×

OV Trail Partners seeking community engagement in Wheeling

WHEELING — More than 250,000 people have used Wheeling Heritage Trail since a device was placed across the path about 10 years ago to track usage, according to Ohio Valley Trail Partners member Doug Wayt.

Wayt believes that trails keep people healthy and increase community involvement and socialization, and the trail partners group is trying to bring the community together to support their efforts to repair cracks and improve the conditions of local bicycle trails, including the Wheeling Heritage Trail and the Brooke Pioneer Trail.

“Trails are legacies — they will last for generations,” Wayt said.

That community spirit Wayt and the trail partners seek was demonstrated in a big way at the Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour on May 28.

The tour gathered around 250 cyclists from a wide area, including participants from Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to Wayt, the tour director.

There was quite an age range among riders, too, with the youngest at 5 years old and the oldest at 83.

Wayt said that it only happens thanks to volunteers and the support of many donors and sponsors, including McCamic, Sacco and McCoid PLLC; the Ohio County Commission; and the Wheeling National Heritage Area, among others.

It started in 2006 with 70 riders, and the tour has grown since. However, while the tour was successful in raising funds, a noticed lack of local participation was evident.

“Of all the people that use our trails, less than 1 percent of those take part in our trail tour every year,” Wayt said.

Many local residents use the trails for walking, running, biking, roller blading and walking pets.

In coordination with the city, OVTP is holding another fundraiser to help with trail repair costs. They group will match up $5,000. Donations may be sent to Ohio Valley Trail Partners, P.O. Box 2001, Wheeling, WV 26003. Wayt said they hope to have a good portion of the repairs completed by the end of this year.

“The city of Wheeling supports us well,” Wayt said, noting the trail partners group is looking for more help and support from members of the community. “We need more volunteers, and we need more young people.”

OVTP is looking to coordinate with other groups on community efforts, including the new “Bike Wheeling” group.

Funds have already been put to good use in the past. Boy Scouts from Pennsylvania have been out to paint several bridges on the Heritage Trail, and several other bridge treatments have been done multiple times for preservation.

A $3,000 bicycle repair station was also set up near WesBanco Arena, which can be used to replace and adjust tires and brakes.

More bike racks for the area are also in the works.

“I think it’s paramount that we do these things,” Wayt said, noting he wants more people to come celebrate the trail and encourage development.

Only seven more miles of trail is needed to get from here to Washington, D.C. all by trail, he said.

OVTP’s next meeting is at 11:30 a.m. June 14 at Generations Restaurant and Pub at 338 National Road in Wheeling. Meetings usually take place on the second Wednesday of each month, and they are open to the public.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today