Trophy Bikes Bike Theft Survey

In preparation for a possible meeting with the Philadelphia Police Dept. Trophy Bikes is surveying cyclists on their experiences with bike theft.

Click here to take the survey.

The survey consists of 20 mostly multiple choice questions and should take about 5 minu

Folding Bikes On Amtrak and Peak Hour SEPTA Trains

Yes Amtrak allows folding bicycles, the official policy states:

Folding bicycles may be brought aboard certain passenger cars as carry-on baggage. Only true folding bicycles (bicycles specifically designed to fold up into a compact assembly) are acceptable. Generally, these bikes have frame latches allowing the frame to be collapsed, and small wheels. Regular bikes of any size, with or without wheels, are not considered folding bikes, and may not be stored as folding bikes aboard trains.

You must fold up your folding bicycle before boarding the train. You may store the bike only in luggage storage areas at the end of the car (or, in Superliners, on the lower level). You may not store bikes in overhead racks.

Not every conductor is familiar with the rules and from time to time some passengers have had problems, we recommend carrying this page change order from the official Amtrak On- Board Operations Manual. Download the PDF and either print it or store it in your PDA.

Amtrak Policy

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Regional Rail

Folding bikes are also allowed during rush hours on Regional Rail. Even during the off peak times taking a folding bike on regional rail makes sense. Make sure you pick trains where you have room to sit with your bike, which must be folded at all times.

Folding bikes that have luggage rollers on them are the best ones to carry on to trains. A tough conductor will may force you to fold your bike and you may wind up carrying your folder down a narrow aisle. These rollers are often located on the rear rack and you can push the bike along with the saddle (like the Breezer i3 in the photo).

While folders are generally more expensive some retail in the $250 - 400 range. Breezer, Downtube and Dahon all offer low cost models.

Transportation Enhancements Missing in Senate Stimulus Bill

As reported here in an earlier post, the passed House Stimulus Bill contains 1.2 Billion allocated for "Transportation Enhancements". However the January 27th draft of the Senate Bill specifically excludes transportation enhancements, not by name but specifically including related sections of US Code Title 23 Section 133 (d). This is how it was reported in Transportation Weekly a subscription based digest of congressional transportation legislation.

40 Percent of the remaining highway money is set aside to areas within a state based on population under 23 U.S.C. 133(d)(3) and 133(d)4. The draft bill singles out those paragraphs of title 23 and does no mention 133(d)(2), so it appear that the bill does not set aside any money for transportation enhancements (bike paths, nature trails etc.), unlike the house bill which set aside over $1 Billion for those purposes.

There was a strong campaign for The House to add $3 Billion for transit funding assistance, let's hope T4 America's watchdogs advocate for the preservation of Transportation Enhancements too.

Yikes Icy Trails

IMG_1639
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

It was slick going this morning on the ramps going up to Chestnut and Market St. Be careful out there.

The Schuylkill River Development Corporation and Fairmount Park have done a good job this winter laying salt on the SR Trail, let's hope that this continues, in the meantime use caution.

Taking Your Bike on Rapid Transit - Sub, El, PATCO and Rt 100

Frequent schedules and high platforms are the advantages of taking your bike on these lines. It is also easier to travel in small groups since cyclists can disperse on multiple rail cars.

ADA accessible stations offer the best bike access, in most cases you can roll your bike through a fare gate and take an elevator to the platform. Older turnstile stations with steps are still quite difficult for those who have trouble lifting their bike. Fixies and lighter road bikes work well on these old rail lines.

One mode of travel that can't take your bike along on is the trolley. Don't bother trying to take the 15, 101, 102 or Subway Surface (green) lines. Technically even your folding bike is not allowed, but this is rarely enforced. We would also like to see that rule abolished.

Broad St Subway (BSS) and the Market Frankford El (MFL) - Bikes are allowed at all times except weekdays 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM. All stations have high platforms but turnstiles are a barrier. Some stations have doors or wheelchair gates but you often have to signal to the token booth clerk to open it. They don't always cooperate.

