Released: September 30, 2023
Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer and Council Member Christine Reuther were delighted to attend the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's fundraising gala on September 28, 2023. During the event, they proudly accepted the 2023 "Connect the Circuit" award, which recognizes the County's steadfast commitment to expanding trails in Delaware County and fostering regional connectivity.
Delaware County Council has been a longstanding advocate for trail expansion and the enhancement of on-street bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure, providing safer and more accessible options for residents and visitors alike. The Council expressed deep gratitude for this prestigious acknowledgment.
Elaine Paul Schaefer further emphasized the collaborative spirit of the efforts, stating, "There are so many commendable organizations working in unison to expand trails and create opportunities for interconnecting our greenways and open spaces. It's a testament to the power of passionate action and shared vision.”
The gala, held at the Ridgeland Mansion in West Fairmount Park, celebrated numerous agents of change in the cycling community and raised funds to support the group’s ongoing mission to promote bicycle advocacy, education, and philanthropy.
Other honorees included physician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Keith Leaphart for his impact in our community in education, fitness, and youth development; Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling champion Ryan Oelkers, and Sarah Clark Stuart who was celebrated for her long tenure and outstanding accomplishments as BCGP’s outgoing leader.
What is the “Circuit”?
One of America’s largest trail networks is located right here in the Greater Philadelphia region: The Circuit Trails — a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails that is growing in size each year. The “Circuit” connects our local communities, providing endless opportunities for recreating and commuting.
Over 500 miles of Circuit Trails are already connected, with a goal of eventually connecting more than 800 miles. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation’s premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities, and the region as a whole.
For more information about the Circuit Trials, visit the Circuit Trails website at https://circuittrails.org/what-is-the-circuit.
For more information about the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, please visit bicyclecoalition.org/gala2023.