Suburban Lawmakers Use 'Bike To Work Day' To Showcase Local Trails
KING OF PRUSSIA. Pa. (CBS) - Today is Bike to Work Day, and cycling advocates are using the opportunity to highlight the region's trail system – not only as a recreational asset, but more and more as a commuting option.
Two groups set out for Valley Forge National Historic Park, one each from Montgomery and Chester counties.
"A little bit of trash talking here, for the second year in a row, the folks from Montgomery County did get here first," says Montgomery County commissioner Val Arkoosh.
"Our trail ride is seven miles long, Montgomery County's is five," Chester County commissioner Michelle Kichline added.
Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association organized the event. They say 1.2 million people commute daily in Chester and Montgomery counties, and their goal is to offer as many alternatives as possible.
"See more and more people using their bikes, not only to travel to work but to do some errands to go places they've never been before and also get some exercise," says James Smith with Bikesport in Trappe.
He says commuting is becoming a fast-growing segment of the industry, including bikes with small, battery-powered motors, so riders can use less energy but still go faster:
"To help them get to work in regular clothes instead of dressing up in biking clothes and having to worry about showering."
One thing no one will miss, the rickety wooden bridge that connects Valley Forge to the Schuylkill River Trail. It's days are numbered as the brand new Sullivan's Bridge is set to open in July.
