Tour de Twilight on Saturday
Tour de Twilight formerly known as Light of the Moving Bikes and Blue Moon Meander
will be held by the Bicycle Coalition on Saturday October 4 at 7pm at 39th and Locust Walk on the Penn Campus. For more details go to the Bicycle Coalition Website.
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
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
More Shuttle Muttering
Here are some other multi-use paths that have shuttle/rental services
Lehigh Gorge Trail - Blue Mountain Sports
Virginia Creeper Trail - Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop
Bizz Johnson Trail - Lassen Rural Transit
Great Allegheny Passage - ATA trail shuttle page
Frenchtown or New Hope and Lambertville would be a prime location for such a shuttle/rental service, many car-free New Yorker's travel by bus to those locales on weekends.
Point Pleasant Canoe and Tube comes to mind since they already have shuttle vans for their river customers.
Here are some other multi-use paths that have shuttle/rental services
Lehigh Gorge Trail - Blue Mountain Sports
Virginia Creeper Trail - Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop
Bizz Johnson Trail - Lassen Rural Transit
Great Allegheny Passage - ATA trail shuttle page
Frenchtown or New Hope and Lambertville would be a prime location for such a shuttle/rental service, many car-free New Yorker's travel by bus to those locales on weekends.
Point Pleasant Canoe and Tube comes to mind since they already have shuttle vans for their river customers.
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Calling all outfitters: We need shuttles
With the Perkiomen Trail (45 mi to Center City and the Delaware Canal Towpath (60 mi Bristol to Easton) nearing completion its time for some entreprenuers to start a shuttle service so cyclists can easily access the trail system. To date much of the trail system has been marginally accessible by SEPTA but with the new expansion beyond SEPTA's boundaries its time for someone to give this a go.
With the Perkiomen Trail (45 mi to Center City and the Delaware Canal Towpath (60 mi Bristol to Easton) nearing completion its time for some entreprenuers to start a shuttle service so cyclists can easily access the trail system. To date much of the trail system has been marginally accessible by SEPTA but with the new expansion beyond SEPTA's boundaries its time for someone to give this a go.
Friday, September 26, 2003
How many people ride bicycles in Southeast PA
Who knows, we know how many cars and trucks travel on every state road, we know how many people ride septa every day, ask about bikes though and often even traffic engineers will surmise that no one bikes.
I did some number crunching trying to estimate bicycle trips based on DVRPC's travel survey, the 2000 census, the National Household Travel Survey and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Of course this estimates are very rough because DVRPC did not break down non-motorized trips but it does give us some numbers to throw around.
2000 Census Journey to Work Data SE Pennsylvania
County # of Commuters Pct of all Commuters
Bucks County 553 .18%
Chester County 183 .08%
Delaware County 489 .19%
Montgomery County 731 .19%
Philadelphia 4908 .86%
Estimated bike trips using DVRPC total non-motorized daily trips adjusted by US Census bike commute data
Bucks County - 5,203 bicycle trips
Chester County - 833 bicycle trips
Delaware County - 5,056 bicycle trips
Montgomery County - 7,052 bicycle trips
Philadelphia - 59,448 bicycle trips
Estimated bike trips using DVRPC total daily trips and the National Personal Transportation Survey estimate that .9% of all trips are made by bicycle
Figures were then adjusted by US Census bike commute data based on how they compare to the national average
Bucks County - 9,229 bicycle trips
Chester County - 3,065 bicycle trips
Delaware County - 8,490 bicycle trips
Montgomery County - 12,968 bicycle trips
Philadelphia - 77,548 bicycle trips
Finally here is the Bureau of Transportation Survey estimate of Philadelphian's who bicycle at least once per month based on a national monthly survey.
December 2001 - 135,066 (12% of the adult population)
August 2002 - 242,943 ( 21.5% of the adult population)
My strong sense is that my Philadelphia estimates are a bit high and the Chester County DVRPC numbers are low. I think its safe to say that daily bike trips in Philadelphia are in the 10's of thousands (35-70K) Delco, Bucks and Montgomery County are under 10,000 bike trips and Chester County is in the low thousands range.
