In a vibrant display of community spirit and sustainable transportation advocacy, the Partnership TMA hosted a successful “Bike Ride and New Bike Lane Celebration Event” last Tuesday, drawing over 50 cycling enthusiasts of all ages to Parkside Place Park in North Wales.

The event commemorated the completion of new bike lanes on S. Broad Street, a project that has been in the works for 18 months through collaborative efforts with Upper Gwynedd Township, Bike North Penn, a local advisory committee and other stakeholders. It also coincided with Un-Plugged Week, hosted by Upper Gwynedd Township, encouraging families to go outside and enjoy outdoor activities in the park. 

“This effort on South Broad Street started thanks to Partnership TMA and the Bike More, Drive Less project, sponsored by the region’s Travel Options Program,” said Matthew Popek, Transportation Planning Assistant Manager, Montgomery County Planning Commission. 

“Partnership TMA took the initiative to pursue a project that would support the county’s broader goals, including implementing our county on-road bicycle plan known as Bike Montco, and by seeking out willing municipal partners who would be open to new ways of thinking about how to use roadway space. The County is looking towards the future and the continued build-out of our on-road bicycle network. It’s great that the Broad Street lane connects to the south with a major bicycle route along Morris Road which can connect neighborhoods around West Point with the community college. We want to continue this momentum and see facilities installed along the rest of Broad Street heading north into Lansdale, including on a county-owned roadway section.” 

Township supervisors Rebecca Moodle and Denise Hull joined the event along with President Katherine Carter who shared remarks, emphasizing her desire to make Upper Gwynedd safer for cyclists, and acknowledging the many benefits of bicycling.  Township Manager Sandra Zadell added her thanks to all the project partners and said she was delighted to see the new bike lanes installed recently. 

At the event the atmosphere was filled with excitement as riders anticipated exploring the bike lanes, highlighting the community’s commitment to promoting healthier and greener travel options. 

Cyclists from the local advocacy group, Bike North Penn, led a 6-mile bike ride that included riding along the freshly painted lanes, which promise enhanced safety for all road users. Group members also led a shorter family-friendly ride around the local neighborhood.  

Bike North Penn Leader, William Jackson, expressed his thanks to township leaders for adding the bike lanes and said “Even as these lanes were being put down in Upper Gwynedd, we saw local riders start to use them  and employees bike commuting to Merck’s West Pont Campus have commented how the dedicated bike lanes make navigating the intersection at Sumneytown Pike easier and safer when car traffic is backed-up” 

Upon completing their rides, cyclists were greeted with refreshments and ice pops, providing a well-deserved break and an opportunity to mingle with fellow cyclists and organizers alike. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and community involvement in advancing sustainable transportation solutions. 

The Partnership TMA expresses gratitude to all who contributed to making the event a resounding success. Moving forward, they  are optimistic about the continued growth of cycling culture throughout Montgomery County, spurred by ongoing infrastructure improvements and community engagement. Starting in July, they will be focused on making Hatfield more ‘bikeable.’

Jacqui Baxter-Rollins, Executive Director, said “Hatfield has some great trails and there are opportunities to encourage more cycling there in the near future. We’re thankful to have received additional funding from DVRPC to bring the ‘Bike More, Drive Less’ project to new local communities and build upon the great experiences we’ve had working with Upper Gwynedd Township and Lansdale.”