On the El it is recommended that you stand in the vestibule on the left (port) side doors of the train as most of the station platforms are on the starboard side. Subway trains are wider and generally standing with your bike is not an issue.



Trying to force a full size bike into a wheelchair space on the Market Frankford El

Crowds can be a problem at any time, wait for the next train if you cannot safely board. Don't forget that on these lines SEPTA allows two bikes per car.

Norristown High Speed Line (Route 100)
Same hours as the El and Subway, however it is two bikes per train on weekdays and 5 bikes per train on weekends. Bicycles must move to the back of the train where there is more room. Access is generally easy although some stations have an inordinate number of steps.

On rare occasions drivers will ask where you are getting off and open the rear doors for you. Any operator that does this deserves a commendation comment to customer service.

PATCO High Speed Line
Overall PATCO offers the best access-modern faregates and smartcards. There are no time restrictions. 5 stations have elevator access 15th-16th Locust, 8th and Market, Broadway, Woodcrest and Lindenwold. Stairs are the only blemish at the other stations.

Rules are clearly marked on all trains, stand in the starboard side vestibule and be courteous.

Destinations
Schuylkill River Trail -
MFL to 30th St
Rt 100 to Norristown Transportation Center

Cobbs Creek Bikeway
MFL 63rd St

Navy Yard, Stadiums
BSS to Pattison

Cooper River Park
PATCO to Collingswood or Haddonfield

Taking Your Bike On NJ TRANSIT Trains

I am pressed for time today but I did want to quickly put out an overview of NJ TRANSIT trains.

RiverLINE - Bikes are allowed at all times, each rail car contains 3 vertical racks.
NE Corridor Line - Rush hour peak direction restrictions, new Comet V cars have tie downs for bicycles in the center vestibule.
Atlantic City Line - Bikes are allowed at all times if space is available. Use the wheelchair space which often has a special tie down rack (bungee cord is recommended, but your helmet chinstrap may work in a pinch)



Popular destinations
Atlantic City and Ocean Drive - Atlantic City Station
Delaware and Raritan Canal - NE Corridor Hamilton and New Brunswick Stations
also RiverLINE Cass St Station (Locks 1 and 2)

D&R Canal
Originally uploaded by Bikes on Transit

RiverLINE runs along the new section of the D&R Canal south of Trenton

Transit Part 2 - Taking Your Bike on the Bus

Regional Rail shuts out rush hour bicyclists and the two bikes per train limit can leave you waiting for another hour. On the other hand SEPTA's bus bike racks are still almost always available without rush hour restrictions, testy conductors or narrow rail car steps.

Rush hour bus options:

• Routes 9 ,27, 124 and 125 which all use the Schuylkill Expressway serve the NW neighborhoods of Manayunk and Roxborough work best for those who still want a speedy ride into town.
  


• Route C bus offers an alternate to the Broad St Subway


• Routes 21 and 42 substitute for the Market Frankford El going west to Upper Darby.


• Route 5 from the Front and Market Terminal runs every ten minutes to the Frankford Transportation Center for connecting buses to NE Philadelphia and Bucks County
  
  This Maine DOT Bike on Bus video is an excellent demonstration on how to use this rack.
  
  
  
  You may have also came across a slightly different model that uses a red crank instead of a retractable hook to hold the front wheel. SEPTA sometimes installs these as replacements. These racks seem to be slightly more prone to malfunction, one twist of the crank should hold the bike.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  NJ TRANSIT Buses
  
  Most NJ Transit buses also have bike racks, in fact NJT had bike racks in service several years before SEPTA.

  On longer routes NJ Transit employs MCI motorcoaches. These buses do not have bike racks, you need to place your bike into the luggage compartment.:

• When the bus stops walk over to the the luggage door nearest the front and pull out the latch to open the door.
• Place your bike in and push down the door to close, you have to push the latch in to secure it.
• When you deboard the bus make sure you tell the driver that you need to get your bike
• For shore routes consider off peak times during the summer as the bike will have to compete for space with luggage. Bikes are asked to load last and you could be stranded.

