Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Silver Spring Township Supporting Rec Trails

Could this be an inkling of progressive thought? A smidgen of a forward thinking? A more holistic, community-minded agenda? Might our local governments begin serious planning of a more extensive recreational trail in Cumberland County? Obviously, this would be a large benefit to us all. The Carlisle Sentinel reported recently that a trail project is garnering support from some local municipalities. How it will actually wind around our neighborhoods, and take advantage of existing parks and waterways isn't clear but there is lots of potential. May it become to reality soon!

3 comments:

Andy in Germany said...

Hmm... I agree it should be supported but I wonder if rec. trails are as wonderful as they're made out to be. They could be a great way for politicians to make noises about 'cycling infrastructure' and producing something that looks good to people who go cycling twice a year, but which do nothing to connect places or remove dangerous pinch points, or (heaven forbid) actually take space from cars or encourage mass cycling.
Then, when cycle advocates come along the politicians look all aggrieved and say "We put in ten miles of bike trails last year, what else do you want?"

Ben said...

Thanks for the comment, Andy. I suppose the scenario you describe is possible. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania was just graded with an "F" for biking infrastructure by the League of American Bicyclists, so any step forward is a plus in my mind. Politicians often, if only by definition of their function, interpret things politically (sorry to be banal). I do think that more infrastructure will grow cycling, and maybe then we can chip away at an over-reliance on cars.

anniebikes said...

Politics or not, recreational trails all have to start with a voice. It may take years for your trail to be built, and of course it's never quick enough for the users, but it's one step...