Bad Laws on the books
Check out MassBikeBoston's Guide to Improving U.S. Traffic Laws Pertaining to Bicycling
From the searchable Philadelphia Code Database on the http://phila.gov
CHAPTER 12-800. BICYCLE REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
§12-801. Persons Riding Bicycles.
(1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway shall have all the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to an operator under the provisions of this Title and The Vehicle Code.
§12-802. Obedience to Traffic-control Devices.
(1) Whenever signs are erected indicating that no right or left turn is permitted, or that a turn in the opposite direction is permitted only between certain hours, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the direction of any such signs except where such person dismounts from the bicycle to make such turn, in which event such person shall have the privileges and responsibilities of a pedestrian.
§12-803. Riding on Bicycles.
(1) A person operating a bicycle shall not ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
(2) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number of seats permanently affixed to such bicycle.
§12-804. Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths.
(1) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride other than single file except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
(2) Whenever a useable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
§12-805. Emerging From a Driveway or Building.
(1) The operator of a bicycle emerging from a driveway or building shall upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles and street cars approaching on said roadway.
§12-806. Carrying Articles.
(1) No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.
§12-807. Parking.
(1) No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than against the curb or upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle, or against a building or at the curb, in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.
(2) Any person violating this Section shall be liable for payment of fines, costs and additional fees prescribed and assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12-2800 of this Title.[Note 6]
§12-808. Riding on Sidewalks.
(1) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district, as such district is defined in The Vehicle Code.
(2) No person 12 years of age or more shall ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk in any district.
(3) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
(4) In areas under the jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission, riding bicycles on sidewalks and foot paths may be permitted when authorized by regulations of the commission.[Note 7]
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12-811 of this Chapter, the penalty for violation of this Section shall be a fine of $10, together with the costs of prosecution.[Note 8]
§12-809. Warning Devices and Brakes on Bicycles.
(1) No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
(2) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on a dry, level, clean pavement.
§12-810. Bicycle Regulations and Penalties.
(1) The parent of any child, the guardian of any ward or any person standing in loco parentis with respect to any child shall not authorize or knowingly permit such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter.
§12-811. Penalty.[Note 9]
(1) Any person violating any of the provisions of Chapter 12-800 (other than Section 12-807) shall, upon summary conviction before a Magistrate, pay a fine of three (3) dollars together with costs of prosecution.
§12-812. Use of Audio Headphones.[Note 10]
(1) No person shall operate a bicycle on a street or highway while wearing headphones connected to an audio device.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 12-811 of this Chapter, the penalty for violation of this Section shall be a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50) and no more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation, together with the costs of prosecution, or, in default thereof, imprisonment of not more than ten (10) days.
Endnotes
[Note 6] 6. Added, 1989 Ordinances, p. 72.
[Note 7] 7. Amended, 1960 Ordinances, p. 912.
[Note 8] 8. Added, Bill No. 970715 (approved March 20, 1998).
[Note 9] 9. Amended, 1989 Ordinances, p. 72; amended, Bill No. 758 (approved July 24, 1995).
[Note 10] 10. Added, 1982 Ordinances, p. 1656.
This is the legacy blog of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. It is an archive of posts from 2003 to 2014. Making your ride better since 1972. https://www.bicyclecoalition.org
Monday, June 30, 2003
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Share the Road Campaign featured in the Inquirer
PENN police continue their enforcement blitz. So far police have ticketed 45 motorists and 50 cyclists, which at least for now quells fear that cyclists were being unfairly targeted. It would be interesting to see how this affects bicycle use in the University City area.
View the article here.
PENN police continue their enforcement blitz. So far police have ticketed 45 motorists and 50 cyclists, which at least for now quells fear that cyclists were being unfairly targeted. It would be interesting to see how this affects bicycle use in the University City area.
View the article here.
Friday, June 20, 2003
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
CONGRESSMAN OBERSTAR CHAMPIONS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL!
(Washington DC) Supporters of bicycling, walking and healthy communities cheered today as Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) announced the introduction of a bill to fund Safe Routes to School and create more bikeable and walkable communities. “This bill encourages children and adults to reacquaint themselves with the joys of human-powered transportation,” said Oberstar.
