3 minute read
A Bicyclist's Guide to Downtown
Routes, amenities & more for pedaling through the city
By David Gonzalez, Jr. | Director, Economic Initiatives
The York County Heritage Rail Trail, Broad Street Greenway, designated sharrows, bike lanes, and bike routes all provide opportunities to access the amenities and businesses in Downtown York by bicycle. All of this infrastructure provides options for every skill set. Grab your bike and use this quick guide for getting around Downtown York!
On-Road Cycling is primarily better suited for experienced bicyclists.
BicyclePA Route J
• This route largely follows the Heritage Rail Trail through York City, with an on-road connection to George Street for a northern connection.
• The route is mixed with on-road and off-road infrastructure.
• On-road sections are recommended for experienced bicyclists.
BicyclePA Route S
• The longest BicyclePA Route (423 miles) runs through Downtown York, via Market Street and Philadelphia Street.
• This route is on the road, with sharrows.
• Better suited for experienced bicyclists.
Sharrows
• Sharrows are plentiful in Downtown York along key corridors of Beaver Street, George Street, Market Street, and Philadelphia Street, to name a few.
King Street Bike Lane
• The 1.6-mile-long, two-way lane acts as the primary community bikeway for eastbound and westbound traffic in downtown York.
• The bike lane is marked with pavement markings, protective delineators, and signage.
• The lane runs alongside vehicular traffic and vehicular parking.
Off-Road Cycling is suggested for varying levels of bicycling expertise.
York County Heritage Rail Trail
• The 27-mile-long trail runs north to south, along the Codorus Creek, through the heart of Downtown York. Most city amenities are within 2 blocks of the trail.
• The trail is paved and ADA-compliant throughout the City of York.
• Limited road crossings
• City of York Trail Head (50 N. Pershing Ave) features a kiosk highlighting amenities and hosts several bike racks.
Broad Street Greenway
• The near 1-mile urban trail is to the East of Downtown York is an important pedestrian and bicycle link in the city, connecting parks, schools, and neighborhoods.
• The greenway is made up of off-road sections, sidewalks, and a designated bike lane.
• The road crossings provide helpful connections to Downtown York, such as the intersection to the King Street Bike lane and BicyclePA Route S, to name a few.
Trail-Friendly Businesses & Amenities
19 of the total 59 Trail-Friendly Designated Businesses are hosted in Downtown York. Together, this range of businesses is ready to serve cyclists with quick bites, lodging options, wi-fi, public restroom access, and more. Thanks to a sponsorship from Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, each Trail-Friendly Business comes equipped with bike locks and quick-fix kits, free for patron usage. Additional amenities of note:
• Bike racks are available throughout the downtown, with many of the trail-friendly businesses hosting one or another bike storage option on site.
• The City of York Trail Head
• Bike pumping stations are available at two locations in the Downtown. Keystone Kidspace (10 Hamilton Ave.) and the rabbittransit King Street Station Transfer Center (213 W. King Street)
