Text of the Public Use Bicycle Study Resolution

RESOLUTION

Requesting the Administration and the Deputy Mayor of Transportation and Utilities to commission a study to provide recommendations on location, demand, and usage for Public Use Bicycle stations for the entire area encompassed by the city limits of Philadelphia and to explore the various business models used for such systems.

WHEREAS, a Public Use Bicycle Program can serve as a financial lifeline as a complement and alternative to other methods of public transportation as the price of gasoline soars past $4.00 per gallon; and

WHEREAS, City Council adopted Resolution #080055 (adopted January 24, 2008) calling for joint public hearings by City Council’s Committees on the Environment and Transportation and Utilities to investigate the creation of a Public Use Bicycle Programs for the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, a cycling-friendly city is consistent with the City’s Sustainability initiative and aligns well with the Mayor’s six results; and

WHEREAS, on April 30, 2008 City Council received testimony on Resolution #080055 and learned that bicycle programs; reduce urban automobile usage and congestion, reduces carbon dioxide pollution, and significantly improves public health through aerobic and anaerobic activity; and

WHEREAS, it was read in the record that the administration is supportive of increasing the use of cycling within the City and suggested that before it makes any decision to support or dedicate resources to such a system, it must be determined how the system will be structured, how it will operate, and what resource commitment will be needed from the City; and

WHEREAS, the findings of this study can be used by the Department of Transportation and Utilities, the Department of Urban Sustainability and various City Departments to create a Public Use Bicycle Program as an additional method of urban transportation to enhance the personal mobility of Philadelphia residents, workers, and visitors to our great city; now there for be it,

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA THAT Council hereby request the Administration and the Deputy Mayor of Transportation and Utilities to commission a study to provide recommendations on location, demand, and usage for Public Use Bicycle stations for the entire area encompassed by the city limits of Philadelphia and to explore the various business models used for such systems..

Further Resolved,

The results of this study should be completed and presented within 6 months of passage of this resolutionCouncilwoman

Blondell Reynolds Brown
Council At - Large June 12, 2008