More about the Bill
CONGRESSMAN OBERSTAR CHAMPIONS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL!
(Washington DC) Supporters of bicycling, walking and healthy communities cheered today as Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) announced the introduction of a bill to fund Safe Routes to School and create more bikeable and walkable communities. “This bill encourages children and adults to reacquaint themselves with the joys of human-powered transportation,” said Oberstar.
More about the Bill
Seniors sit on chairs in road to build Woodhaven
An article in the Northeast News Gleaner reports on repeated protests by Byberry Road residents who want the Woodhaven Road Expressway Built to the city line at Philmont Ave.
Of course building an expressway besides damaging the local environment will only increase traffic in the area. While Byberry Road may see reduced traffic for 4 or 5 years. Induced demand will eventually back up Woodhaven and Byberry again.
Strategies to reduce traffic by increasing opportunities for walking, cycling and mass transit were dismissed early on.
Here are my suggestions to reduce congestion in Somerton and Lower Moreland Township
1 - Truncate the existing expressway at Roosevelt Blvd
2 - Use the PENNDOT right of way to build a linear park to the city line with a multi-use trail and landscaping. A similar project is in design now in Monmouth County NJ on the ROW of NJ route 18 that was never built.
3 - Improve east west transit service and coordinate it with Regional Rail Service on the local R3 stations and the R7/Amtrak (Cornwells Heights)
4 - Identify barriers to cycling and walking in the area
5 - Change local zoning to encourage developers and businesses to create a more walkable/bikeable Somerton
An article in the Northeast News Gleaner reports on repeated protests by Byberry Road residents who want the Woodhaven Road Expressway Built to the city line at Philmont Ave.
Of course building an expressway besides damaging the local environment will only increase traffic in the area. While Byberry Road may see reduced traffic for 4 or 5 years. Induced demand will eventually back up Woodhaven and Byberry again.
Strategies to reduce traffic by increasing opportunities for walking, cycling and mass transit were dismissed early on.
Here are my suggestions to reduce congestion in Somerton and Lower Moreland Township
1 - Truncate the existing expressway at Roosevelt Blvd
2 - Use the PENNDOT right of way to build a linear park to the city line with a multi-use trail and landscaping. A similar project is in design now in Monmouth County NJ on the ROW of NJ route 18 that was never built.
3 - Improve east west transit service and coordinate it with Regional Rail Service on the local R3 stations and the R7/Amtrak (Cornwells Heights)
4 - Identify barriers to cycling and walking in the area
5 - Change local zoning to encourage developers and businesses to create a more walkable/bikeable Somerton
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Lacey Township NJ Tentatively Approves Rail Trail
An article in the Atlantic City Press reports that Lacey Township (Ocean County) committee members surprised onlookers by voting late Thursday night to convey the entire old Central Jersey railroad right of way to the county for the construction of a combined bicycle and jogging path. The 13 mile path will be roughly parallel to the Garden State Parkway from South Toms River to Barnegat.
An article in the Atlantic City Press reports that Lacey Township (Ocean County) committee members surprised onlookers by voting late Thursday night to convey the entire old Central Jersey railroad right of way to the county for the construction of a combined bicycle and jogging path. The 13 mile path will be roughly parallel to the Garden State Parkway from South Toms River to Barnegat.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
NJ's Local Aid Bikeway Program Recipients
This 7million dollar program is on an annual cycle that has helped move forward the construction of many small bike projects throughout the state. This money is seperate from Transportation Enhancements and is generated by the NJ Transportation Trust Fund.
This 7million dollar program is on an annual cycle that has helped move forward the construction of many small bike projects throughout the state. This money is seperate from Transportation Enhancements and is generated by the NJ Transportation Trust Fund.
Share the Road Campaign causes a stir in University City
An article in the Daily Pennsylvanian, cites cyclists frustration with enforcement on the Share the Road campaign.
An article in the Daily Pennsylvanian, cites cyclists frustration with enforcement on the Share the Road campaign.
