By hrowan in May, 2011
I remember as a young boy as my mother drove me to school along Lancaster Pike seeing the embankment
of the old Villanova/Strafford trolly line littered with old ties in the snow and then passing under the bridge over Sproal Rd. just after passing under the P&W line- then later passing under the V/S line again where Conestoga Rd. turns towards Wayne. The line was only recently abandoned a few years before, but I always hoped my father would take me walking along the old right-of-way. I never realized until many years later the spur only went 2.4 miles, and finally three years ago I got to walk along most of the trail from Strafford to Conestoga Rd. (never did get the final half mile)- But wish they could continue the trail all the way to Sproal Rd. with a bridge across the ramps to I-476. Generally I like to ride, but 2.4 miles is too short to lead a bike group for a days ride. None the less I have great memories as a child growing up on Lee Circle with the P&W passing right behind our home. Thanks-
By hakaplan in September, 2010
It really would be nice if the RTC would include at least some railroad history of the trails. This is the long abandoned Stafford branch of the Philadelphia and Western RR. This was an interurban line with trolleys using outside third rail for electrical pickup. It was originally intended to go from the 69th Street Elevated terminal in Philadelphia and extend all the way to Pittsburgh and compete with the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was only built as far as Strafford, PA where the trail ends (Sugartown Rd.) Another branch was built to Norristown, PA, which continues to be used today by SEPTA as the Norristown High Speed Line, aka Route 100, previously known as Route W prior to the SEPTA takeover of the Red Arrow transit.
By snugglebunnies in March, 2010
Agree with aford's review. The Radnor trail is a nice but it's too crowded with pedestrian traffic and pets on long leashes. Also, it's too short for anything worthwhile for almost any cyclist and there's no parking at either end of this short trail. The Radnor trail seems to have been developed for the local residents with little thought or concession made to commuters and I think they like it that way. Bottom line... there are better choices for cyclists.