New Art Installation and Photo Challenge Forges the Path Forward for Valley Forge Gateway Trail

Colorful bicycles are turning heads throughout Upper Merion Township, and this fall, they’re also turning into your shot at winning a prize.

Forging the Path Forward is a public art installation featuring colorful, repurposed bicycles placed strategically along local trails, the proposed Valley Forge Gateway Trail route and other highly visible areas throughout Upper Merion Township. Each bike carries signage directing viewers to vfgatewaytrail.com to learn more about the project. It’s art you can stumble across on a run or a dog walk, but it’s also a symbol of what could be once the trail is completed, and now, it’s the setting for the Forge Your Path Photo Challenge.

From September 5 through 30, snap a selfie with any of the bikes and enter for a chance to win a $200 gift card plus a Valley Forge Gateway Trail water bottle, canvas bag and other fun swag. Just take your photo, then scan the QR code on the bike to submit your entry through the form. Every entry counts as one chance to win, so the more bikes you visit, the better your odds.

The installation itself supports the Valley Forge Gateway Trail Partnership, a coalition of local organizations working to link the Chester Valley Trail, the Village at Valley Forge, Moore Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Schuylkill River Trail with one seamless, paved route. As a key piece of the larger Circuit Trails network, the trail will make it easier for people to reach jobs and everyday destinations without a car, support sustainable transportation and long-term economic growth and give neighboring communities a more direct way to connect with each other.

Spot a bike on your next walk? Follow the sign to vfgatewaytrail.com to find out how you can help move the trail forward, and don’t forget to snap your selfie while you’re there.

See all bike locations on the Forging the Path Forward interactive StoryMap here.