Wanted Your Phillies Parade Cycling Experience

The crowds are enormous, SEPTA Regional Rail has been ground to a halt, the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway pedestrians crowded into the narrow cattle chute on the North Walkway.

Traffic reporters suggested switching to buses or even driving (not telling you where you could even possibly park). Bicycles were not mentioned as the way to get around Center City and South Philadelphia, even bicycling to the rail stations would have been great advice.

So we would like to hear your bicycling experience in Center City and South Philly today?

Phillies Championship Parade
Originally uploaded by emilydenaro
http://www.emilydenaro.com/

Envision the Bike Ride by Walking the Cynwyd Trail

This Saturday, November 1, Lower Merion Township and The Friends of the Cynwyd Trail are sponsoring a clean up of the Cynwyd Trail from 9 am until 1 pm. They are meeting at the former Barmouth Station, which is located where Levering Mill Road intersects with the trail. Levering Mill Road is off Belmont Avenue in Lower Merion.

As a bonus, from 1 until 3 the Lower Merion Historical Society and West Laurel Hill Cemetery will present a slide show lecture on the fascinating history of the corridor and the plans for the trail. For more information about the clean up and lecture, contact Chris Leswing (610) 645-6116 or cleswing@lowermerion.org

Afterwards, Chris has offered to lead a walk of the trail from Barmouth Station at 3pm over the stone arched bridge to Manayunk and back. If built, this trail would be a multi-use path and serve as a great bicycle connection between Lower Merion and the Schuylkill River Trail.

If you are interested in joining the afternoon walk, please send an email to scspa@comcast.net

Phillies Win and A Breakout of Car-Free Streets

Congrats to the Phillies and to all of those who have taken to the streets to celebrate, revelers closed all of South Broad St north of I-95, Main St Manayunk as well as Frankford and Cottman Avenues in Mayfair.

New Britain NIMFY's: Don't Walk Here

Complete Streets sound like a great idea until the NIMFY's (Not in my front yard) hear about such diabolical plans as per this article in the Intelligencer.

"As New Britain Township developed over the years, there came a point when residents became more conscious of the need to get out and exercise, and they began pressing officials for more sidewalks, said supervisor Bob Cotton. The township decided to require and accept sidewalks at every opportunity. "

A New Britain, Bucks County couple is opposed to a sidewalk that would be built along Upper State Road in front of their yard.

In the couple's defense taking away 35 feet of right of way for a 11' swath of sidewalk and a green buffer seems like a bit of a land grab that hints at a possible future road widening. And as a further slap in the face the owners would be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. When will the maintenance bias against sidewalks end?

But the trolls in the comments section reveal that perhaps there is something else going on here:

"It's only a matter of years before Chalfont and Doylestown become a mini-Philly like lower Bucks is now. Not something to look forward to."

"Once here, they start bemoaning that there are no sidewalks or street lights and the townships give in to them. I do not understand it. They have turned nice area's into mini-Philadelphia's. Why did they move to begin with? Along with them, we now have to have sidewalks, crosswalks, street lights, traffic signals, wider roads and what have they brought with them? Nothing except a huge increase in crime and traffic."

Ah, nothing like the good feeling that suburban sprawl brings to communities.

RiverLINE Courtesy Signs Pop Up On Rail Cars

NJ TRANSIT's RiverLINE with it's significant bikes on transit ridership (5% of the riders) has from time to time experienced tension between passengers with and without bicycles.

While some passengers plop themselves into the folding bike rack seats, some bicyclists simply don't bother with the hanging bicycle racks and subsequently create an obstacle course in the center vestibule.

So NJ TRANSIT has posted new signs telling passengers to "Exercise Courtesy...don't block the aisle with your bicycle"

From Riverline Photo Gallery

I hope this encourages enough bicyclists to use the racks, but I wouldn't be surprised if NJ TRANSIT police starts enforcing rack usage (and conversely asking rail passengers to yield the rack areas to bikes).

US Bicycle Route System plan approved by AASHTO

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has approved a National Corridor Plan laying out the framework and guidelines for the development of this 50,000 mile system.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a proposed national network of bicycle routes that span multiple states and are of national and regional significance. These routes are selected and maintained by State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), and designated and catalogued by AASHTO.

