Bike enthusiasts are working to create some Delaware River love and bring support to the Delaware River Heritage Trail project, writes Kyle Bagenstose for Delaware Currents.

“If people are coming out to the area to recreate, they’re going to care about keeping [the river] clean and keeping it usable so they can continue recreating,” said Cindy Kunnas, projects coordinator for Delaware River Greenway Partnership.

The trail will be a 75-mile network from Trenton to Philadelphia’s Old City, traversing both sides of the Delaware River.

Planners want a multi-use trail to explore the “natural and cultural heritage of the Delaware River.”  It would link riverside communities and be part of a larger 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway from Florida to Maine.

A coalition of groups, including the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, met virtually during the pandemic, creating “Circuit Citizens,” those who would identify and lobby for new opportunities to build out the unfinished parts of the trail.

Cyclists organized two “Loop the Delaware” rides in September and October to highlight the Heritage Trail, and generate that Delaware River love.

The loops highlight hidden natural gems and destinations along the route in the Philadelphia area that could be better utilized for the public.

Find out more about the Heritage Trail at Delaware Currents.