Proposed Multi-Modal System for Centre County

High-Speed Access Bike Route

The first map features what a high-speed bike access route might look like. The route focuses on connecting destinations in, ideally, the most populated areas with the most resources. This route would provide a nonvehicular transportation route as an alternative to US 322; for a commuting bicyclist or someone on an electric bike, it could take approximately the same amount of time it takes to travel US 322 by car.

Scenic Connector Route

The scenic connector route focuses on connecting as many communities along the US 322 corridor as possible while remaining a trail designed for recreation and leisure. Instead of cutting through private properties this trail would utilize the existing road network.

Looking at different ways to utilize existing space to create cycling and pedestrian pathways while still allowing car traffic to flow. For a multi modal system to function properly cyclists, pedestrians, and automobiles should be able to travel without interfearing with other transport lanes. The use of buffers helps to insure safety and comfort travel for all user types.

Recreational Access

Route Centre County boasts a number of important hiking trails traveling through large areas of stateprotected conservation lands. In addition to a large footpath system, the area contains many Class A trout streams that provide for fishing recreation. While there is already a bike and footpath from State College leading to the Mid State Trail, the longest hiking trail in Pennsylvania, there is no direct connection into Bellefonte. Bellefonte is on the Chicago to New York City Bicycle Route, a significant national bike trail which, if connected to Penns-Brush Valley could be amplified for greater economic development. Such a bicycle route could provide access to fishing spots, regional hiking trails, and historic Bellefonte.

Coleman W. Riegle

Fifth-year Landscape Architecture Student

Coleman is from Charlottesville, Virginia. He is interested in climate adaptive design as well as sustainable development.

References

ACA. “Interactive Network Map.” Adventure Cycling Association, https://www.adventurecycling.org/ routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/interactive-network-map/.

Conservancy, Rails-to-Trails. “Benefits of Trails: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.” Railstotrails.org, https://www.railstotrails.org/experience-trails/benefits-of-trails/.

“ICC Intercounty Connector Trail Map, Guide - Maryland | Alltrails.” AllTrail.com, https://www. alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/icc-intercounty-connector-trail.

Pilkington, Craig. “History of the Capital Trail.” Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, 5 Mar. 2018, https://www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/news-posts/2018/3/5/ history-of-the-capital-trail.

“Types of Trails.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, https://www.nps.gov/sub jects/trails/types-of-trails.htm.