Resources
DVRPC Daily Trips
BTS OmniStats Vol 2 Issue 6
Census Summary File 3 Means of Transportation to Work
John Pucher and John L. Renne The Socioeconomics of Urban Travel
Who knows, we know how many cars and trucks travel on every state road, we know how many people ride septa every day, ask about bikes though and often even traffic engineers will surmise that no one bikes.
I did some number crunching trying to estimate bicycle trips based on DVRPC's travel survey, the 2000 census, the National Household Travel Survey and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Of course this estimates are very rough because DVRPC did not break down non-motorized trips but it does give us some numbers to throw around.
2000 Census Journey to Work Data SE Pennsylvania
County # of Commuters Pct of all Commuters
Bucks County 553 .18%
Chester County 183 .08%
Delaware County 489 .19%
Montgomery County 731 .19%
Philadelphia 4908 .86%
Estimated bike trips using DVRPC total non-motorized daily trips adjusted by US Census bike commute data
Bucks County - 5,203 bicycle trips
Chester County - 833 bicycle trips
Delaware County - 5,056 bicycle trips
Montgomery County - 7,052 bicycle trips
Philadelphia - 59,448 bicycle trips
Estimated bike trips using DVRPC total daily trips and the National Personal Transportation Survey estimate that .9% of all trips are made by bicycle
Figures were then adjusted by US Census bike commute data based on how they compare to the national average
Bucks County - 9,229 bicycle trips
Chester County - 3,065 bicycle trips
Delaware County - 8,490 bicycle trips
Montgomery County - 12,968 bicycle trips
Philadelphia - 77,548 bicycle trips
Finally here is the Bureau of Transportation Survey estimate of Philadelphian's who bicycle at least once per month based on a national monthly survey.
December 2001 - 135,066 (12% of the adult population)
August 2002 - 242,943 ( 21.5% of the adult population)
My strong sense is that my Philadelphia estimates are a bit high and the Chester County DVRPC numbers are low. I think its safe to say that daily bike trips in Philadelphia are in the 10's of thousands (35-70K) Delco, Bucks and Montgomery County are under 10,000 bike trips and Chester County is in the low thousands range.
Resources
DVRPC Daily Trips
BTS OmniStats Vol 2 Issue 6
Census Summary File 3 Means of Transportation to Work
John Pucher and John L. Renne The Socioeconomics of Urban Travel
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Walk to School Day Events in our Region
Did you that in some communities that almost 1/3 of the congestion in some communities is parents dropping off their sedentary kids at school. Having kids walk or bike to school reduces traffic and the problems associated with obesity.
Wednesday October 8 is International Walk to School Day
The following schools will be walking that day
Lansdale - York Avenue Elementary School
Ridley park - Lakeview Elementary
Souderton - West Broad Elementary
Plainsboro NJ - Wicoff Elementary & Town Center Elementary
Safe Routes to Schools Resources
Bicycle Coalition BEEP Program
Marin County Safe Routes
Texas Supercyclist Curriculum
NJ Safe Streets to Schools Funding
DE Safe Routes to Schools Funding
Did you that in some communities that almost 1/3 of the congestion in some communities is parents dropping off their sedentary kids at school. Having kids walk or bike to school reduces traffic and the problems associated with obesity.
Wednesday October 8 is International Walk to School Day
The following schools will be walking that day
Lansdale - York Avenue Elementary School
Ridley park - Lakeview Elementary
Souderton - West Broad Elementary
Plainsboro NJ - Wicoff Elementary & Town Center Elementary
Safe Routes to Schools Resources
Bicycle Coalition BEEP Program
Marin County Safe Routes
Texas Supercyclist Curriculum
NJ Safe Streets to Schools Funding
DE Safe Routes to Schools Funding
Sunday, September 21, 2003
PENNDOT Takes Movies of Roads
Break out the popcorn, sit back and enjoy. PENNDOT has posted videologs of every mile of every PA state road on the internet. This is a great planning tool for cyclists to preview the road conditions before actually going out and riding them.
Break out the popcorn, sit back and enjoy. PENNDOT has posted videologs of every mile of every PA state road on the internet. This is a great planning tool for cyclists to preview the road conditions before actually going out and riding them.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Overblown Reaction?
