Ribbon-cutting slated for Pa. bike trail

Staff report

NEW CASTLE, Pa.

A grand opening celebration for the refurbished Stavich Bicycle Trail is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22 at the trail’s beginning on West Washington Street in Union Township, less than a mile south of U.S. Route 224.

John Kwiat, vice-president of the Lawrence County Cycling Club, said his group is sponsoring the event because few people were aware of the official ribbon-cutting for the trail, which took place late last fall.

Kwiat said there will be free hot dogs and beverages as well as free bike-safety checks. Lawrence County commissioners are planning to attend.

Lawrence County has a 25-year lease with Penn Power for the seven miles of the 10-mile trail that lie in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania portion recently underwent resurfacing, drainage work and bridge replacements with state grant money.

Kwiat said he would like to see Ohio groups make an effort to improve the final three miles of the trail. The Ohio portion of the trail is held by the Lowellville-Hillsville Charitable Foundation in a similar lease agreement with Penn Power according to the Lawrence County Planning Department.

The cycling club has about 55 members. For more information, contact Kwiat at (724) 652-3434.