In May, PennDOT recognizes National Bike Month (PDF) — a celebration sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and observed in communities from coast to coast. But the focus on bicyclists and pedestrians goes beyond just one month for the department.
PennDOT held its annual Executive Bike Ride on Monday, May 14, during which staff from PennDOT and sister agencies as well as advocates and elected officials rode through Harrisburg and finished at the Capitol steps. Representatives from PennDOT, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Department of Environmental Protection then provided remarks about the importance of cycling in the commonwealth. State Rep. David Maloney, whose proposed “Share the Road” legislation was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2016, touted the health benefits of cycling.
PennDOT also is developing an updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for Pennsylvania that will outline a vision and framework for improving conditions for walking and bicycling across the state. Most notably, the plan is aimed toward those Pennsylvanians who walk and bicycle out of necessity rather than for leisure and recreation.
Once completed, the master plan will be a resource for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs), and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania and will provide guidance to local governments as they develop and implement regional and local bicycle and pedestrian plans.
As part of the master plan process, PennDOT is asking for your input with a survey that should take about 10 minutes to complete.
For more information on riding your bike in Pennsylvania, visit the Ride a Bike section on PennDOT.gov.
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