Popular Trail Destinations

SEPTA

• Perkiomen Trail - 93 to Collegeville
• Thun Trail (Berks County Schuylkill River Trail) 93 to Pottstown
• Valley Forge - 125 to the Valley Forge Visitor Center
• Pennypack Park Bikeway - 14-20-58 to Pennypack Park

NJ TRANSIT

• Ocean Drive (Cape May to Atlantic City Beach Road) - NJ TRANSIT 313-315-316-551
• Atlantic County Bikeway NJ TRANSIT 315 to Mays Landing
• Glassboro - Williamstown Bikeway NJ TRANSIT 315-400-408-412

NJ TRANSIT schedules are available on Google Transit

Tips for Taking Your Bicycle on Regional Rail

Bike access will be a bit easier when the Silverliner V cars go into service next year

This week we will be offering a few tips on taking your bicycle on public transportation.
Monday - Regional Rail and the subway lines
Tuesday - Bikes on Buses
Wednesday - NJ Transit Trains
Thursday - Subway, Market Frankford EL and the PATCO High Speed Line
Friday - Folding bikes on Amtrak and Rush Hour SEPTA Trains

SEPTA Regional Rail

For the basics read the official SEPTA Bike Rules here, we highly recommend that you print them and take them with you as not all SEPTA employees are well versed with the rules.

You may also want to check out the BCGP bikes on transit page here.

• The two bikes per train rule is well known, although the absolute enforcement of that varies from conductor to conductor. What is not well known is that up to 5 bicycles are allowed on weekends if there is sufficient room on the train.
  


• To proceed down the narrow aisles lift the front wheel up and roll the bike down the aisle. This makes it easy to maneuver and avoids other passengers getting hit by handlebars
  


• Try to use a station with a high platform if possible. Examples in the City include Temple U, University City, Fern Rock, Cheltenham, Chestnut Hill West and all Central Philadelphia stations.
  


• If you work or have errands in the suburbs SEPTA allows reverse commutes (outbound from Center City in the AM and inbound in the PM).
  
  
• If the wheelchair seats are not available then consider using the center seats, its like having a semi private car. If you run out of options then go all the way to the rear and stand with your bike in the aisle.
  


• The R7 to Trenton can get crowded on weekends, lots of frugal travelers with luggage. At these times we highly advise that cyclists traveling towards Trenton board at Market East at these times. On Wednesday we will talk a little about transferring from SEPTA to NJ TRANSIT to get to North Jersey, New York and beyond.
  

Several stations are convenient to trails including:

R1 Airport-Eastwick (John Heinz NWR)
R3 West Trenton -Yardley and West Trenton (Delaware River Canal Towpaths)
R5 Thorndale -Downingtown (Struble and Uwchlan Trail network)
R7 Trenton - Holmesburg Junction and
R8 Fox Chase - Fox Chase (Pennypack Bikeway)
R8 Chestnut Hill West - Chestnut Hill West (Wissahickon and Forbidden Drive)
R6 Norristown - All stations from East Falls to Norristown (Schuylkill River Trail)

Latest Stimulus Update - 1.3 Billion in Transportation Enhancements

According to the January 23rd AASHTO Journal the current markup passed by the House Appropriations Committee of the includes 1.3 Billion for Transportation Enhancements (TE). This is because 45% of the 29 billion highway dollars allocated would fall under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) of which 10% of that is required by law to be spent on transportation enhancements.
$29B (HWY)x .45 (STP)= 13 x .10 (TE) = $1.3 B

Current state estimates for the program include $59M for PA and $35M for NJ. money will be available to the states 7 days after the enactment of the law. Most projects need to be under construction in 4 months (but it might amended to 6 months) and the funds need to be obligated (essentially completed) by August 2010.

Transportation Enhancements represent the bulk of the stand alone bicycle and pedestrian projects although there are several other ways to spend the funds (such as transportation museums and highway landscaping).

