Inspiration for Bike Trail Came Every 10 Minutes to Former County Commissioner

Great Valley residents might be surprised to discover one of the major inspirations behind the Chester Valley Trail.

His name is Sam Clover. As in, "NextUpdateInLessThan10minutes. IIII'mSamCloverKYWNewsRadio."

At a Bike to Work Week kickoff event held May 16 at Wegmans Malvern, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Carol Aichele explained the traffic guru's role. Then a Chester County Commissioner, Aichele was reminded of the need for the pedestrian trail on the 2s.

"Every morning it was, 'Route 202 backed up before and after Route 29. Mass transit running smoothly,'" Aichele said. "I want him to add to it, 'Chester Valley Trail running smoothly from Exton to King of Prussia.'"

About 15 bicyclists gathered that day for a ride from Valley Creek Boulevard to Route 29. The event was designed to promote bicycle use for commuting and transportation around town.

Friday, May 20, will cap off the week as "Bike to Work Day." Wegmans Malvern will remain a hub of the bike-related activities, hosting a bike recycling center, a maintenance course and a happy hour fundraiser.

As the only food store on the trail so far, Aichele said Wegmans is a key part of the trail's allure.

"When mom says, 'Gee, I need a loaf of bread,' put your bike on the trail and head to Wegmans to get a loaf of bread," she said.

She added that she hopes the trail helps children to return to bike riding. In the 1950s and '60s, she said, a child's bicycle was his or her most important asset.

Here's a rundown of Friday's "Bike to Work Day" events, according to a Transporation Management Authority of Chester County press release:

• 7:30a Bike to Work! Downingtown—Bike to work with Mark Dane! Contact him at downingtown.bike2work@gmail.com to arrange a meet-up location.
• 8a Bike to Work! West Chester—Bike to work with Mayor Comitta and the Chester County Cycling Coalition! Ride begins at 115 S. Brandywine St. Contact ezadofea@gmail.com for more information
• 11a-6p Recycle your Bicycle! Wegmans, Malvern—Recycle your gently used bicycle for a needy Chester County resident. Coatesville Community Bike Works will accept your bicycle outside Wegmans before and during the Happy Hour (see below) for tax-deductible donation. Financial donations are gladly accepted!
• 4-6:30p Bike Maintenance Workshop Wegmans, Malvern—Chester County Parks and Recreation in partnership with BikeLine of Exton will enable people of all skill levels to effectively keep up with the up keep needed on your bike!
• 4:30-6p Bike to Work Week Happy Hour/Fundraiser Wegmans, Malvern—Prizes will be awarded to dedicated participants. Light fare will be provided with cash bar. Funds raised to benefit Friends of the Chester Valley Trail. Sponsored by Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP & Rubenstein Partners/Valley Creek Corporate Center.