Join the Lower Merion Conservancy for

We’re off! 1890’s Bicycling in Greater Philadelphia
Thursday, June 25th
7:00 p.m.
Free
Registration Required for Zoom Link


The Conservancy is delighted to host Bob Thomas - architect, preservationist, greenway planner, and avid cyclist - for a lecture event about Philadelphia's historic cycling culture. The lecture, which will touch on the growth of cycling in and around the city during the late nineteenth century, has heightened relevance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis that has moved many to take to their bikes.

The lecture will feature guest comments from local leaders in the cycling community of Greater Philadelphia about exciting upcoming developments.
Meet the Speaker: Bob Thomas
Robert P. Thomas , AIA, a nationally recognized architect and planner, is a founding partner at the Philadelphia firm of Campbell Thomas & Co. Architects, launched in 1976. He is also Chair of the Philadelphia Historical Commission and Vice President and Co-Founding Board Member of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance.

Bob’s professional work is focused on historic preservation, sustainability, and community revitalization. Bob has practiced since 1969, and is now the partner-in-charge for trail, greenway development, and heritage corridor projects.

In this area, Bob has directed or been involved with the creation of the Schuylkill River Trail, the Radnor Multi-Use Trail, and the Perkiomen Trail, among many others, as well as more distant greenways, including the Gettysburg to Hanover Trail and the September 11 th National Memorial Trail. Bob’s commitment to improving cycling opportunities and experiences has been recognized and celebrated by leading Rail-to-Trail and environmental organizations.

Bob also practices what he preaches. A celebrated cycling advocate, Bob can be seen anywhere and everywhere in the Philadelphia area, riding his signature folding bike.
Historic Preservation Story Maps
Virtually take a "bike ride" through historic P&W railroad neighborhoods or journey through the rich history of Lower Merion's Mill Creek Valley in a Story Map! Follow the Story Map by scrolling down through the pages, learning new things about the history of our community as you go!

The Story Maps are based on two past lectures composed by the Conservancy's Director of Historic Preservation, Kathleen Abplanalp, Ph.D. If you have trouble viewing the Story Map in your browser, please try using Google Chrome.
Thank You For Your Support!
The Lower Merion Conservancy is a membership-supported non-profit and counts on the support of community members to preserve the history, clean water, and nature of Lower Merion and Narberth.

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