Route mapping tool helps bicyclists find their way

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania is pushing the benefits of bicycling, and has a new interactive mapping tool that can help riders find the best routes.
The state's Bike Route Map uses layers to provide detailed bike routes, traffic volumes, and speed limits, and includes state trails, parks, and forests. Find the map on the “Ride A Bike” page under “Travel In PA” at penndot.gov.
Officials say Pennsylvania’s robust natural resources as a prime opportunity for cycling.
"I’m inviting all Pennsylvanians to get on a bike and see it as their ticket to outdoor adventure and natural beauty all across our state,” said PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. ”We are blessed with more than 11,000 miles of trails, 121 state parks and more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland, all offering unlimited biking terrain and opportunities. Biking is one of the best activities to see what our very special outdoor places have to offer.”
DCNR is a partner in Get Outdoors PA, which offers a calendar of guided outings and includes tech support and riding tips to encourage riders to strike out on bikes regardless of location.

Transportation bill encourages biking

Act 89, also known as the Transportation Bill, was signed into law in 2013 by Governor Tom Corbett (R) to fund road projects, bridge repairs, and public transit. By 2018, the state will have an additional $2.3 billion per year, making it the biggest increase in transportation infrastructure funding in decades. Act 89 also established a multi-modal fund, which covers bicycle and pedestrian projects and other projects that in the past received special funding out of general funds. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the multi-modal fund “promotes coordinated planning and implementation to ensure greatest return on investment.”
PA Rep. Madeleine Dean said the state should continue to encourage multi-modal options, including bikes, "to promote energy-efficient and eco-friendly means of transportation and strive to increase Pennsylvanian's quality of life by creating healthy, more livable, forward-thinking communities."
For information on bicycle safety, visit JustDrivePA.com. See a series of bicycle-safety videos covering state bicycle laws and safety measures at youtube.com/pennsylvaniaDOT.