Defining "Bike-Friendly"

I hail from the land of Allentown. It was one of those cities that boomed during the industrial revolution, built on the foundations of cement, iron, and steel. Now it is known for traffic, bums, crack busts, and a terrible public school system. However, the city isn't completely without benefit. It has many parks and recreational areas, and isn't too far away from some forests and mountains, ones that I grew up on. Oh and Yacco's.

I almost wish that billboard was real.

Now, I've never had that big of a problem with Allentown- in fact I love it. While many consider me a "towny" there are plenty of people that feel like Allentown is a trap, and they constantly speak of life outside the Lehigh Valley. My boy Tom, and his brother, Ed, don't hold much favor for the city. When we lived there Tom was jumped once by 3 guys and had his beloved Bontrager stolen from the back of his car that was broken into. Traffic makes it hard to bike anywhere and motorists are not the friendliest here. Both boys were sick of their jobs, and wanted a change of scenery.

 When I think of Allentown and bicycles, I think of this.

and this.

Summer rolled around with some visits to my friend Rachael who had just moved to State College, PA with her twin brother Chris. The Ruhl twins rode their bikes everywhere, as you could in State College, with nothing more than a couple miles away. I was inspired by the area, so accommodating to cyclists and pedestrians. Allentown was quite the opposite. While things were in walking/riding distance, a smart person wouldn't try to wander around in Allentown.

 This is Rachael. She will stab me when she realizes I've used this picture.

Chris and Tom got to know each other a little better with each visit. Tom was also introduced to the Ruhl twin's roommate Justin, one of the owners of FreezeThaw Cycles, an awesome bike shop downtown. We played around with the idea many times in the Ruhl's kitchen. It went something like this -

"Wouldn't it be lovely if you and Thomas were to grace us with your presence in State College more often?"
"Why yes! By what means doust thou suggest?"
"Surely, you should'st move your belongings, as well as residence to this fair town?"
"What a marvelous idea! But what of our occupation?"
"Thomas is of a qualified nature to work at the bicycle shop come spring. His skill shows much promise."
"Splendid! it shall be done at once!"

All of my memories are Victorian. We did drink a lot of tea that day. Anyway, after it was suggested, almost with jest, it became a very possible reality for us. We wanted to move to State College. Well, Tom for certain wanted to move, I simply wanted to be supportive. Not quite sure of what my own intentions would be, once I got there.

"Won't life in State College be grand?"

Now I live here. State College, the land of happy bicycles. What most people would define as "bike-friendly." What makes this town bike-friendly you ask. Well first off, there are many places that sell, repair, and service bicycles.

FreezeThaw Cycles Downtown. There is also Eddie's, and The Bicycle Shop.

Regardless of whether you are downtown, or on the outskirts of the city, there are bike paths going every which direction. 

Along Blue Course Drive

Always a place to lock your bike. Bike racks are all over downtown, and near grocery stores and apartment complexes.

Look at all the bikes making friends!

Most importantly would be the attitude of the people in the community. These cyclists don't just ride "cause it's cool." The town consists of mostly college students, who may not have a car. There's also plenty of mountain biking enthusiasts in town, because outside of town we are surrounded by 215,000 acres of the Rothrock State Forest. I think the town itself is a better place because it embraces it's bicycle community. For the record, it was the largest factor in considering moving here.