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The meeting incorporated interaction with local residents culminating in physically highlighting streets and areas on maps that prompted their concerns for walking and biking in Upper Merion.
Robert P. Thomas, architect and trail designer of Campbell, Thomas & Co. in Philadelphia, began the meeting with an overview of the intentions and concerns of the bike and walking trails.
"We have a lot of sidewalks; they're just not all connected," said Thomas, the architect who, in several months, will produce a $56,000 report concerning the bike trails in Upper Merion Township.
Many major roads, such as Route 202, Henderson Road and Allendale Road, pose problems for future bike paths. Measures like possibly building a bridge over 202, might be the answer; however, plans at this stage are preliminary and subject to change.
Regardless, what Thomas stressed throughout the meeting was the importance of community input.
"Everyone else is just as important as the consultants," he said.
For that reason, the township will hold a bike ride at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 18, starting at the Upper Merion Township Building.
The ride will showcase the areas of concern for future bike and walking paths, as well as possible routes that may have gone unexplored by Thomas and his consultants.
Thomas's eventual goal is to "connect the whole region," he says. Right now, "we are working on the area's capillaries," he said.
Upper Merion residents, especially those who attended the meeting, believe connecting townships will benefit the community in a myriad of ways, including providing a safe route for bikers to go to and from work and school.
There is a concern that children younger than 15 and adults who lack the experience biking on trails that share the road with cars may need assistance.
David Broida, Upper Merion township park and recreation director, plans to host bicycle safety classes in the fall for children as well as adults who are wary of bicycling.
Upper Merion residents seem excited about the new construction of bike trails, which will enable them to go to school, work, movie theaters, restaurants, and parks such as Valley Forge National Historic Park, without a car.
"It's such a shame to start the car when you don't have to," said Upper Merion resident Mark Vondra.
For further information on the bike trip across Upper Merion Township Sunday, July 18, or for more information on the bike safety classes to be held in the fall, consult David Broida at 610-265-1071 or by e-mail at dbroida@umtownship.org.