A formal request was made by PENNDOT for $18 Million for the Chester Valley Trail although only the segment from PA 29 to Church Road in West Whiteland can go under construction in 120 days.

Other potential "shovel ready enhancements projects in PA include:

• Bicyclists Baltimore Pike and Old Baltimore Pike (two on-street bikeway projects)
• Pottstown Promenade

It may also be possible to use this money to fund projects already slated to begin construction this year such as the Falls Bridge to Wissahickon section of the Schuylkill River Trail. This could put money back into the pipeline to fund to other bicycle and pedestrian projects that are not "shovel ready".

There is no doubt that the bill will be marked up many times before it becomes law, in the meantime Rep. Boehner will have plenty of more chances to take another swipe at bicycles.

Bicyclists Killed In 2008

Philadelphia:
August 3rd, Olney
Male in his 40's-August 3rd-Struck by a drunk driver while crossing Roosevelt Blvd

Pennsylvania Suburbs -
May 30th West Goshen
Paul Halley - Killed by a drunk driver (BAC=0.26) on West Chester Pike

June 18th, Wayne
Max Brindle - Hit a Parked Car on Bloomingdale Ave

New Jersey -
January 30th, Pitman
Jagtar Singh - Killed by minivan while walking his bike on Woodbury Glassboro Rd

June 13th, Moorestown
Stanley Wang - Nicked by a opening car door and run over by a motorist on Main St

June 28th, Cross Keys (Monroe Township)
Brandon S Scholar - Struck by a pickup truck when trying to cross Black Horse Pike (Rt 42)

July 7th, Moorestown
Will Christianson - Struck by an elderly motorist on Camden Rd

July 24th, Pennsauken
Chris Bender - Struck and killed while trying to cross US 130

August 18th, Edgewater Park
Moises Membrano - Struck by a tractor trailer while trying to cross US 130

October 24th, Vineland
Gonzalo Sola - Struck by a motor vehicle at 6th and Park

The map below indicates media reports of bicyclists killed or injured. Our sympathies to the families of the fallen cyclists. Don't forget that once again on May 2oth the Bicycle Coalition will be hosting a Ride of Silence starting at the Art Museum at 7PM.


View Larger Map

Bicycle Ambassadors are Hiring!

Want to work for something you believe in? Want a rewarding and challenging new job? Want to work outside? Apply to be a Bicycle Ambassador!

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia manages a city-funded adult outreach and education program called the Bicycle Ambassadors. The Bicycle Ambassadors teach motorists and bicyclists to better share city streets by speaking face-to-face to members of the public. Teams of Ambassadors deliver bicycling expertise personally in demonstrations and conversations in public places, at community events and to local companies.

START DATE: May 4, 2009
LENGTH OF JOB: Through September 13, 2009
COMPENSATION: $10-$13 per hour, approximately 35 hours/week.

Preference will be given to applications received before 3/16/2009 at 5pm. Six Bicycle Ambassadors will be hired for the 2009 season. Please direct all questions to the Bicycle Ambassadors Coordinator Breen Goodwin.

Click here for the full Bicycle Ambassador Job Description.

Bike Valet At The Inauguration

Bike Valet
Originally uploaded by M.V. Jantzen

The newscasters at CNN were laughing about the Bike Valet back on Saturday during the 7 Hour Express Train ride from Philly. More than 2000 bikes were parked at two locations on the north and south side of the secure area.

Portland OR, Reports Zero Bicycle Fatalities in 2008

Bike Back the Night-20.jpg
Originally uploaded by BikePortland.org

BikePortland.org reported zero (0) bicycle fatalities in Portland in 2008. Could it be that paying attention to the needs of bicyclists and the presence of more bicyclists makes it safer for bicyclists?

Maybe, there have been several years since 2000 where Portland has hit the zero mark. But its not perfect in 2007 Portland recorded six traffic fatalities. Still a comparison of bridge counts suggest and census figures suggest that the city which is less than half the size of Philadelphia has about 4 times the bicycle traffic.

