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Pennsylvania’s Scenic Route 6 Getting Upgrades For Cyclists

Colton Point State Park
/
dcnr.state.pa.us

Bicyclists exploring northern Pennsylvania’s scenery along Route 6, the state’s longest highway segment, can soon expect changes.

This month, PennDOT will collaborate with the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and of Community and Economic Development to find ways to make the route safer and more accessible for bike riders. 

“We’re going to look at everything,” said PennDOT secretary Leslie Richards. “From existing bicycle facilities to any state concerns, we’ll look how we can plan for improvements, how we can connect cyclists to their trails and to their communities along the route, and we’re planning extensive outreach with the public and stakeholders.”

That outreach will include both public surveys and online meetings.

According to Richards, bicycle usage in the state has increased with people riding for recreation and commuting purposes.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn said investing in the route’s connectivity will enhance the riders' experience.

“We’re finding when we collaborate with PennDOT, and the other agencies, and create great assets for bicyclists, that they really show up,” Dunn said. “This is one of the recreational assets that people are really looking for.”

Dunn said the project is part the department’s efforts to revitalize the Pennsylvania Wilds, which includes preserved forest areas across the northern part of the state.

In the fall, a new Kinzua Bridge State Park visitor center and park office will open, which is located north of Route 6 in McKean County. Route 6 runs east to west through 11 counties across the northern section of the state and features historical attractions in different areas, called Heritage Communities.