Philadelphia Bike Forum A Huge Success

Nearly 60 People arrived at the Philadelphia Bike Forum to hear LAB Advocacy Director Walter Finch, Bikes Belong President Tim Blumenthal, Rep. Allyson Schwartz and Breezer Bikes/Mountain Bike Icon Joe Breeze.

Photo - Philly Pedestrian Bicycle Coordinator Charles Carmalt greets Representative Allyson Schwartz.
Philadelphia Bike Forum 102708 (4) Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

Attendees included Philadelphia Mountain Bike Assocation, Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, North Delaware Riverfront Development Corp. New Kensington CDC, Neighborhood Bike Works, Mayors Office of Transportation and the Streets Department, Pedal Co-Op, Greater Valley Forge TMA, Trophy Bikes, and the UPenn Police Bicycle Patrol.

While the discussion topics for the night were casual one could not help but think that this event would be a great precurser to a Philadelphia Bike Summit. Thanks to ASI President Pat Cunnane and his team for holding a fun and well attended event.

Adopt-A-Rack Starts Off at Academy of Natural Sciences

Before
After 6 years of waiting, Philadelphia's Adopt a Rack contract quietly was inaugurated this morning at the Academy of Natural Sciences. 5 new racks were installed in the front and several on 19th Street. Now the Academy is truly a bicycle friendly building.

Ultimately 1500 racks will be installed around the City in locations were property owners, business districts and community groups have signed maintenance agreements. In those areas where business districts or property owners won't sign agreements, the Bicycle Coalition is working with the Streets Department to get racks installed in important locations.

Thank you Streets Department for getting this contract on the ground (and in the cement!).

After

DVRPC Long Range Planning Workshops

DVRPC has announced more dates for it's Connections Long Range Planning Workshops. This a great opportunity to represent the interests of bicyclists in your own county as your elected officials and planners will be present.

Please RSVP to: plan@dvrpc.org
or 215-238-2871

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29: Gloucester County Workshop
Office of Government Services Building, 1200 North Delsea Drive,
Clayton, NJ

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30: Camden County Workshop
Cherry Hill Public Library, 1100 Kings Highway North,
Cherry Hill, NJ

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6: Mercer County Workshop
Marriott Trenton at Lafayette Yard, 1 West Lafayette Street,
Trenton

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12: Burlington County Workshop
Enterprise Center at Burlington County College, 3331 Route 38,
Mount Laurel, NJ

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13: Delaware County Workshop
County Council Meeting Room (Room 100), Government Center
Building, 201 West Front Street, Media

5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Networking and
Refreshments

6:15 p.m.
Welcome and Remarks by
Your County Officials

6:30 p.m.
Orientation by DVRPC
Staff

7 – 8:15 p.m.
Brainstorming Session

Transportation Assistance to the Philly Bike Forum

Stay out of the cold, ASI will be providing a return shuttle van service to the Market Frankford El after the event.

Check this blog after 10AM for information about a possible minivan excursion to the event from Center City.

Philadelphia Bike Forum Home Page

Bike, transit and driving directions

Another Fatal Hit and Run Driver Gets Off Easy

The Daily News reports that the driver that fatally struck Fifteen-year-old Marylee Otto and fled was sentenced to one to two years in prison

The crash occured at the intersection of Rhawn and Lexington, an intersection that I once biked every day between my house and Market Frankford El. At that location Rhawn St opens up as it crosses over Pennypack Park, 40 to 50 mph speeds is common as driver approach the residential neighborhood of Rhawnhurst.


View Larger Map

Marylee's Mother is not standing by idly, she has formed Families/Friends Against Hit and Run, or FAHR with the mission of convincing the State Legislature to increase the mandatory-minimum prison sentence for motorists who flee the scene of an accident from one-two years to five years. You can contact FAHR at 267-975-2879.

Perhaps the first act for change should be the deletion the term "traffic accident" which is a happen-chance event to "crash" which is often preventable. Why penalize someone for an accident? Why convict someone for collateral damage? The bias against recognizing the carnage of motor vehicle collisions is spelled out every day language.

Smart Transportation Grants Available for Pennsylvania

PennDOT is sponsoring a federal & state funded Community Transportation Initiative, budgeted at $60 million in 2009. They will be awarding up to $300,000 for planning or $5 million for construction for projects that support Smart Transportation. Smart Transportation projects create transportation facilities that are safe and affordable, responsive to the needs of all users, and support community planning goals.

