Photo by James Short.
The wheels of progress are turning in Lansdale as the borough welcomed a new beacon of convenience aimed at promoting a healthier, more sustainable way of life.
As the sun sat low on the horizon on Thursday evening, Stony Creek Park played host to a celebration of progress and community spirit. The Partnership TMA of Montgomery County, alongside the Borough of Lansdale and Bike North Penn, invited the public to witness the dedication and demonstration of its new bike fix-it station, which stands tall in the serene landscape of the park for cyclists traversing the Liberty Bell Trail and beyond.
Speakers at the event included Executive Director of The Partnership TMA Jacqui Baxer-Rollins, State Rep. Steve Malagari, Lansdale Borough Council Chairwoman Mary Fuller, Lansdale Borough Manager John Ernst, Montgomery County Planning Commission Executive Director Scott France, Bike North Penn leader Bill Jackson, and Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Montco representative Dominic Vasturia.
In a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Partnership TMA and Lansdale Borough, with invaluable support from Bike North Penn, the unveiling of this cycling oasis marks a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to enhance the borough's infrastructure and foster a culture of active transportation.
Back in 2022, the seeds of change were sown with the inception of the “Bike More, Drive Less” project, a visionary initiative aimed at propelling Lansdale towards a future where pedal power reigns supreme, according to Baxter-Rollins.
Local residents, ever eager for a greener, more bikeable community, threw their support behind the endeavor, echoing the borough's resonant tagline, 'Life in Motion'.
“Thank you for having me and congratulations on having this,” Malagari said of the fix-it stand. “I am looking forward to utilizing it and also to see how much more active our parks are going to be moving forward.”
Driven by a shared vision, Lansdale Borough secured a generous grant totaling $68,000 through the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program, setting the stage for transformative improvements within Stony Creek Park. Among these enhancements, a new bike/pedestrian crossing on Hancock Street stands as a testament to progress, flanked by a flashing warning device to ensure the safety of all travelers. However, it's the addition of the bike fix-it station that truly steals the show.
Equipped with all the essentials for on-the-go maintenance and repairs, the fix-it station is a cyclist's haven, featuring a sturdy bike stand, an array of tools, and a trusty air pump. Trail cyclists and local bikers alike have eagerly welcomed this newfound resource, knowing that help is never far away should the need arise.
“As we ceremoniously break this chain,” said Baxter-Rollins prior to the dedication, “let it serve as a symbol of our unity and resilience and shared commitment to the future filled with possibility. May we continue to forge ahead and link together for pursuit of a common goal: Better biking in Montgomery County!”
But the commitment to a bike-friendly Lansdale doesn't end there. With a steadfast dedication to safety and accessibility, the borough is forging ahead with the development of an Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the smooth integration of cycling and pedestrian pathways into the fabric of everyday life.
Task force members, including borough staff, representatives from the Partnership TMA and Bike North Penn, alongside community stakeholders, are joining forces under the guidance of the Montgomery County Planning Commission to bring this vision to fruition.
This auspicious occasion not only heralds the dawn of a new era for cycling in Lansdale, but also serves as the inaugural event for National Bike Month, a time dedicated to promoting bike safety and the myriad benefits of pedal-powered transportation.
Throughout the month, the Partnership TMA will spearhead a series of local events, inviting residents to embrace the joy of cycling while championing the cause of a healthier, more sustainable community via cycling.
According to Baxter-Rollins, The Partnership TMA of Montgomery County nonprofit collaborates with more than 150 public and private partners to deliver its mission: “Expand Transportation Options for Everyone’. The Partnership TMA delivers transportation programs and services to 2,300-plus local individuals, employers, and communities each year.
The Partnership TMA’s next event is its May 23 annual meeting at Joseph Ambler Inn, themed “Celebrating Sustainable Transportation,” which is expected to draw close to 100 people.