Friday, June 13, 2003
Freedom Valley Bike Ride this Sunday!
Take your dad to the Freedom Valley Bike Ride. The forecast is for sunny skies and temps in the 70's.
Take your dad to the Freedom Valley Bike Ride. The forecast is for sunny skies and temps in the 70's.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
City cracking down on cyclists, inline skaters and skateboarders
City Council will vote on an amendment to an existing skateboard law. City Hall Thursday June 12th (tomorrow) starting at 10 am room 696. The vote is in regards to Philadelphia City Law 10-610 which will increase the fines
for skateboarding on private property from $25 to $75. The law will also now
include cycling and rollerblading.
While its clear that the law is geared toward BMX cyclists and skateboarders riding in plazas, it can also affect commuters and messengers. For example if you ride across Dilworth Plaza to avoid the the turning mess on Broad St then you could be fined. Cyclists already get harassed by doorman in the giant office complexes of Center City West, and this law will likely trigger more bike parking crack downs. If you feel that this law is un just please make an appearance in support of the skateboarders, cyclists and in line skaters.
More about the law:
http://www.ushistory.org/lovepark/000147.htm
City Council will vote on an amendment to an existing skateboard law. City Hall Thursday June 12th (tomorrow) starting at 10 am room 696. The vote is in regards to Philadelphia City Law 10-610 which will increase the fines
for skateboarding on private property from $25 to $75. The law will also now
include cycling and rollerblading.
While its clear that the law is geared toward BMX cyclists and skateboarders riding in plazas, it can also affect commuters and messengers. For example if you ride across Dilworth Plaza to avoid the the turning mess on Broad St then you could be fined. Cyclists already get harassed by doorman in the giant office complexes of Center City West, and this law will likely trigger more bike parking crack downs. If you feel that this law is un just please make an appearance in support of the skateboarders, cyclists and in line skaters.
More about the law:
http://www.ushistory.org/lovepark/000147.htm
Penn cracking down (Illegally) on bikes!
UPENN police have put up warning signs letting people know that their locks may be cut and bikes confiscated if they lock to a parking meter on public sidewalks. It is not known where the directive came from and is particularly puzzling since UPENN is a partner in the "Share the Road Campaign".
This is of course illegal - Pennsylvania code for bicycle parking is clear on this
Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Chapter 35 - SPECIAL VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS
Subchapter A - Operation of Pedalcycles (Bicycles)
Section 3509. Parking.
(a) Sidewalks.
(1) A person may park a pedalcycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic-control device. (IE Streets Dept or PennDOT, not UPENN)
(2) A pedalcycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.
UPENN police have put up warning signs letting people know that their locks may be cut and bikes confiscated if they lock to a parking meter on public sidewalks. It is not known where the directive came from and is particularly puzzling since UPENN is a partner in the "Share the Road Campaign".
This is of course illegal - Pennsylvania code for bicycle parking is clear on this
Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Chapter 35 - SPECIAL VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS
Subchapter A - Operation of Pedalcycles (Bicycles)
Section 3509. Parking.
(a) Sidewalks.
(1) A person may park a pedalcycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic-control device. (IE Streets Dept or PennDOT, not UPENN)
(2) A pedalcycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
More Bike on Bus News
A news story on WGAL channel 8 (Lancaster) reports that Red Rose Transit is getting new buses with bike racks. Red Rose covers much of Lancaster County and has one route that serves Compass in Chester County (Routes 10 and 340)
A news story on WGAL channel 8 (Lancaster) reports that Red Rose Transit is getting new buses with bike racks. Red Rose covers much of Lancaster County and has one route that serves Compass in Chester County (Routes 10 and 340)
New Bike on Bus Route
SEPTA will add Route 37 to its list of bike accessible routes. The route runs from Chester to the Broad and Snyder subway station via the Airport every half hour . This route parallels SEPTA Regional Rail routes R2 Marcus Hook and the R1 Airport so it will provide a rush hour option for inter-modal commuters.
