Across the region, many communities have identified challenges to increase bicycle access and mobility to reach their destination safely. The Bicycle Coalition has addressed this challenge by identifying and utilizing the municipality’s existing network of low stress, neighborhood streets by way of tools such as DVRPC’s Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress & Connectivity Analysis and riding with local residents along safer alternative routes to avoid biking on heavier traveled corridors that are prioritized for vehicular traffic. This concept has gained a significant level of traction and interest from residents in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area and has led to the concept and development of the Main Line Greenway (MLG).
The concept of the MLG emerged in 2018 and gained momentum in 2019 as the route began to take shape with its proposed 20-mile loop route from Bala Cynwyd to Villanova with the potential to connect residents to community destinations via a network of low-stress, bicycle-friendly neighborhood streets. Today, the MLG utilizes a bicycle greenway concept, where locally designated roadways shared by cars and bicyclists are combined with multi-use trails and easements through institutional campuses to form a safe, attractive bicycling mobility network. The MLG was designed to cater to cyclists of all levels, from recreational riders to daily commuters, serving as a vital link connecting various destinations, including residential areas, schools, parks, and commercial districts. The MLG has steadily gained community usage through Lower Merion, Narberth and parts of Haverford Township as demand for bicycling has increased and through word of mouth and group rides. Over the years, the MLG gained recognition from cycling advocates throughout the region, including residents in New Jersey! The concept is simple and provides an exciting opportunity to engage with residents by collectively identifying the low-stress roads that get you to the grocery store, the library, and places that matter to its residents by way of bicycle.
Recently, the Bicycle Coalition and affiliate chapter to the Coalition, Bike Chester County, in partnership with Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and Lower Merion Township held the first ever Western Main Line Greenway Bike Route Workshop at Haverford College to share the vision of the MLG, including how the Greenway has evolved thanks to the leadership provided by Lower Merion Township and the Narberth Cycling Club. Given the level of recognition carried by the work to make the MLG a reality, the vision to extend the route out west from Radnor Township in Delaware County to Tredyffrin, Easttown, Willistown, Malvern, East Whiteland and West Whiteland municipalities in Chester County was identified as an opportunity to explore collectively given the notable interest shared from the Coalition’s Affiliate Chairs who represent Bike Chester County and Bike Delaware County.
So what’s next? The workshop has provided many potential low-stress routes to reach areas of interest throughout the municipalities that connect to the existing MLG. Our partnership with TMACC, Lower Merion Township and the municipalities involved in the project area will work together to advance the concept into an identified route that will be tested on bicycle. This is just beginning of the process and we’re eager to engage with the local residents within the area to gather your support and interest in the months to come. Stay tuned for more updates and please contact patrick@bicyclecoalition.org if you’re interested in learning more about this project.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia leads the movement to make every bicycle ride safe, to empower youth and adults to ride, and to foster a ridership that reflects the diversity of the region. Join or renew to continue that advocacy and education work throughout the region. More info here.