Fresh off a 622-mile cycling trip through Portugal, Manny and Marsha Menendez are already back riding on the trails — this time, their route is much closer to home.
Having pedaled through 49 of the 50 states, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, they have logged thousands of miles, yet they remain loyal riders of our local trails within the Circuit Trails network, a growing multiuse trail system of more than 420 miles in the Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey region.
“Biking on the Circuit allows you to experience your community in a way you never could have in a car,” said Marsha. “Through the Circuit Trails, we can accomplish multiple errands by bicycle, while also enjoying exercise and quality time together.”
When they aren’t traveling, their home base is in Berwyn, where they’ve resided for 30 years. A biking accident on a cycling trip in 2016 set them on the path to become advocates in the region for safer streets and stronger infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The couple joined Bike Chester County, a volunteer-driven affiliate of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, that is also a member of the Circuit Trails Coalition, in 2017, and have taken on leadership roles within the organization.
“Infrastructure improvements create a safer route for all trail users, pedestrians, or cyclists, allowing people to travel to various destinations in our communities,” said Manny, Regional Chairperson of Bike Chester County. “In return, these routes encourage more people to use the trails and enjoy the many health and social benefits, whether for transportation or recreation.”
Although these improvements are necessary, they aren’t always timely. Since joining, the couple has witnessed a few local improvements in Chester County, including the Chester Valley Trail extension in 2023, which links to the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown connecting the gap between Chester and Montgomery counties, and an updated 20-second period for pedestrians crossing at the intersection of Chesterbrook Boulevard and the Chester Valley Trail. Other Chester County trail projects are in various stages of development, such as the extension of the Chester Valley Trail through Downingtown and across the trestle bridge over Route 322, the Chester Valley Trail extension from Atglen to the Enola Low Grade Trail in Lancaster County, and the Devault Trail, which will link the Chester Valley Trail to Phoenixville.
Each project is a step forward and with the recent developments, including the Christian to Crescent connector, raised boardwalk on the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, and Pennypack Path Connector Trail, the region’s trail network is growing. Back in 2017, the Circuit Trails Coalition, a group of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and agencies working together to advance the network’s completion, established a short-term progress goal to complete and fully fund 500 miles of trails by 2025. And now, that goal is nearly accomplished.
“It’s incredible to think how far the trails have come — literally,” said Manny. “With 500 miles, we can ride from neighborhood errands to weekend adventures without ever getting in the car. Trails like the Chester Valley and Perkiomen have become our go-tos, and every new mile added feels like an invitation to explore somewhere new.”
This is a significant moment for our region, one that showcases the progress made across our network, and to demonstrate the impact, the Circuit Trails Coalition invites the community to reflect on how the Circuit Trails have shaped their lives. You can share one of your favorite trail moments or experiences in the 500 Miles, 500 Moments campaign now.
For Manny and Marsha, every ride is a moment. Whether it’s a leisure ride on their local trail or a discussion about expanding trail access, the Circuit Trails network is a vital part of their lives and they’re committed to helping the network for years to come.
You can celebrate the impact of the Circuit Trails network with fellow trail users at the Toast to the Circuit Trails event on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 5:30-7:30 PM at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia. Join in the celebration with pre-event group walks and runs and a post-event bike ride along the Delaware River Trail.
Registration is free but recommended. Those who register will receive free drink tickets. Light bites will be provided. For more information about the Toast to the Circuit Trails celebration, visit Circuit Trails.