Once again the Delaware River Port Authority has closed the walkway of the Ben Franklin Bridge with seemingly little merit. While it was prudent to close the walkway during Tropical Storm Isabel as a precaution, its hard to explain why a storm that did very little damage here would close the walkway indefinitely. Winds died down to less than 20mph Friday afternoon, hardly an unusual circumstance.
Bicyclists appreciates the fact that DRPA regularly communicates the status of the walkway between Philadelphia and Camden. But we are befuddled by prolonged closings that frequently inconvenience bicyclists and pedestrians who depend on the bridge to get to their jobs. Toll paying motorists would never tolerate this. Maybe bicyclists should stick EZ Pass transponders on their bikes and ride through the toll lanes.
DRPA's bridge policies are totally at odds with the excellent bike access rules and new bike parking initiatives at PATCO (also run by the authority).
Once again the Delaware River Port Authority has closed the walkway of the Ben Franklin Bridge with seemingly little merit. While it was prudent to close the walkway during Tropical Storm Isabel as a precaution, its hard to explain why a storm that did very little damage here would close the walkway indefinitely. Winds died down to less than 20mph Friday afternoon, hardly an unusual circumstance.
Bicyclists appreciates the fact that DRPA regularly communicates the status of the walkway between Philadelphia and Camden. But we are befuddled by prolonged closings that frequently inconvenience bicyclists and pedestrians who depend on the bridge to get to their jobs. Toll paying motorists would never tolerate this. Maybe bicyclists should stick EZ Pass transponders on their bikes and ride through the toll lanes.
DRPA's bridge policies are totally at odds with the excellent bike access rules and new bike parking initiatives at PATCO (also run by the authority).
Friday, September 12, 2003
A rail trail for Flourtown?
Some Local residents have been dismayed at an article that appeared in the Springfield Sun. Springfield Township has found out that CSX has abandoned a 2 mile spur between Flourtown and the Oreland SEPTA Station. The township; unsure of what to do with the property is considering ceding the rail line to adjacent property owners who have already claimed parts of the right of way.
If you are interested in saving the Flourtown rail trail send an email to the Bicycle Coalition
info@bicyclecoalition.org
Some Local residents have been dismayed at an article that appeared in the Springfield Sun. Springfield Township has found out that CSX has abandoned a 2 mile spur between Flourtown and the Oreland SEPTA Station. The township; unsure of what to do with the property is considering ceding the rail line to adjacent property owners who have already claimed parts of the right of way.
If you are interested in saving the Flourtown rail trail send an email to the Bicycle Coalition
info@bicyclecoalition.org
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Bicycle Hollywood (and Manhattan)
Walking the walk,
1 - Ed Begley Jr. LA Bike Commuter, greatest moment: made a special on the Travel Channel showing how you can tour LA on bike, foot, bus and train. You won't find that in the guidebooks.
2 - Matthew Broderick - bike commuter, claims to have at least 11 bikes stolen. Somebody teach this guy how to lock a bike up.
3 - Michael Stipe - Athens GA pedestrian. Regularly attends anti sprawl and traffic calming meetings in his home town. Historic preservationist.
Honorable mentions:
Woody Harrelson - Has done several bicycle eco tours down the California Coast
Matthew B.'s wife Sarah Jessica Parker - Carrie Bradshaw would never touch a bicycle but Sarah does. Also reportedly a member of the Straphangers Union.
Leo DiCaprio - Environmental activist Often seen in LA on his bike.
Conan O'brien another Manhattan Bicyclist as seen in his show intro,
Robin Williams - Lance Armstrong's pedaling pal
Madonna? - known to bicycle with the paparazzi in tow. As confirmed from this article
Dave Matthews Band - Local Foundation BAMA Works in Charlottesville VA has funded the yellow bike program there. (partially implemented by yours truly).
Prius Driving sympathizers
Anti Oil pundits Bill Mahar and Arrianna Huffington
Ted Dansen and Mary Steenburgen
Larry David (as seen on Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Tom Hanks
Cameron Diaz
Kelsey Grammar
Any others? send me an email
Walking the walk,
1 - Ed Begley Jr. LA Bike Commuter, greatest moment: made a special on the Travel Channel showing how you can tour LA on bike, foot, bus and train. You won't find that in the guidebooks.
