(Credit: Robert Bye / Unsplash.com)
Montco grants assists in encouraging township residents to bike more
The Whitpain Board of Supervisors approved a motion to purchase and install new bike “Fix-It” stations and racks throughout the township’s parks and open spaces. A Montgomery County 2040 Grant Funding Agreement, between the county and township, provided the $10,374 necessary to make the purchase.
“Hopefully we can help those in the community bike more, and drive less,” said Township Manager Eric Traub.
Supervisor Joyce Keller made the motion for approval, while Supervisor Chairman Scott Badami seconded it. The motion was passed unanimously by all supervisors. The Fix-It stations provide tools necessary for those riding bikes to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance. They’re said to include equipment that can assist in changing a flat, adjusting brakes or tending to derailleurs.
The supers did so on the heels of a “Bike More, Drive Less” campaign, in which the township partnered with GVF and the county to provide a new bike like on Anvil Lane. Bike More, Drive Less is a project supporting bicycling as a travel option.
“The project supports Montgomery County’s bicycle plan, Bike Montco, and is funded by a Travel Options Program (TOP) grant from DVRPC,” explained the GVF website. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) accepts applications for annual projects at different deadlines throughout the year.
GVF assisted Whitpain Township in surveying area residents and employees to find out where such bikeable areas could be more encouraged. Wentz Run Park was a popular destination among those polled.
“GVF worked with Whitpain Township to identify a project location to increase bicycle connectivity to Wentz Run Park,” said the GVF site. “The Township striped a new, permanent bike lane on Anvil Lane, connecting Wentz Road to Wentz Run Park.”
The new addition of Fix-It Stations and bike racks are aimed at encouraging even more residents to try taking a bike in lieu of a car for local destinations.
“This small, but impactful project will add to Whitpain’s ongoing efforts to be a more bike-friendly community,” said Megan Alt in the 2024 grant awards list. In total, the county contributed $2,481,951 in 2024 via 13 unique grants.
