Many communities across the country are facing challenges to increasing bicycling access, safety, and mobility. The Circulation Element of the Township’s Comprehensive Plan addressed this challenge by calling to increase bicycle mobility through the utilization of the Township’s existing network of low traffic volume, neighborhood streets as a safer alternative to bicycling on heavier traveled primary and secondary arterials. A ‘Bicycle Level of Service Map’ developed as part of the Comprehensive Plan inventoried and classified every roadway within the Township from A+ (low stress – low traffic volumes and speeds) to E (high stress – high traffic volumes and speeds). 

After the Comprehensive Plan was adopted, staff, along with local bicycle advocates including representatives from the Narberth Cycling Club and the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition, organized dozens of community events and group rides to identify a potential low stress local bicycling network extending from the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in the east to Stoneleigh Garden in the west. Riders provided feedback regarding connectivity, convenience, and perceived safety of various streets. The resulting Main Line Greenway (MLG) was developed and refined through coordination with the Township’s Traffic Safety and Public Works staff.

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The MLG utilizes a bicycle greenway concept, where locally designated roadways shared by cars and bicyclists are combined with multi-use trails and easements through institutional campuses to form a safe, attractive bicycling mobility network.  The MLG was designed to cater to cyclists of all levels, from recreational riders to daily commuters, serving as a vital link connecting various destinations within the Township, including residential areas, schools, parks, and commercial districts. The MLG has steadily gained community usage through Lower Merion, Narberth and parts of Haverford Township as demand for bicycling has increased and through word of mouth and group rides.

 In 2024, Township staff partnered with Exit Design to develop signage for Phase 1 of the Main Line Greenway. Directional signs will be installed at key points along the route to guide cyclists at identified turns, ensuring a clear and safe biking experience. We anticipate that signage fabrication and installation will be completed in the near future.