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It's not just me and a few dozen crazed bicyclists and walking addicts.
Expanded and improved pedestrian, bicycle and handicap access seems to bubble to the top of nearly every public survey, community plan, and recreation feasibility study completed in these parts.
Many have recognized how such amenities have been enthusiastically developed and utilized in both Cambria and Centre counties especially. But even several of our less populated neighboring counties have realized the benefits.
And it's not just about recreation either. Folks are looking for enjoyable ways to improve their health. Others would prefer a more Earth-friendly or scenic way to get around.
Perhaps most importantly, those with disabilities or limited auto access in their household sometimes have no other option.
After decades of languishing, it would seem Blair County is finally making some real progress in building transportation arteries beyond highways.
And thanks to the efforts of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, even the highways are becoming more hospitable to pedestrians, handicapped people and bicyclists.
The Logan Valley Streetcar Trail, after many delays related to bridge design and right-of-way issues with Norfolk Southern, is now under construction and should be completed by early fall.
The trail parallels the route of the Altoona and Logan Valley Electric Railway from the Route 865 Bridge at the north end of Bellwood to Becker Road at the south end of town.
The next phase to Riggles Gap continues to see steady progress as the Antis Township public works crew continues trail work and Robindale Energy (through an abandoned mine land grant from the Department of Environmental Protection) proceeds with the cleanup of a century-old coal waste pile near Kerbaugh Road.
The Horseshoe Curve Mountain Bike Trail System on Altoona Water Authority property west of the Curve has been enthusiastically embraced by both the Authority and the City of Altoona. The City has provided support and the parties hope to link the trail head with share the road and shuttle bus transportation to and from downtown Altoona.
The White Bridge, a likely connection point for the 9-11 trail and an important road bike artery off Juniata Valley Road, has been impassable for a number of years. Frankstown Township recently agreed to adopt the structure following its reconstruction by the county.
Share-the-Road opportunities have finally received the serious consideration which has long eluded the community. Most recently, Allegheny Township agreed to adopt share-the-road signs along Juniata Street from Hollidaysburg through Allegheny and into Logan Township.
A Hollidaysburg Railroad Overpass took a step forward when the Borough committed to a local match for the economic impact study, a portion of construction costs, and share-the-road connections for the 9-11 Trail to Allegheny Street. Duncansville is supporting new signage and share-the-road provisions for their portion of the trail.
A County Trail Coordinator has continued to come closer to reality in 2024, as county commissioners are exploring administrative details for formation of a trail and recreational authority.
Never have so many trail developments come to pass in such a short stretch of time. Yet much remains to be done.
If you're excited about this progress, take a moment to thank the local government staff and elected officials that have taken action. And let them know you hope they'll keep up the good work.
John Frederick (www.johnjfrederick.com) writes about environmental issues twice each month.