will be on hand to provide arts and crafts fun for the younger set, and of course, the Friends of the Cynwyd Trail will play a prominent role, providing walking tours (and signing up new members!)



Schuylkill River Trail (Phase 1) in Chester County
Official opening

When: Tuesday, October 25th at 1:00 pm

Where: adjacent to the Riversedge Shopping Center in the Borough of Spring City. (map)

The Schuylkill River Trail (Phase 1) runs from Parker's Ford, PA south, following the Schuylkill River to the edge of Phoenixville, PA. Half of this segment (between Bridge Street and the Cromby trailhead on Township Line Road) opened in April 2011. The newest section to open is between Parker's Ford and Bridge Street in Spring City. Three SRT segments are being planned for and built by Chester County.

Two New Trail Events in Manayunk and Lower Merion Need Cyclists Participation

Two must-do events for cyclists in the Philadelphia and Montgomery County, especially those who live near Lower Merion Township and Manayunk, are around the corner. Mark your calendars!

On Thursday, September 15th, trail design concepts for the Manayunk Bridge will be presented at a public meeting to be held at the Lower Merion Township offices at 7pm. This is the YOUR BEST opportunity have input into the design of the trail across the Schuylkill River on top of the Manayunk Bridge. Lots of activities must be accommodated on the Bridge, and how bikes move through is an important component. Please attend if you plan to use the Bridge for transportation or recreation. The Manayunk Bridge will connect the Cynwyd Heritage Trail over to Schuylkill River Trail in Manayunk at Dupont and High Streets.

Speaking of which, on Sunday, October 23 11am-2pm, Lower Merion Township will hold a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail at the Barmouth Station. This exciting new 1.2 mile trail, designed by the Studios of Bryan Haynes, is an exciting new addition to the Regional Trail Network and is part of the a critical link between Lower Merion and Philadelphia. The opening will feature music, restaurant samplings and other festivities.

Please RSVP to etrainer@lowermerion.org if you plan to attend. Bicycle Coalition staff will lead a ride from Center City to the ceremony. More to come closer to that date.