[BIKE] SEPTA Bike Accessible Route Changes

[John Boyle]

Nov. 21 and 22 SEPTA will be issuing new schedules for some of its suburban routes. Several routes will be added to the bike accessible network.   Most importantly 91 Norristown TC to Graterford (Saturdays only) and 93 Norristown to Pottstown – These routes cross the Perkiomen Trail so you can now officially take the train to Norristown then take a bus to the Perkiomen Trail and ride back into the city. Just west of Pottstown is the unpaved and partially completed Thun Trail which combined with local roads will get you to the outskirts of Reading. For hard core MTBers French Creek SP is a hilly 7 miles from Pottstown.   92 Exton Square to West Chester –Actually this designation was effective in June. Finally you can get there from here, at least in the off-peak hours. Bus stop is across the road from R5 Exton Station. Much more pleasant experience than the more frequent 104 bus from 69th St. (which is not officially bike accessible and defined by many as a living hell). Ride around town then hang out at the Iron Hill Brewery to discuss how the democrats can compete in the red states.   Other important routes 109 – Chester to 69th St the most frequent service along Baltimore Pike and Chester Rd Corridors (every15 to 20 minutes). 117 – Chester – Elwyn to Penn State Delco R2 or R3 connection that will take you close to Tyler Arboretum and Ridley Creek SP. 130 - Franklin Mills to Newtown, R3 connection at Langhorne route ends at Bucks County College directly adjacent to the Tyler State Park Paths 204 – Paoli Train Station to Lionville – This route takes you out to the rhuburbs, Eagleview  you can ride to the Struble Trail from here.   Also rans 118 – This was an original bike accessible route and now the racks are back. No more King of Prussia service though. 128 – U shaped route that mostly parallels the R7 in Lower Bucks County, locals and commuters might find it useful. 314 - West Chester Circulator, this new route local bus is not noteworthy for cyclists except that the Chester County Planning Commission offices finally got bus service. 131 - Norristown to Valley Forge Corporate Center, a good connection for commuters. Its close to the Perkiomen and the Schuylkill River Trail but you might as well bike there from Norristown.   Finally there is a Save Transit Rally in Harrisburg on Wed. Nov 10 (Free bus transportation) go to www.savetransit.org for details   John Boyle