Bicycle Friendly Community

Franklin, PA | Bronze Level

Community Highlights: Franklin has an extensive and growing trail network which borders the city and connects to the downtown by a designated path, with a full service bicycle shop located at the Franklin trailhead. A Safe Routes to School project, exceeding $300K, was completed in 2006-2007 with more signage and bike racks placed strategically at key destinations.  Sidewalks were replaced and crossings improved to connect three schools.  The Safe Routes program also included education and outreach activities.  Bicycle education presentations were given to over 1000 local elementary students.  Beginning in 2004, AVTA, The City of Franklin, YMCA and the Franklin School District have sponsored a successful Walk/Bike to school day in both the spring and the fall on National Walk to School Day.  Youth Alternatives of Oil City, Inc. has developed a program for youth called Alternative Wheels. The youth invited to join are given instruction on bicycle safety skills, helmet fittings, bicycle inspections and repairs, and how to set up and conduct bicycle derbies. The group also receives discarded bicycles from local police departments, which they refurbish and repair before distributing to youth in need.

Most Significant Bicycle-Related Statistic: In 2006, a Trail Utilization Study was conducted on the 60+ mile trail system in the region.  Based on trail counters and surveys, a total of 160,000 users per year were estimated to be visiting the trails in the Oil Heritage Region. These trail users are predominantly from Pennsylvania (78 percent), especially the western portion of the state. Trail users most often access the trails with another person, and travel, on average, a distance of 33.25 miles to get to the trails. Seventy-five percent of surveyed trail users cited the trails as their main reason for coming to the area.