If you have potential projects, contact your county planning department so they can apply.

You can download the application here.

For more inforamtion go to the PennDOT Smart Transportation website - http://www.smart-transportation.com/

Fuji/Asi Bicycle Forum on Monday

Advanced Sports, Inc. and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia invite local
organizations and bicycle enthusiasts alike to participate in a one-of-a-kind bike forum.
Spend time sharing your organization’s mission and ideas with other bike enthusiasts from
the greater Philadelphia region. We invite you to bring literature of any kind to share in this
open meet & greet setting.

Walter Finch the Advocacy Director of the League of American Bicyclists and Tim
Blumenthal the Executive Director of Bikes Belong, will be on hand to give an update
on their respective organizations’ national agenda.

Refreshments and light fare will be provided, courtesy of ASI. We hope you’ll join
us for a night of camaradie and diverse discussion honoring our shared passion for bikes.

Monday, October 27 @ 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Advanced Sports, Inc.
10940 Dutton Rd, Phila. PA 19154

For bike, transit and driving directions click here

DVRPC Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Kicks Off

DVRPC's Joseph Hacker and John Ward conducted the first of what we hope are many meetings for the forming DVRPC Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. While the Bicycle Coalition, Philadelphia, Chester and Montgomery Counties as well as SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT were represented it is hoped that Counties and the State DOT's will come onboard as the committee's work program solidifies.

Topics discussed included working on a update/report card on the 1995 Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plans for SE PA and South Jersey. Submitting policy statements and goals for the DVRPC 2035 Long Range Plan and review of the ongoing resurfacing program in which DVRPC staff is making recommendations for bike lanes or enhanced shoulders on suburban PENNDOT roadways coming up for repaving.

Thank you Mayor Nutter for repairing the MLK Path!

The MLK path in Fairmount Park is smoother! Please take a moment to express your thanks to Mayor Nutter for this successful improvement to the Fairmount Park loop.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia asked Mayor Michael Nutter and Fairmount Park to make some badly-needed repairs to the path where tree roots had heaves in the pavement.

During September and October, Fairmount Park staff worked between Montgomery Drive and the Disabled Rowers Boathouse by pulling up asphalt, trimming the tree roots back and re-paving the path. In all, they made 20 repair patches. Please thank Mayor Nutter and Fairmount Park for making your ride better!

More Garage Bike Parking on the Penn Campus

Phila., Penn get a little more bike-friendly - News

The DP reports that UPenn's Business Services will be installing bike racks in certain garages that will be available to use within the next month.

Racks will be installed in garages at 34th and Chestnut streets, 38th and Walnut streets and 40th and Walnut streets.

PennDOT Shuffles Bike Ped Coordinator Position

While Philadelphia has hired its first full time Bike Ped Coordinator, PennDOT's Bike Ped Program appears to be in transition. Dave Bachman has been reassigned and the Bicycle Pedestrian Position has been moved to Bureau of Design.

The support for Bicycle Pedestrian program has been slowly eroding over the past few years. At one time Mr. Bachman had an assistant Patti Marshall, meanwhile it has been rumored that some rural district coordinators are only devoting a few hours a year to bike ped issues. Matt Bochanski who retired two years ago as the District 6 Coordinator (our region) once devoted up to 40% of his time to bike-ped issues but we have had very little interaction with current coordinator Steve Dunlap, who told us that his bicycle pedestrian hours will be curtailed.

Perhaps most disturbing development is that this important position is now vacant, we sincerely hope that PENNDOT names an interim State Bike Ped Coordinator immediately. We remain optimistic that the reshuffling along with the miserable ranking from the Bicycle Friendly States evaluation will spur much needed reform in the PENNDOT program.

DVRPC Long-Range Plan Public Workshops

A good showing of the Bicycle Community will send a strong message to DVRPC.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) will hold
public workshops throughout the bi-state region to gather public
input that will help shape the region's long-range plan. Offering
food, networking and an opportunity for individual voices to be
heard, the workshops will examine the issues that we face today as
well as those that will be with us in the coming years.

Workshops will be scheduled for all nine counties in the metropolitan
Philadelphia area, the first to be announced include the following:

Philadelphia Workshop: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 5:30 P.M.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia

Gloucester County Workshop: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 5:30 P.M.
Office of Government Services Building, 1200 North Delsea Drive,
Clayton, NJ

Camden County Workshop: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 5:30 P.M.
Cherry Hill Public Library, 1100 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ

Details for workshops in Burlington, Mercer, Bucks, Chester, Delaware
and Montgomery counties are coming soon.

