The D&L Blog

Links, Loops, and Long Trips

Written by Tiffany Serra

On March 8 and 9, 2025, hundreds of bike and cycling enthusiasts gathered in Center City Philadelphia for the annual Philly Bike Expo. This event showcased the latest in cycling technology and biking culture, drawing a dynamic crowd of riders. Various vendors and panels were available to explore. Among the many exciting talks was a special group presentation on trip planning and the stunning sites along the D&L Trail.

This presentation was made possible by one of the many dedicated trail users, Rob Ostry, who became an advocate for the D&L Trail during the pandemic. Rob, along with his friend and fellow cyclist Jonathan Gray, wanted to share their love of biking along the D&L Trail with a broader audience. Their goal was to inspire others to explore the trail’s scenic beauty and rich industrial history while also offering practical tips for planning enjoyable and safe biking trips, whether for recreation or as active transportation.

Tiffany Serra, DLNHC Trails & Conservation Associate, also joined the presentation, focusing on D&L Trail conditions and answering any trip-planning questions.

“It was amazing to connect with Philly-based trail users to share the many ways the D&L Trail is accessible via public transportation, as well as the different ride opportunities,” said Tiffany. “As someone who is more of a hiker than cyclist, it was interesting to learn more about the technology behind cycling and the excitement people held for local trails.”

Despite being the last talk of the expo, Rob, Jonathan, and Tiffany counted about 100 people in attendance- a testament to the interest and enthusiasm sparked by the topic.

If you’re interested in learning about the D&L Trail and/or trip planning, join DLNHC Trails & Conservation for the annual State of the Trail event on Thursday April 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required. You can also submit questions in advance of the meeting to be answered during the presentation and access past State of the Trail recordings. All questions must be submitted by April 11 at 4 p.m.