Trail Review: MetroBikeLink Trail

“Stand clear. Doors are closing.”

These are the words uttered by every MetroLink driver moments before departing the station, but as is the case with every bike trail you could ever find, no doors are actually closing on you when you kick that kickstand and take off. Quite the opposite.

The MetroBikeLink Trail is the premier trail in St. Clair County, Illinois, running the length of the light rail system from Scott Air Force base all the way to Fairview Heights. Much of it goes directly through Belleville, and with the numerous connector trails, offers access to countless bars, restaurants and shopping centers throughout Shiloh, Swansea and Fairview Heights, as well as Memorial Hospital.

Start to finish, it offers a 14 mile ride through farm fields and neighborhoods, alongside creeks and through a college, while the trains zip by every 15 or so minutes.

Scenery: 3/5 stars
There are certainly parts of this trail that are good for exercise only, especially in the winter, as the leafless trees and empty fields leave little for the eyes. Once the world starts awakening in the Spring; however, many parts of this trail spring to life.

Near the eastern end, between the Shiloh/Scott station and College, the murmurations of starlings in February create a speckled band of flight flowing like a river through the sky, when they’re not resting in the trees, that is, creating a cacophony of cheeps and bird calls.

The farm fields fill with corn throughout the year, turning many of the boring parts into vibrant green tunnels come summertime. Riding through Belleville is perhaps the most interesting segment, as tunnels, neighborhoods and overpasses offer a varied backdrop to the ride.

It gets rural again as you approach Fairview Heights, except the fields get replaced with woods. The westernmost segment of the trail is really best in the Autumn.

Throughout the trail, especially at the train stations, local artist Gary Karasek was tapped to create a series of sculptures celebrating movement. These Shtick People are whimsical and delightful additions to the ride.

Cleanliness: 4/5

The cleanliness of this trail is really pretty good, considering other trails in Belleville are absolutely trashed. The worst segment is, naturally, through Belleville, but the farm fields out east are well cared for, as are the woods out west.

Resources: 3/5

Going directly through town, and with numerous connectors to other areas, this trail offers access to many great shops and restaurants, mostly in Belleville. Although there are stations in Swansea and Fairview Heights, there is currently no way yet to bike all the way to the St. Clair Square Area.

Unfortunately, there are no bike shops near this trail, but there are intermittent stations for bike repair and a few water fountains along the ride.

Suggested Snack Stops:
My favorite Mexican joint in Belleville, Cholula’s.
Try the onion rings at 1428 Tap Haus.
Take the Richland Creek Greenway to LongStory Coffee.
Take the Tecklenburg Trail to Cured and Cultured.
Take the Engelmann Farm Connector to June’s in Shiloh.