For more information about DVRPC's long-range plan and the Public
Workshop announcement, please visit:
http://www.dvrpc.org/connections/index.htm.

DVRPC's Plan will provide guidance for land use decisions and
determine the region's transportation investments throughout the next
25 years. The Plan will also address issues such as combating sprawl,
reinvestment in older cities and suburbs, alleviating traffic
congestion, and will deal with environmental and economic issues
likely to impact the Delaware Valley.

East Coast Greenway in Center City

Philadelphia Cycling Committee - Tuesday, October 21 6:30pm

The Bicycle Coalition's monthly meeting on Philadelphia Bicycling issues will be held Tuesday, October 21st in the Skyway Room of the Free Library on Ben Franklin Parkway. Refreshments start 6pm. Meeting starts at 6:30pm.

The guest speaker is Spencer Finch, Sustainability Director of Pennsylvania Environmental Council. He will make a presentation on their proposal for a Center City Greenway as part of the East Coast Greenway. He will present the findings of a study conducted of different alignment to connect the Greenway on the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River Trail through Center City.

Bikertoberfest

Bikertoberfest
Originally uploaded by Bikes on Transit

Here's a quick shot of Biketoberfest at 50th and Baltimore today.

Tell Congress to support walking, biking and transit in the 2009 Transportation Bill.

Two Events to Attend with the Mayor Next Week

Monday October 20:
Citizens’ Assembly On Park Reform

Monday, October 20, 2008
6:00 – 7:30pm
Friends Select School
1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Speakers will include Mayor Michael Nutter; Peter Harnik, Director of The
Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land; and Pete (Alexander)
Hoskins, President of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance.

The focus is on how and why the upcoming referendum to reform park
governance and management will help to improve Philadelphia’s parks and
recreation system.

www.philaparks.org


October 21^st
Next Great City Rally

The Next Great City coalition will be thanking the City of Philadelphia for the progress it has made towards implementing our 10-point common-sense agenda. A press event and rally will be held on October 21 at 10:30 a.m. on Dilworth Plaza outside of City Hall at Broad and Market streets.

• Mayor Michael Nutter
• Don Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity
• Christine Knapp, PennFuture
• The Environmental Protection Agency
• The Philadelphia Fire Department
• The Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association
• Philadelphia Diesel Difference

www.nextgreatcity.com/

Upcoming Active Transportation Proposal

This coming Monday, October 20, 2008, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will release to Congress "Active Transportation for America", a report calling for a greater federal investment in walking and biking. Rails to Trails is seeking an expansion of "Non-Motorized Pilot Program" under the Transportation Bill to "dozens more communities and attract a level of investment sufficient to enable active transportation to play a significantly larger role in meeting America's mobility needs." Rails to Trails is spearheading this effort under its 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation.

Also on Monday, over 40 cities and towns across the country will release their "active transportation" case statements, in which they present plans for how they will make their communities safe for increased bicycling and walking. Municipal, county and state transportation and planning departments teamed up development corporations and community groups to prepare these plans.

Camden and northern Delaware (Newark, Wilmington and New Castle County) are two communities in the Delaware Valley that prepared case statements. Altoona and Blair County, was the only PA community to prepare one. (We're not sure where PennDOT or the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission was on this effort, but obviously, it wasn't a priority).

The fact that Chicago, Seattle, Washington DC, Baltimore, Twin Cities, Portland Ore., New Orleans and San Diego all prepared statements speaks volumes about how much work Philadelphia needs to do to catch up with other major cities in developing a cohesive vision for how it will transform itself into a safer place to bike and walk. This underscores the importance of the planning process underway by the City Planning Commission to develop a Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan by 2010, which will propose how to close the gaps in the bike lane network, to improve pedestrian connections and to update bicycling and pedestrian ordinances and policies. The Bicycle Coalition sits on the Plan's Steering Committee and is also working to identify and promote important projects for funding in the next federal Transportation bill.

