Palmer Bikeway, in Palmer Township, Northampton County, was envisioned in 1975 by Palmer and Bethlehem Township officials. They promoted turning the former Lehigh Valley Railroad corridor into a bike path to meet recreation and transportation needs and garnered much community support. With the first award of grant funding in 1977, acquisition, planning, and construction began. The first segment (7.8 miles) opened in 1981 as the “Palmer-Bethlehem Township Towpath Bike Trail” and was an immediate success. Palmer Township continued to lead regional initiatives to extend the bikeway. During public engagement processes for the Township’s Comprehensive Plan and Parks/Recreation Plan, the bikeway project was always a key priority.  

Today, the Bikeway, now known as the “Palmer Bikeway,” spans more than 12 miles throughout the Township with connections to trailheads, transit stops, sidewalk networks, and other local and regional trails. Users can access community parks, residential neighborhoods, employment hubs, shopping centers, and schools.  Hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and abilities annually use this relatively flat, paved trail. While the Township is responsible for maintenance, volunteers assist with this effort.  Palmer Bikeway has attracted new businesses and residents, thereby stimulating economic and job growth. Overall, the Bikeway, with its social, recreational, transportation, and economic benefits, is a tremendous asset that has strengthened community pride and the sense of belonging.