MCT expanding access to biking, improving region’s trail system for Bike Month

Madison County Transit is celebrating National Bike Month with a series of events and outreach efforts aimed at expanding access to biking and improving the region’s trail system.

A free virtual Trail Summit is scheduled for May 21 and will feature updates from local trail leaders on current projects, future connections and funding opportunities. The event will include time for questions, and attendees will have a chance to win a vehicle bike rack.

MCT is also partnering with St. Louis BWorks to collect used bicycles throughout May at the MCT Administration Building in Pontoon Beach and at several local libraries. The donations will support BWorks programs that teach participants to repair and maintain bikes before receiving one to keep, along with safety gear.

To donate a bike, visit one of the drop-off locations, which can be found at Edwardsville Public Library, Collinsville Memorial Library Center, Tri-Township Library, Six Mile Regional Library, Maryville Community Library or the MCT Administration Building.

Donated bikes will eventually be given to students free of charge after they complete an Agency for Community Transit class on how to maintain and safely ride a bike. To find more information on the grant, visit actinfo.org/grants.

Along trails throughout the county, users may see survey signs with QR codes and Mobile Safety Trailers collecting counts at different locations. MCT says the information will help it better understand trail use and the trails’ economic impact on local communities and businesses.

For more information on the MCT initiative, visit mcttrails.org.