12 Reasons to Get To Biketoberfest on Sunday

1 - Beer: Biketoberfest seasonal brew by Dock Street Brewery
2 - Bratwurst: And Pizza
3 - Beer Expert: Joe the Plumber Sixpack will be there
4 - Bike Bling: We are giving away an SE Draft Single Speed Bicycle and a R.E. Load Bag
5 - Bike Parking: Free Valet Bike Parking provided by Neighborhood Bike Works
6 - Bike Ride: Biketoberfest is a great way to wind down from your Sunday Morning ride
7 - Bye: No Eagles Game This Week
8 - Break: No World Series Games until Wednesday
9 - Bands: Stinking Lizaveta, Natural Selection and the West Philly Orchestra
10 - Beer Bling: A complementary Biketoberfest 2008 Pint Glass
11 - Bus: And the Route 34 Trolley plus we'll transport you and your bike to 30th St Station if you overindulge
12 - Bicycle Coalition: We'll be there!

Dock Street Brewery
50th and Baltimore
Philadelphia PA

When:
Sunday, 19. Oktober 2008
2:00 to 6:00 pm

Tickets: $15 and $25
Buy Tickets

21 and Over only.

Philadelphia Bike Forum - Monday October 27

A forum on the future of bicycling in Greater Philadelphia on October 27. Pat Cunnane and Advanced Sports, the parent company of Fuji and now also Breezer Bicycles, are hosting this discussion of policy changes that need to be made at the national level to increase bicycling

Advanced Sports, Inc. and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia are hosting a forum to discuss how to increase bicycling through local grassroots efforts and by improving federal transportation policy.

Walter Finch, Advocacy Director of the League of American Bicyclists, and Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director of Bikes Belong, will discuss funding for bicycling in next year's federal transportation bill.

Monday, October 27 @ 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Advanced Sports, Inc.
10940 Dutton Rd, Philadelphia PA 19154

More information: http://www.bicyclecoalition.org/events/philadelphiabikeforum


Transit: SEPTA Bus Routes 20 or 50 from the Frankford Transportation Center (Market Frankford El) to the intersection of Comly and Academy Rd.
Bike Directions: - coming soon


View Larger Map

Note: In case of a game 5 in the World Series Fuji promises that a big screen TV to watch the game.

Portland Reporter Overcomes Fear of Traffic

Oregonian Reporter Shelby Wood offers an interesting perspective on taking the bike commuting plunge. Read about her story on the Bike Portland Blog.

Design Philadelphia Looks At the History of the Urban Bicycle

BIKES and BRICKS urban bike workshop SAT. 18 Oct. Bikes and Bricks is part of Design Week.

BIKES and BRICKS
Saturday, Oct. 18th, 2pm,
Trophy Bikes (University City), 3131 Walnut St.

Learn about the legendary Raleigh DL-1 Roadster bicycle and the very latest urban commuter two-wheelers

FREE, refreshments and test rides all at this casual workshop and talk.

RSVPs welcome to mcget@trophybikes.com

5 Days Til Biketoberfest

Biketoberfest 2008
Sunday, 19. Oktober

Celebrating autumn with our favorite things: bikes, brats, music and beer!




















Complementary Biketoberfest Pint Glass

Bikes: valet bike parking and a free ride to the train station if you overindulge.

Brats: bratwurst, even a vegan brat option, and that German standby, pizza, are available for purchase

Music: three bands (Stinking Lizaveta, Natural Selection and West Philly Orchestra) and two DJs (Danophonic and Hoagie Jawns)

Beer: sample the new Biketoberfest seasonal brew by Dock Street Brewery (cash bar) and everyone gets a Biketoberfest 2008 pint glass.

Prizes: Don't miss the raffle: we've got a SE Draft bicycle (donated by Advanced Sports) and a R.E. Load messenger bag (donated by R.E. Load) and more.

Benefit: it's fun for a great cause -- proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition's work to make your ride better

Where:
Dock Street Brewery
50th and Baltimore
Philadelphia PA

When:
Sunday, 19. Oktober 2008
2:00 to 6:00 pm

Tickets: $15 and $25
Buy Tickets

21 and Over only.

New Bike Lanes on Market St

Back in the late 90's Philadelphia was putting in 30 to 50 miles of bike lanes a year, now with just over 200 miles in the city the majority of bike lane painting occurs with repaving roads that already have bike lanes. So it was nice to see that a stretch of Market St in West Philadelphia is getting new bike lanes.



