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Support bike access

I am writing this letter to recruit public awareness and support for some of the ideas that our local governments have been considering. Jackson Township development has been progressing and each week we hear of something new in the works. Our landscape is and has changed before our eyes and our lives have been impacted for what some may consider better and others think worse.

I am a lifelong resident of the Harmony and Zelienople area and was a defender of the status quo. The status quo is over and we need to coexist — and we can.

I have enjoyed and appreciated the parks, recreation, creek, history, and terrain of this area my whole life. I admit, as I ride my bike past the new housing developments and see new young families, I feel good knowing just how wonderful their future will be in this special community. As long as our community governments use good judgment and plan for all things that a vibrant healthy community needs.

In December, Chris Rearick, Jackson Township supervisor, and Don Pepe, Zelienople borough manager, were cited in the Butler Eagle regarding the possibility of a bike lane or trail along Toll Gate Road and Perry Way that would enable the new families of Jackson Township access to the amenities of downtown Zelienople and the community park.

I believe that PennDOT has funded money that would be used for this project. I think this would be an excellent idea that could be expanded and improve the quality of life not just for a few communities, but for much of southwestern Butler County.

Research has proved that parks, recreation and green space are good for our physical and mental health. People who live in areas with access to parks have less mental distress even after adjusting for income, education and employment — all of which correlate to our health.

Bike lanes specifically inspire people to ride bikes, stimulate local economy, and provide safety for cyclists and motorists. This action would also benefit the environment by reducing the carbon imprint. Wouldn’t a series of trails or bike lanes connecting our communities and parks be great?

I encourage and support the ideas that Don and Chris propose and commend them for looking to the future, growing the economy and expanding and preserving access to recreation.

We can’t afford to let our community become locked in and restricted by increased industrial and commuter traffic. We want to remain a safe walking town and I am OK with bridging our unique oasis with the new and upcoming population growth.

Let’s do this by trail and bike lanes and encourage what major cities around the nation are already doing.

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