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More bicycles are on the roads in northwest Lancaster County. Leaders there want to improve your ride.
At Bicycle and Fitness Outfitters in Elizabethtown, business is cranking right along.
"There's definitely been an increase in new bike sales and also in repairs," said bike mechanic Jeff Roth. "People bringing in bikes that have been in the garage for years to be fixed up."
Usually the floor and walls are full of bikes. But you see holes now, as so many bicycles are snatched up. What is the reason?
"Obviously the gas thing is the big one," notes Roth.
Northwest Lancaster County leaders have noticed. Mount Joy Township, West Donegal Township, Conoy Township and Elizabethtown are working together on a proposal.
"We are looking at expanding our recreational and bike trails," said Brandon Williams, Zoning Officer for Mount Joy Township.
This would help to link the localities together. For instance, more paths could allow easier travel to the much-used Conewago Trail.
"Right now, the bikes are concentrated to that trail. But we're also trying to consider connections and connection hubs in the commercial areas," said Williams. "I honestly think it's due, and I hope it's a successful attempt at creating another option for these people."
Roth agrees. "I think if it was a separate path or a bike lane, something like that, I think it would really encourage people to ride more," he said.
The northwest Lancaster County leaders say they began working on their bike plan proposal in May. It could take about a year to have a solid plan in place. They do want to hear from you, so contact your local government office.
Mount Joy Township: 367-8917
West Donegal Township: 367-7178
Conoy Township: 367-4927
Elizabethtown: 367-1700
1. Bicyclist should ride single file on the edge or shoulder of the road. I come across flocks of bicyclist on the backroads of Manheim riding side by side all time. The problem (for them) most passing involves blind spots. My vehicle and the supposed vehicle in the other lane weigh 3000 lbs, the bikes don't. If my the bicyclist forces to me to chose between a head on with a vehicle vs. forcing them off the road I hope they land well. We may have to share the road, but we all obey the laws of physics as well.
2. Bikes on the road should have lights and signals and not just hose token little flashing taillamps. Scooters and motorcycles both have working lamps and signals and they too are only two wheeled "road vehicles"
3. Come to think of it a working horn may not be a bad idea either.
If we are forced to share the road then the responsibility for safety should also be shared. Common sense wouldn't hurt either. Regardless of rights, laws, or considerations vehicles outweigh bikes. It's not safe contest the middle of the lane both sides lose, the bicyclist may die or worse. Bikes ride single file off to the side drivers give them some room.
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