46th and Market - Photo Andrew Schwalm

Bike lanes have just been extended on Market westward from 44th to 46th St, bike lanes are expected to be included from 34th to 38th once the street is repaved there. This will create an ad hoc eastbound connection to the Chestnut St bike lane via 34th St.

Please Touch Museum Needs Better Bike and Transit Access

The Please Touch Museum in Memorial Hall opens up a largely underused part of Fairmount Park, known as the Centennial District as it was the site of the 1876 Worlds Fair.

But it's location deep inside Fairmount Park makes it a real challenge for those who are not driving there. Even the Transit Directions on the Please Touch Website hints at the difficulty connecting between SEPTA Regional Rail and bus service.

By bicycle the trip should be easy, since the district is only a short uphill ride from Martin Luther King Drive and it's river path. Unfortunately the highway design of MLK intersection with Sweet Briar Drive makes it a challenge and I am afraid few bicyclists will have the gumption to bring their children along to visit the museum.

And that's too bad, MLK's paved path and it's limited weekend road closures suffer from
"there's no there there". A safe and signed connection from a traffic free MLK to Fairmount Parks westside would make a great family bicycling destination.

Inga Saffron Reports on the Bike Parking Crisis

Philadelphia Inquirer Architectural Critic Inga Saffron writes about the bike parking crisis in Center City.

Changing Skyline: The city needs to get creative on bike parking

Bicycle Stable to Hold Swap Meet

The Bicycle Stable is hosting a Bike Swap Sunday November 2nd. Anyone who wants to come and sell spare bikes and parts and memorabilia is welcome to pay for a table. Space rental is $5 and you need to bring your own table.

Register to table at 10am that day, sales will be from 11am-5pm, the rain date is Sunday November 9th same times. The Bicycle Stable is at 1420 Frankford Avenue and their phone # is 215 634- 0633 www.bicyclestable.com.

Former Bogota Columbia Mayor to Speak at Temple

The architecture department at Temple University is hosting Enrique Penalosa, former mayor of Bogota, Columbia, on Wednesday October 15th at 6.00pm in the Walk Auditorium, Ritter Hall, on Temple's main campus.

Enrique Peñalosa was the mayor of Bogota, Colombia from 1998-2001. He is known for creating the city’s bus rapid transit system, TransMilenio , which is the most extensive in the world. He is also known for revitalizing many low-income communities within the city, creating an Urban Land Reform institution, rebuilding Bogotá’s city center, increasing enrollment in public schools by 34%, putting 14,000 computers in public schools, building hundreds of miles of sidewalks, bicycle paths, and greenways, and instituting the city’s first Car-Free-Day, an extension of the city’s weekly ciclovia

Collingswood Bike Sharing Program Launches on Saturday

Last spring Bike Pottstown made its debut as a free community based bike loaner program. On Saturday Collingswood will become the second community in the region with an active bike share/loan program. The roll out will be at the Collingswood Farmers Market (Atlantic Ave, under the PATCO tracks) from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the first test rides at noon at the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, all are welcome to join the ride with their own bikes.

The program will be a membership based lending system available only to Collingswood Borough residents ($25). Click here for more information about the Bike Share program.

Thun Trail Improvements

This comment is worth sharing, its a been a couple of years since I have ridden the Thun and I am glad to hear the good news.

------------------------------

T.H. from Limerick has left a new comment on your post "Thun Trail may dissappoint future trail users":

As an avid recreational cyclist, I am happy to report that a whale of improvements have been done on the Thun Trail since 2005. My last ride there was on 08-03-08. I have a Trek hybrid bike with 32mm tires.

Starting at the Montgomery County line, the trail now has a packed cinder surface except for just a couple isolated areas. There is ample room for two bikes to pass each other. Yes, they have also erected signs at key points. If you're on a bike you have to slow down or stop to read them, but at least they're there. The crossing of 724 at Monocacy Creek Road is much safer now too; the slopes on both sides are now paved to help prevent spinning and wipeouts. I would still recommend dismounting, however, for lesser-skilled cyclists.

There is about a 1/4-mile stretch at the Ugly Mug Tavern that is still a virgin trail, for some reason. But stay with it, and you'll be back on the "real" trail in no time. The bike/walk path now goes past the baseball field in Birdsboro to Armorcast Road, which is rougher than the trail, if you can imagine that. Hopefully they will either resurface that street, or, pave over the sidewalk and make it a shared trail.

