Biking

All types of bicyclists will find that the Schuylkill River Heritage Area was made for them. Whether your preference is a rail-trail with a gentle grade, or rolling hills and picturesque valleys, the Heritage Area has roads and trails that provide wonderful bicycling experiences.
For those who prefer challenging trails suitable for mountain bikes, several of the Heritage Area's state parks and other area trails are great for offroad adventures.

WHERE TO BIKE

Road bikers will enjoy traveling many of the region's back roads as they wind their way past farm fields and small towns and villages. Three official BicyclePA routes cross the Heritage Area and are well marked on local roadways.
  • Route E is in the planning and design phase and when completed will be the Pennsylvania section of the East Coast Greenway between Maine and Florida.
  • Route L runs north-south through Chester and Montgomery Counties
  • Route S is the longest bicycle route in PA and runs east-west through Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties. Route S intersects with Route L near Hopewell Furnace NHS and French Creek State Park.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia advocates for better on and off road bicycle routes throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Coalition publishes a map of the City of Philadelphia that highlights bicycle friendly routes within the city.

If you're looking for a bike ride that is suitable for all members of the family, try the Schuylkill River Trail or the Perkiomen Trail. The Schuylkill River Trail, most of which is a Rail-Trail, has several completed sections, and the future plans are for the trail to extend from Philadelphia to Pottsville in Schuylkill County.

Mountain bikers will find that many of the region's state, national, and local parks offer great biking opportunities. Bikes are not permitted on any section of the Appalachian Trail or on the roads and trails at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center in Berks County.

STAYING SAFE ON YOUR BIKE

Bikers often face special safety challenges, particularly road bikers. It is important that bikers maintain their vehicles well, and obey all traffic laws and regulations. Here are a few safety tips for both road and mountain bikers:
  • Check your bike regularly. Make sure the tires are full, chains are greased, and the brakes are tight.
  • Always wear a helmet, both on the trail and on the street.
  • Obey all traffic signals and ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Stay off sidewalks in business districts and where prohibited by ordinance. Please be aware that it is illegal to ride a bike on any sidewalk in the City of Philadelphia.
  • Wear light color clothing and reflective tape or lights if riding at night
  • Wear the proper attire for the type of biking you plan to do.
  • Check the weather before your trip.