SEPTA's bike policy
NJ TRANSIT's bike policy
PATCO's bike policy
SEPTA will add Route 37 to its list of bike accessible routes. The route runs from Chester to the Broad and Snyder subway station via the Airport every half hour . This route parallels SEPTA Regional Rail routes R2 Marcus Hook and the R1 Airport so it will provide a rush hour option for inter-modal commuters.
SEPTA's bike policy
NJ TRANSIT's bike policy
PATCO's bike policy
Saturday, June 07, 2003
Downingtown drops the ball
Downingtown Borough has become the latest municipality to kill a bike/pedestrian
project. They are turning back in $472,000 of TEA-21 funds because of an
unwillingness to move forward, (i.e. providing their 20% match) citing budget
cuts. Downingtown applied for the funds and the Bicycle Coalition
co-sponsored the project. The project beat out many other bicycle and pedestrian projects which were not funded.
Previous municipal fumbles
May 2003
Lower Makefield Township drops 200k bike path along PA 332 (citing lack of available right of way)
Limerick Township Drops 400K - For bike lanes on Ridge Pike, Swamp
Pike, and Lewis Rd.
- money from both projects is going to the West Chester Transit Center
Summer 2002 Philadelphia De-Obligates (gives back) 1.5M for the Philadelphia Bicycle Network ,claiming it does not need that money to complete the network. While this is true from a construction point of view the city also claims it cannot afford to hire a bicycle coordinator, which would go a long way to make Philadelphia a great place to bicycle.
2002 Upper Merion Township drops 400k -Design and construction of road improvements for bicycle facilities on N. Henderson Rd.,
W. Beidler Rd., PA 23, W. Valley Forge Rd., Keebler Rd., S. Gulph Rd., S. Henderson Rd., Croton Rd., and S. Warner Rd.
2001 Aston Township drop 200k for bike lanes along Pennel and Concord and Dutton's Mill Rds.
Downingtown Borough has become the latest municipality to kill a bike/pedestrian
project. They are turning back in $472,000 of TEA-21 funds because of an
unwillingness to move forward, (i.e. providing their 20% match) citing budget
cuts. Downingtown applied for the funds and the Bicycle Coalition
co-sponsored the project. The project beat out many other bicycle and pedestrian projects which were not funded.
Previous municipal fumbles
May 2003
Lower Makefield Township drops 200k bike path along PA 332 (citing lack of available right of way)
Limerick Township Drops 400K - For bike lanes on Ridge Pike, Swamp
Pike, and Lewis Rd.
- money from both projects is going to the West Chester Transit Center
Summer 2002 Philadelphia De-Obligates (gives back) 1.5M for the Philadelphia Bicycle Network ,claiming it does not need that money to complete the network. While this is true from a construction point of view the city also claims it cannot afford to hire a bicycle coordinator, which would go a long way to make Philadelphia a great place to bicycle.
2002 Upper Merion Township drops 400k -Design and construction of road improvements for bicycle facilities on N. Henderson Rd.,
W. Beidler Rd., PA 23, W. Valley Forge Rd., Keebler Rd., S. Gulph Rd., S. Henderson Rd., Croton Rd., and S. Warner Rd.
2001 Aston Township drop 200k for bike lanes along Pennel and Concord and Dutton's Mill Rds.
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Freedom Valley Bike Ride pre-registration ends tomorrow at 11:59pm Friday
Pre-register by June 5th to receive a free t-shirt and discount. Download the registration form or register online.
Pre-register by June 5th to receive a free t-shirt and discount. Download the registration form or register online.
NEIGHBORHOOD BIKE WORKS presents the first ever BIKE PART ART AUCTION & EXHIBIT
The show is up and amazing to see!! Don't miss this if you are going to
be around for the Wachovia USPRO Championship Race. One block from the
course.
Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) gave local artists a challenge:
What can you make from this junkie pile of bike parts in our
basement?
It started as a tangled, broken, pile in the NBW workshop at St. Mary's
Episcopal Church in West Philadelphia. From the same starting point,
artists took their work in all directions. Here is the result. You can
see a bike zombie and a 'Time Machine' as well as jewelry and furniture.