Make a right and a quick left on 724, and you will see "Bicycle PA" signs with SRT on them. These signs will take you on the paved part of the trail, which is actually Old Schuylkill Rd/River Rd. It gives a nice break to cyclists with narrower tires.

At Gibraltar, it's back to cinders, and it's marked too. This section will take you into Reading. There is pavement on this section where deemed appropriate. The only caveat here is watch for blind turns. A few signs to indicate that wouldn't hurt.

As of August 2008, only between the Brentwood trail head and the bridge at RACC (Reading Area Community College) was the surface still not upgraded. But I would assume they are working on that as time and resources permit.

I can make the trip one way west in about 75 minutes. Going east with a tail wind, knock 5-8 minutes off that.

No, it's not the same thing as the Montgomery County trails, but give Berks County credit. Slowly but surely they're getting there. At least now the Thun Trail looks like a public parkway instead of a path to nowhere.


View Larger Map

Bike Rack Finalists Announced in NYC Competition

New York City's CityRacks Design Competition announced its 10 finalists yesterday and installed 9 prototypes in Astor Place (others will be placed around the city). We blogged about this competition back in May. The designs look wonderful; fresh and utilitarian at the same time. Only one design was for multiple bikes suitable for a bike corral, the rest are single sidewalk racks. The designs are to be tested by the public to see how they hold up. A jury will pick a final winner later this month. Check out a summary of the press conference and photos by Inhabitat. We salute NYC for taking the initiative to find innovative designs and re-invent the sidewalk rack and look forward to Philadelphia getting this creative.

Putting the SEPTA Rail Car to the Test

We brought a bike down to track 0 at Suburban Station today to see if we could place a bike on the new Silverliner V train mock up.

There are two sets of doors a high platform and a door with a trap for the low platform stations. To the left of the doors were two fold up bench seats which is the wheelchair priority areas. The good news is that a standard sized bicycle can fit in each space fully extended.

We are still hopeful that tie-downs will be included in the final design of the railcar as per the 2005 Technical Specifications Document . With tie downs and no wheelchairs occupying the space it would be possible to fit 4 bicycles in each rail car.

DRPA Corrects Sign Surprise - It's still closes at 8PM

Delaware River Port Authority has contacted us saying that the 7PM sign change was a mistake.

This is not the first time that signs have posted incorrect information, last fall signs were posted stating that the walkway would close at 6 the Port Authority corrected the signage after inquiries by the Bicycle Coalition.

From BF Bridge

9:33 AM

From BF Bridge

9:35 AM

Welcome Back North Walkway!

Yes with little fanfare the Ben Franklin Bridge North Walkway has reopened,

DRPA put icing on the cake this morning by also dialing back the walkway hours to 7PM. In fact newspaper reports specifically stated last week that the 8PM closure time would continue.



100_5626
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

October 10 - Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day

"Drive as if Your Life Depends on It"

Did you know nearly 118 of our fellow citizens, almost all of whom are someone's friend, family and most beloved become a statistic each day? They are dying in tragic, and some of the most preventable accidents on our nation's roadways.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day was initiated by many partner organizations who are working to lower this statistic. Our efforts to reduce fatalities address the need for improvements to our roadways, our vehicles and basic driver behavior. You too can become involved to promote the reduction of fatalities by utilizing information on this web site. Please mark October 10, 2008 on your calendar "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day." Tell your co-workers, family members and friends to do the same.

We hope you will join us in making a special commitment to reducing fatalities and become involved by changing your driving habits and encouraging others to do the same. We must change our driving habits as evidenced by statistics that indicate nearly 43,000 traffic fatalities occur every year. That's about 118 fatalities every single day--one fatality every 12 minutes.

For more information about Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day go to: http://www.brakesonfatalities.org

Philadelphia Hires New Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator

Mayor Nutter’s Office of Transportation and Utilities has hired Charles Carmalt for the position of Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator. Thank you Mayor Nutter for fulfilling this campaign promise and filling this position!

Carmalt joined the Office with 35 years of transportation planning experience. His career included both private and public sector work. For the last nine years, he ran his own consulting firm where his projects placed special emphasis on the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. As a volunteer he has been an active member of the NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council and as the Lawrence Township representative for the Mercer County Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force.

