New Ebike Regulations in Peters
Peters Township recently passed an ordinance that regulates the use of ebikes (and other approved electrically motorized vehicles) within Peters Township parks. This applies to Arrowhead Trail, which is part of Montour Trail.
- All ebike operators under age 21 must wear a helmet at all times.
- Ebikes riders must use paved pathways only. They are prohibited from riding on grass, fields, open spaces, shelters, courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, etc.
- All ebikes operators must be at least age 16.
- The maximum speed limit for ebikes on pathways is 15 miles per hour.
- All ebike riders must yield to pedestrians: reducing speed, stopping when necessary, giving an audible signal when passing, and maintaining a safe distance from pedestrians at all times.
The ordinance is designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all residents and visitors. Police officers are authorized to enforce the ordinance. Refer any infractions to Peters Township Police. Violators are subject to fines and penalties.
BECOME A TOUR THE MONTOUR SPONSOR
Your company can support the Trail and promote your business to Tour the Montour participants. Learn about the details here!
Volunteer Help Wanted!
See full details for these opportunities here.
FINANCE: Accounts Payable Specialist
This position, in conjunction with our business operations manager: disburses payments; prepares reimbursements; records deposits and ETFs; updates vendor/donor information; assists Finance committee audit; and prepares reports. Contact: treasurer@montourtrail.org
TOUR THE MONTOUR: Assistant Event Director
An energetic and enthusiastic leader is needed to oversee volunteer recruitment, work with sponsors, distribute entry forms, oversee Tour the Montour budget, and more. Contact thetour@montourtrail.org
TOUR THE MONTOUR: Event Marketing Coordinator
This position manages all aspects of marketing MTC’s Tour the Montour fundraising event: posting email/social-media updates; coordinating with media to promote the ride; placing information on cycling/athletic event calendars; local marketing, and more. Contact thetour@montourtrail.org
Get Your Own Montour Trail Jersey
The Montour Trail official jersey allows you to pedal in style while supporting your favorite bike path. Order from AeroTechdesigns.com.
News from Montour Trail
The Montour Trail-Letter just published its first issue of 2025 with articles about several long-term volunteers, an interview with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s Leann Chaney, and much more. You can download it here.
Long-term Construction Underway in Airport Area
Duquesne Light is replacing a transmission line and constructing new towers, originally installed 100+ years ago. Between now and mid-year 2026, you may encounter Duquesne Light crews/equipment on the Airport area trail section, since the power line runs near Hassam Road (MM 1.4).
The project includes building a road parallel to the Montour Trail so crews can access construction sites without damaging our Trail’s surface. The most significant impacts occur this spring at the project’s start when the access road is built, and again this fall when existing structures will be demolished and new towers installed.
Montour Trail will remain open, but there may be temporary short closures. Be cautious from MM .8 to 1.4; follow all warnings on signage placed along the trail as well as verbal instructions from construction flaggers.
This Outstanding Rail-Trail is in Your Back Yard!
The Montour Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway around Pittsburgh, the country’s longest suburban rail-trail. It is privately owned and operated. The main line extends ~47 miles; branch routes increase length to 60+ miles. The relatively flat half-loop stretches from Coraopolis (along the Ohio River) to Clairton (on the Monongahela River). A northwest branch connects directly to Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Montour connects to other rails-to-trails in western Pennsylvania and beyond: the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the C&O Canal Towpath, a completed trail system that stretches 300+ miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.; the Panhandle Trail — a converted railroad line that stretches from Weirton, West Virginia, to Carnegie. And this local resource is part of U.S. Bicycle Route 50, which runs east-west and, when completed, will span the country.
Currently, 46 miles of the Montour Trail are continuous with several short gaps in the southeast section.
The Trail is easy to get to by car, as there are access areas and trailheads every few miles along the route. Pittsburgh’s rapid transit system runs near some of these, and it is bike friendly. The Trail is ADA accessible as well.
In Memory of Gil McGurl
MTC volunteers noted the passing of long-time colleague and friend Gil McGurl on January 11, 2025. Late last year, the organization honored him with a lifetime achievement award for more than 20 years of service to the Trail.
Gil served as our “elder statesman,” doling out well-considered and thoughtful opinions backed-up with overarching analysis. He was always a conscientious champion of trail-building and maintenance projects. He could see beyond the issue at hand and consider a broad view of how it would benefit the overall trail.
His volunteer stint included participation in the Engineering & Construction, Finance and Real Estate committees; trail construction project management; and Council vice president at a time of substantial trail expansion. Gil’s non-trail interests included bike riding, golfing, family, and church.
For more information, click here for obituary.