MINERAL POINT, Pa. – The Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority will hold two bicycle safety events as part of the Path of the Flood Trail’s 2025 designation as Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year.
The first “Shine and Ride: Bicycle Safety Day” is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Staple Bend Tunnel trailhead in Mineral Point, followed by another event at the same time Sept. 13.
“The event offers a blend of educational activities, safety giveaways and a four-mile round-trip group ride through the historic Staple Bend Tunnel,” a release said.
The Path of the Flood Trail follows the route the 1889 Johnstown Flood waters took from the former South Fork Dam to downtown Johnstown. It includes the National Park Service-owned and -operated Staple Bend Tunnel – the first railroad tunnel in the nation, built in the 1830s.
The path now serves as an outdoor recreation attraction that draws tens of thousands of people from around the country annually, including during the annual Path of the Flood Historic Races, which use the entire 14 miles of the trail.
It’s also part of the September 11th National Memorial Trail that connects the 9/11 plane crash sites in Somerset County, suburban Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Registration for the bike event is free, but space is limited to 50 riders per date.
Participants will receive bicycle headlights and other gear to support safety when riding.
Additionally, representatives from Penn- DOT will be on hand to share information about bicycle and pedestrian safety and to answer questions.
These events are made possible through a grant from WeConservePA through the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Pennsylvania Trail of the Year recognition.
The trail was selected, according to the DCNR Trail Advisory Committee, due to its role in connecting recreation opportunities for the communities it passes through and preserving history.
To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Shine and Ride: Bicycle Safety Day.”