2 - Matthew Broderick - bike commuter, claims to have at least 11 bikes stolen. Somebody teach this guy how to lock a bike up.
3 - Michael Stipe - Athens GA pedestrian. Regularly attends anti sprawl and traffic calming meetings in his home town. Historic preservationist.
Honorable mentions:
Woody Harrelson - Has done several bicycle eco tours down the California Coast
Matthew B.'s wife Sarah Jessica Parker - Carrie Bradshaw would never touch a bicycle but Sarah does. Also reportedly a member of the Straphangers Union.
Leo DiCaprio - Environmental activist Often seen in LA on his bike.
Conan O'brien another Manhattan Bicyclist as seen in his show intro,
Robin Williams - Lance Armstrong's pedaling pal
Madonna? - known to bicycle with the paparazzi in tow. As confirmed from this article
Dave Matthews Band - Local Foundation BAMA Works in Charlottesville VA has funded the yellow bike program there. (partially implemented by yours truly).
Prius Driving sympathizers
Anti Oil pundits Bill Mahar and Arrianna Huffington
Ted Dansen and Mary Steenburgen
Larry David (as seen on Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Tom Hanks
Cameron Diaz
Kelsey Grammar
Any others? send me an email
Saturday, September 06, 2003
New SEPTA bike on bus routes
Effective Sunday SEPTA will add 4 new routes to its network of bike accessible bus routes routes J, 12, 8, and 53
New printed timetables show a photo of a woman loading a bike onto the bike rack. Excellent promotion.
On a related note I spotted a bicycle on the Route 14 on Friday August 29th. Its only the second passenger bicycle I have seen on a bus in the entire 3 year history of the program. Not counting of course Bicycle Coalition volunteers.
Effective Sunday SEPTA will add 4 new routes to its network of bike accessible bus routes routes J, 12, 8, and 53
New printed timetables show a photo of a woman loading a bike onto the bike rack. Excellent promotion.
On a related note I spotted a bicycle on the Route 14 on Friday August 29th. Its only the second passenger bicycle I have seen on a bus in the entire 3 year history of the program. Not counting of course Bicycle Coalition volunteers.
Thursday, September 04, 2003
We Won!
By a vote of 327 to 90, the House passed a bipartisan amendment to restore
funding for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2004.
The amendment, sponsored by Congressmen Tom Petri (R-WI) and John Olver
(D-MA), enjoyed strong bipartisan support thanks to the diligent efforts
of bicyclists across the nation. A special thanks to everyone who made
phone calls, sent letters and emails, and held meetings with their Members
of Congress.
I am happy to say that just about all of our reps voted in favor of the amendment, including one that voted against a similar amendment in the appropriations committee (LoBiondo R-NJ). The one exception was ultra-conservative Lehigh Valley Rep. Pat Toomey who has called Sen. Arlen Specter a liberal.
Send a thank you note to your rep. if they voted yes www.house.gov/writerep
AYES
NJ - Andrews, Holt, LoBiondo, Smith, Saxton
PA - Brady, Fattah, Hoeffel, Greenwood, Gerlach, Weldon, Pitts
DE - Castle
Noes
PA - Toomey
By a vote of 327 to 90, the House passed a bipartisan amendment to restore
funding for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2004.
The amendment, sponsored by Congressmen Tom Petri (R-WI) and John Olver
(D-MA), enjoyed strong bipartisan support thanks to the diligent efforts
of bicyclists across the nation. A special thanks to everyone who made
phone calls, sent letters and emails, and held meetings with their Members
of Congress.
I am happy to say that just about all of our reps voted in favor of the amendment, including one that voted against a similar amendment in the appropriations committee (LoBiondo R-NJ). The one exception was ultra-conservative Lehigh Valley Rep. Pat Toomey who has called Sen. Arlen Specter a liberal.
Send a thank you note to your rep. if they voted yes www.house.gov/writerep
AYES
NJ - Andrews, Holt, LoBiondo, Smith, Saxton
PA - Brady, Fattah, Hoeffel, Greenwood, Gerlach, Weldon, Pitts
DE - Castle
Noes
PA - Toomey
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