Washout workday Part I

It hasn’t quit raining…looks like if we wait for it to repairs may never happen. Tools needed: rakes, shovels, gloves, pruners, chainsaws, post hole digger, digging bar & water. Trail volunteer shirts for those that attend. Depending on how many attend, we may also install the Cabot sign and gates. Check here for cancellation notice should it be raining.
When: July 20th @ 8am-2pm
Where: Cabot parking lot, corner of Helmbold and Center, Cabot

Please read weather related trail damage report. Trail is OPEN, use caution.

Thought it would be a good idea to let everyone know the condition of the trail after all of the rain we had on Tuesday. I went for a ride (25 miles) after work and the conditions are as follows:
**Butler to Brinker Road-unknown
**Brinker to Cabot-very minor washouts, a few soft spots, Great Belt south flooded but should be gone by the weekend. Watch at Dittmer Rd and the pond at the golf course.
**Cabot to Sarver-I give three 🚲🚲🚲. I had to get off my bike three times. I should note, I do have road tires. The worse area is 1/2 mile south, culvert overflowed and 100’ of damage on the right side heading south.
**Sarver to Bear Creek- I give eight 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 . I got off eight times. First four in the first 1/2-3/4 mile (one right at the road).
**Bear Creek to Monroe-I give four 🚲🚲🚲🚲. I got off four times. All are not great, but are passable.
**Monroe to Laneville-unknown.
If you have been on the sections marked unknown, please send me an email with conditions.
I do not see a need to close the trail. Please be cautious and take your time, it still is an enjoyable ride. The times I got off and pushed were for the most part about 10-30 feet.
Moving forward…work will not begin immediately, the water needs to recede before the ditches and slides are cleared, if we don’t wait more damage could be done by the rushing water. Funding raising-please consider either renewing your membership, become a member or donate on our website www.butlerfreeporttrail.org.
There is not a special fund for repairs like these. These are cash in hand projects. We have yet to recover from the repair in the Fall. Any contribution is appreciated including your time. Workdays will begin schedule soon. Happy to answer any questions, email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com.
Thank you!

Update 10-11-18

TRAIL IS OPEN BETWEEN BEAR CREEK AND MONROE. Surface is soft due to completely rebuilding 100’ of Trail. Use caution.
Thank you for,your patience

Update

Closure between Bear Creek and Monroe is still in effect. No safe bike/ped detour. Please do not enter the closed area, safer for you and the contractor. Trail should be open early next week.

Monroe to Bear Creek closed

It is unfortunate but necessary Monroe Rd to Bear Creek is closed. The work is in a very narrow corridor, with equipment trucks backing up it is safer for all to close it completely. Sorry for an inconvenience but all this rain has not been kind to many trails including this one. Hoping to be opened back up next week.

Be neighborly

As a reminder, the Trail corridor is average 60’ wide. If you are more than 30’ from center you are trespassing on private property.
This includes creek access, (for fishing or playing in the water, people and dogs) unless you are close to a bridge, again you are trespassing.
There are a couple of landowners that own on both sides of the trail, they are able to cross the trail (either with a vehicle or ATV) to enjoy all of their land.
A camping Policy is being developed and will be limited to designated areas.
Please be respectful and DO NOT TRESPASS, let’s be good neighbors. Thank you!

UPDATE ON SERIES HIKE 1, April 7th

Hi!
Our good friend Val has offered to lead a series of group hikes along the trail. Let’s celebrate Opening Day for Trails on April 7th with a hike from Laneville to Monroe Rd. (just under four miles one way). This is a series of hikes from Freeport to Butler.
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn some of the history along the trail. With the leaves down, we will probably see things you have never noticed before.

We will be meeting at the Laneville Trailhead by the gate at 9 am.

Leashed fur Trail users are welcome. Please bring water and if there is enough interest we can have lunch at Lucy’s Riverside Cafe in Freeport.

UPDATED 3-28-18
Option 1-Hike both ways, about 8-Miles. No RSVP needed.

Option 2-Shuttle service back to your car courtesy of Workhorse Transport & Outfitter. Donation to the trail would be appreciated. RSVP needed. Please email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com.

Washout workday March 24th 9-12

Continued from our last workday clearing ditches and trees. I am hoping to enough folks attend to split the crew. We will meet at the Marwood Rd Trailhead and make a decision from there. With luck we could be clearing from the power line to Cabot. Tools needed chainsaws, pruners, rakes, shovel, pole saw, gloves, eye protection and water.

EBike Policy

Use of e-bikes (or electric assist bicycles) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail
The Butler Freeport Community Trail Council suggests that Buffalo Township authorize the use of electric assist bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, on the Butler Freeport Community Trail subject to the same rules, regulations, ordinances and laws as apply to bicycles.
The Trail Council suggests the following policy be enacted:
A person, aged 16 years and over, may operate an electric assist bicycle (commonly called an “e-bike”) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail if such electric assist bicycle meets the definition of a “pedalcycle with electric assist” as set forth in Title 75, Chapter 35 of the Pennsylvania Code (75 Pa Code § 102). Operation of a pedalcycle with electric assist shall be governed by the same rules, regulations, ordinances and laws as apply to the operation of a bicycle (pedalcycle) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail.
The Pennsylvania Code defines a “pedalcycle with electric assist” as follows: A vehicle weighing not more than 100 pounds with two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, manufactured or assembled with an electric motor system rated at not more than 750 watts and equipped with operable pedals and capable of a speed not more than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor source only. This term does not include a device specifically designed for use by persons with disabilities.

Note: 75 Pa Code §3514 imposes the age restriction.
Passed by the Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors on March 14, 2018

Series Hike 1