Despite below-freezing temperatures, a large crowd gathered at the steps in front of Penn State’s Old Main to celebrate winter cycling in State College. Commuters enjoyed a morning hot coffee and took a quick photo before heading to work. Organized by CentreBike, PSU Sustainability, and Active Lions, the event was designed to celebrate as well as raise awareness of the number of bicycle commuters who continue pedaling in the community year-round.
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Since CRBC’s founding in 2000, there has been much activity and progress building cycling facilities regionwide. We took notice that much of that activity has been happening in Ferguson Township. Blue Course Drive, Science Park, Gatesburg Rd,Foxpointe/Autumnwood and now Havershire are just a few of paths that have been opened in the last few years. Preliminary results of our recent poll indicates that they are among the most used paths in the area.
Elliot Killian receives OBA award from President Jim
Serene and ex comm board member Paul Rito
Ferguson’s consideration of cyclists and pedestrians when new developments or new or rehab street projects are proposed is unmatched in the area. There is one reason for that: connectivity. While there are paths here and paths there what sets Ferguson apart is the connectivity. One can ride over 15 miles almost exclusively on off-street paths just in Ferguson Twp. If you include low traffic roads and on-street paths, that mileage increases significantly. They have been extraordinarily responsive to our requests for path maintenance, and the recent improvements on Whitehall Rd both by PennDOT and Ferguson have added a level of safety that has been desperately needed in that corridor. It is well appreciated, as it adds to the safety of all road users, motorists included. Ferguson’s planning and execution are a model that the other communities in the area should strive to match. The icing on the cake was the recent announcement that 4 more paths will be maintained in Winter. Without winter maintenance, the network cannot be reliably used for 1/3 or more of the year.
In recognition of outstanding dedication and commitment to making the Centre Region a better place to bicycle we recognize Ferguson Township’s contributions with our Outstanding Bicycling Advocate award.
Ferguson (2014) joins previous awardees Trish Meek of the Centre Region Council of Governments (2011), and Tom Remick of College Township (2013).
Summary of Oct 4th Ride with Mayor Goreham
Hi All,
Saturday morning began with a few rain sprinkles and a cool breeze, however that did not deter an enthusiastic group from enjoying a 7-mile ride through town with the State College Mayor, Elizabeth Goreham. Participants included CRBC members, school officials, a bike police officer, members of SCCC and Penn State Bicycle Club, and folks from the community.
After the ride, we enjoyed coffee & bagels in the Sidney FriedmanParklet and shared stories with the Mayor and her husband, Dr. Jack Matson. In spite of the weather, the event was a success and everyone had a good time. Mayor Goreham stated she’s looking forward to another similar ride next Fall.
So, why ride with the Mayor? In a recent edition of American Bicyclist magazine, there’s an article about Betsy Price, the Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas. Mayor Price has made it her goal to spearhead “a citywide initiative focused on promoting active lifestyles and healthy habits”. Mayor Price is a big supporter of bicycling as a form of alternative transportation, and is leading the charge to improve bicycling infrastructure, safety, and community acceptance. Under her tenure, the city has added miles of bike lanes, and dedicated $1.2 million for trails and signature events for cycling. She is convinced that improved bicycling is good for community economic development.
We are fortunate to have a Mayor who is supportive of our bicycle community. However, she will need our support when it comes to convincing other officials that improvements and events for bicyclists are worthy of government time and money. Only a strong bicycle organization like CRBC (which may soon be known as “CentreBike”), can make that happen. If you’re a current member of CRBC, thank you. If not, please consider joining today and help to support a more cycle-friendly Centre Region.
Hope to see you at our next event…
Jim Serene
President, CRBC
https://www.facebook.com/centrebike
A voice for ALL cyclists in the Centre Region!