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PennDOT, DCNR, DEP Tout Cycling Improvements, Opportunities And Benefits In PA
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With the start of Bike to Work week, the Wolf Administration Monday announced a series of planned improvements for bicyclists during an event featuring an executive bike ride around Harrisburg by several cabinet members, other officials, and staff.

Following the ride's conclusion, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced plans to update their statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan via an online customer survey.

"We are updating the 2007 Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan with the goal of outlining a vision and framework for improving conditions for biking and walking," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. "Through our survey, we are especially interested in learning of and addressing the needs of those who walk and bicycle out of necessity."

In addition to PennDOT, representatives from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection joined the bicycling event, to stress their agency's unique perspective on the importance of cycling in the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania's state forestland trails were the focus of the message from DCNR Secretary, Cindy Adams Dunn.

"Whether it's a leisurely circling of a lake, or a hard-driving climb up a mountain road, unlimited biking terrain and opportunities can be found within our 121 state parks and more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland," she said.  "We are blessed with 11,000 miles of trails, all offering bicyclists unlimited ways of seeing all those very special outdoor places we have to offer."

DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell cited the environmental advantage to riding a bike.

"Riding a bike is one of the most fun ways to fight climate change and clean our air," added McDonnell. "Whether you are biking to work, or to run errands, or even just for fun is a great way to get exercise, and helps cut down on tailpipe emissions that lead to climate change and poorer air quality."

Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) whose proposed "Share the Road" legislation was signed into law by Gov. Wolf in 2016 said, "As an avid bicyclist myself, not only do I enjoy being outdoors and viewing the scenery, but I have also recognized the significant health and fitness benefits that come with cycling. A study last year on the health effects of cycling as mode of transportation in the United Kingdom showed that commuters who cycled to work had a 41 percent lower risk of dying from all causes than people who drove or took public transport. They also had a 46 percent lower risk of developing and a 52 percent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease."

For more information on bicycling in Pennsylvania, visit PennDOT’s Ride a Bike webpage or the Explore PA Trails website for more information on recreational biking opportunities.

(Photo: DCNR’s Alyssa Wentz riding her bike to work in Harrisburg.)

NewsClips:

Designed For Green Play, South Philly Schoolyard Wins Recognition

PEC: Plotting A Course On Pennsylvania’s River Sojourns

Clinton County Bike Projects Spring Into Motion

Sen. Yudichak Steps Up With D&L Trail Hiking Initiative

Editorial: Trail Projects Build Progress

Scout’s Project Resurfaces Kirby Park Track In Wilkes-Barre

June 14 Set As Opening Date For Philly’s Rail Park

Recreation Program Playing For Keeps In Reading

Presque Isle Group Discusses Peninsula Drive, New Play Space

May 18 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

Op-Ed: An Electronic Billboard In Fairmount Park: Is Nothing Sacred?

Philly Councilman Seeks Fairmount Park Rezone For Billboard

Staycations Helped This Whitewater Rafting Business Ride It Out

McKelvey: Ticks & Lyme Disease: The Problem No One’s Doing Anything About

CDC: Tick, Mosquito, Flea Illness On The Rise In PA

Company Planning To Drill Waste Injection Well In Allegheny National Forest

[Posted: May 14, 2018]


5/21/2018

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