New bicycle racks spring up in Chester

CHESTER » Thanks to a $1,000 transportation enhancement grant from the Delaware County Transportation Management Association, bicycle enthusiasts will have new, secure places to park their bicycles in the city.

Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland and council members were on hand Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at city hall, where one of the bicycle racks has been placed.

Additional bike racks are located at the Chester Transportation Center, River walk near the Talen energy stadium, and at the wharf.

“On behalf of city government, we very much appreciate this generous grant,” Kirkland said. “We are excited about this and the bicycle racks will be well used. We look forward to working with DCTMA on bigger and better things in the future.”

The grant was written and submitted by Chester Planning Department Director Peter Rykard, who was present for the dedication.

Kirkland teased Rykard, stating that because he penned the paperwork for the grant, he should be the first employee to bicycle to work at city hall.

Cecile Charlton, executive director of the association, expressed appreciation to Rykard and city council for their cooperation during the process.

“Today, I am very happy to award our very first transportation enhancement grant to the city of Chester,” Charlton said. “Thank you to council very much and to Peter for writing the grant.”

Applications were due by June 15 and an association committee made the final decision. Grants in the amounts of $1,000, $2,000 and $5,000 were available to qualified association members. Projects selected must be compatible with the association’s mission of mitigating congestion and reduce emissions.