His role at the City will be to coordinate all activities that impact the quality of the urban environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. His responsibilities will range from assisting on the Planning Commission’s forthcoming Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan to helping build relationships with outside agencies like the Philadelphia Parking Authority in order to expand and improve our bicycle parking options.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia heartily welcomes Charles to this new position and we look forward to working with Charles to make Philadelphia a more bicycle-friendly city.

Meanwhile in the Other Corner of the State...

...the political attacks on bicycling continue. Biking, walking and even personal sacrifices are apparently seen as wacky ideas in
PA's 3rd Congressional District.

The target is Democratic nominee Kathy Dahlkemper who is challenging incumbent Phil English. Neither campaign site lists bicycling and walking as an issue.

Biketoberferfest

Eat, drink and be merry at the inaugural Philadelphia Biketoberfest.
Celebrating autumn with our favorite things…bikes, brats, beer and friends!
Be the first to taste the new Biketoberfest seasonal brew by Dock Street Brewery.

Join the fun and support the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
at the home of Dock Street Brewery and Firehouse Bicycles.
Corner of 50th Street & Baltimore Avenue
on Sunday, Oktober 19th
2:00-6:00

Tickets are limited and are available for $25 at www.bicyclecoalition.org.
Entry price includes a food ticket and a souvenir Biketoberfest pint glass. Cash bar.

Click Here for more information.

"Tax Break" For Bike Commuters Passes

From the League of American Bicyclists:

Bicycle Commuter Tax Provision Passes House and Senate (10.03.08) After seven long years, the bicycle commuter tax provision has finally passed both the House and Senate as part of the financial bailout package. President Bush said that he would quickly sign the $700 billion bailout bill. Thanks to all of you around the country who have contacted your congressional leaders over the years, and also thanks to Congressman Blumenauer and Senator Wyden for their continued insistence on having this benefit provided to bicycling Americans. Keep checking back here as we work on the implementation process.

Bill was signed into law by President Bush at 2:48 PM.

Trashing the Bicycle Commuter Act

Bicycles are in the headlines today, but not in a good way. Bicycle Commuter Act is tied into the Tax Bailout Bill lumping bicycle commuters with Rum Makers and tax breaks for NASCAR.

They are labeling the Bicycle Commuter Tax Break as Pork, does this mean that Transit Check and commuter parking benefits are also Pork?

The cost of the federal government is expected to be about $10 Million a year, far less than the 2003 expense level of $136 Million a year for commuter parking benefits and $114 Million for Transit Benefits.

Rush Limbaugh ranted about this yesterday.

CNN report

Ben Franklin Bridge Access Switches to Dreaded North Walkway

With bridge painting nearly complete on the north side of the bridge the Delaware River Port Authority will be closing the south walkway and opening the north walkway on Monday October 6.

The north walkway is less desirable because it narrows into a 3-4 ft wide cattle chute on the Camden Side of the bridge. It is also less convenient to get to the walkway from the historic district as you either have to use 5th St tunnel and double back to the entrance or carry your bike down and up the stairs of an underground pedestrian tunnel. Use of pedestrian tunnels are also required on the Camden side to get to Rutgers, the RiverLINE or Walter Rand Transportation Center.

There is a silver lining riding into Philadelphia is easier as you don't enter the street network facing traffic.

Ocean City and Doylestown Earn BFC Honorable Mentions

The Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is an awards program that recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. The League of American Bicyclists administers the Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign.

Once again no community in the region has earned bicycle friendly community status. Philadelphia received an honorable mention in 2006, in 2008 Doylestown and Ocean City were the latest to receive an honorable mention from the BFC Board.

This designation is one with real meaning—it is difficult to earn and important to renew. There are now 96 awarded communities in 32 states. Since the program’s inception in 2003, 245 communities have applied. “In this round, 10 communities were given honorable mentions,” Clarke said. “It is important to recognize communities as they begin to build bicycle friendliness into their network. But a designation only goes to communities with established records in two or more of the five categories.”

The five categories local and national reviewers look at are:

Education: Does the community have systems in place to train children and adult cyclists?

Engineering: Are bicyclists included in the city’s transportation plan?

Enforcement: Do police officers understand and enforce bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities?

Encouragement: Does the community participate in Bike Month, offer bike rodeos, host community bike rides, or otherwise encourage cycling?

Evaluation: Does the community have methods in place to ensure their bicyclist programs are making a difference?