It is not often you go to an exhibit where the participating artists so
widely vary in artistic background. We are showing work by well known,
Isaiah Zagar, in the same exhibit as emerging performance painters,
Charles Barbin and Ben Howard who you can see painting at Swanky Bubbles
on Monday nights. You will find work by Joe Tiberino, another
Philadelphia gem, exhibited side by side with, art-world-unknown, Leland
Mayne. Pieces range from the simplistic beauty of a rusted bike chain
(Alison Orendach) to a fountain complete with
steam and lights (Roger VanDragt).
Please look around and come back for the fundraising auction on
Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 pm. Philadelphia's finest non-profit
auctioneer, Todd Kimmell, will lead the event, auctioning these pieces
as well as a number of bicycle-related offerings including a guided bike
ride led by well-known area cyclist and ride leader, Bill Cotton, and
complimentary passes to the June 27th Mural Tour by Bike, sponsored by
the White Dog Cafe.
All proceeds benefit NBW, a nonprofit youth development program in West
Philadelphia, which create opportunities for neighborhood youth through
bicycling. For information on NBW's Earn-a-Bike programs or summer
camp, call 215.386.0316, or neighborhoodbikeworks.org.
Pictures of some pieces are available here on the NBW website
The show is up and amazing to see!! Don't miss this if you are going to
be around for the Wachovia USPRO Championship Race. One block from the
course.
Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) gave local artists a challenge:
What can you make from this junkie pile of bike parts in our
basement?
It started as a tangled, broken, pile in the NBW workshop at St. Mary's
Episcopal Church in West Philadelphia. From the same starting point,
artists took their work in all directions. Here is the result. You can
see a bike zombie and a 'Time Machine' as well as jewelry and furniture.
It is not often you go to an exhibit where the participating artists so
widely vary in artistic background. We are showing work by well known,
Isaiah Zagar, in the same exhibit as emerging performance painters,
Charles Barbin and Ben Howard who you can see painting at Swanky Bubbles
on Monday nights. You will find work by Joe Tiberino, another
Philadelphia gem, exhibited side by side with, art-world-unknown, Leland
Mayne. Pieces range from the simplistic beauty of a rusted bike chain
(Alison Orendach) to a fountain complete with
steam and lights (Roger VanDragt).
Please look around and come back for the fundraising auction on
Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 pm. Philadelphia's finest non-profit
auctioneer, Todd Kimmell, will lead the event, auctioning these pieces
as well as a number of bicycle-related offerings including a guided bike
ride led by well-known area cyclist and ride leader, Bill Cotton, and
complimentary passes to the June 27th Mural Tour by Bike, sponsored by
the White Dog Cafe.
All proceeds benefit NBW, a nonprofit youth development program in West
Philadelphia, which create opportunities for neighborhood youth through
bicycling. For information on NBW's Earn-a-Bike programs or summer
camp, call 215.386.0316, or neighborhoodbikeworks.org.
Pictures of some pieces are available here on the NBW website
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Round Up Highlights
Lynette Chiang of Bike Friday has posted 11 videos from the "Round Up" folding bike festival which occurred from May 16-18. Some of the area's most influential bicycle advocates are featured including John Dowlin, John Schubert and Bob Thomas as well as Mayor Street (speaking at Bike to Work Day) and Larry Black from Mt. Airy (MD) Bicycles.
Lynette Chiang of Bike Friday has posted 11 videos from the "Round Up" folding bike festival which occurred from May 16-18. Some of the area's most influential bicycle advocates are featured including John Dowlin, John Schubert and Bob Thomas as well as Mayor Street (speaking at Bike to Work Day) and Larry Black from Mt. Airy (MD) Bicycles.
Monday, June 02, 2003
New Bike Lanes in Pottstown!
The Pottstown Mercury reports that the new lane configuration and controversial back-in parking on High Street is finally complete. High Street was reduced from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with bike lanes and reverse angle parking. Back in parking is probably the most compatible parking configuration with bike lanes.
The Pottstown Mercury reports that the new lane configuration and controversial back-in parking on High Street is finally complete. High Street was reduced from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with bike lanes and reverse angle parking. Back in parking is probably the most compatible parking configuration with bike lanes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)