Portland DOT Traffic Safety Guru Grag Raiseman was quoted on BikePortland.org - “We are definitely seeing positive crash trends in Portland. All modes have seen reductions in crashes and fatalities over the past decade. 2008 was a potentially record-breaking year for having the lowest number of traffic fatalities on record in Portland"

Let's compare that to New Jersey doubling bicycling fatalities in 2008. Although it appears that a bicycle education campaign will be a priority for the Dept of Traffic Safety in 2009, a more holistic approach to reducing bicycle deaths by improving road conditions and strengthening aggressive driver laws does not appear to be on the horizon.

Bicycle Projects at the Bottom of PennDOT Wish List

Many thanks to Representative Babette Josephs who sent a letter to PennDOT Secretary Biehler asking him to release the list to the public. On January 16th, PennDOT issued its "Candidate Highway and Bridge Project for Expanded Federal Funding through Stimulus Legislation" list. Unfortunately, PennDOT does not make bicycle or pedestrian projects a priority. Its vision is limited to resurfacing roads and repairing bridges.


Out of 200+ projects, PennDOT recommends only one (1) bicycle project--the Chester Valley Trail for $18 million. Out of a set of projects that adds up to $1.5 Billion, PennDOT is proposing to spend 1.2% on enhancing one path for bicycling.


Only three Philadelphia projects are proposed: Platt Bridge ($18 M), ADA Ramps ($12M), Girard Point Bridge ($66M) totalling $96M; which is 6.4% of PennDOT's proposed projects. How is it that the state's largest city only warrants 6.4% of the state's spending on infrastructure? This proposal lacks creativity and vision of a green transportation infrastructure.


How will Pennsylvania ever reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles if it only rebuilds roads and doesn't build and extend new bike paths? How will Pennsylvania encourage more people to bike or walk to work or for short trips? It is deplorable that Pennsylvania is not taking advantage of this great opportunity.

PA Bikes and Walks - A Virtual State Advocacy Group

PA Bikes and Walks is a statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Group. The group advocates for livable, complete streets and for the protection of vulnerable road users.

The Livable Streets Network is hosting the group site http://www.livablestreets.com/projects/pabikewalk

We also have a second group site on Facebook.

Public Bicycle Systems Demonstration A Success

Despite running a demonstration on the coldest days of the year scores of passers-by checked out PBS bikes for a spin around University City and Logan Square. As a bonus close to two hundred people attended the Streetfilms Movie Night at the Academy of Natural Sciences.


Public Bicycle Systems
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

Attendees included Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, State Representative Babette Josephs, NE Philly Chamber of Commerce President Al Taubenberger, former Streets Dept Engineer/bike lane champion Tom Branigan and Philadelphia Pedestrian Bicycle Coordinator Charles Carmalt.

Thanks to our new friends at Streetfilms - Lily Bernheimer, Clarence Eckerson Jr., Elizabeth Press and Robin Smith. Also thanks to the representatives from Public Bicycle Systems in Montreal and Minneapolis for standing in (and bringing us) the cold and finally Neighborhood Bike Works for providing valet bike parking.

Take Action!
Philadelphia can be the "Greenest City in America" by starting a bicycle sharing program and improving our bicycling infrastructure.
Send a Letter to Mayor Nutter!

Neighborhood Bike Work's MLK Day Service Project

Neighborhood Bike Work's Martin Luther King Day Service Project
Monday, January 19th
10:00 a.m.
3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia
REI is pleased co-sponsor Neighborhood Bike Work’s Martin Luther King Day Service Project. Volunteers are needed for multiple, fun, projects including painting signs, construction, sorting parts, and cleaning - knowledge of bikes is helpful, but not necessary. Neighborhood Bike Works is located at 3916 Locust Walk, on Penn's campus in University City. Light refreshments will be provided. Space for volunteers is limited – to learn more or volunteer contact Neighborhood Bike Works.

Bike Sharing Demo Tomorrow and Friday

For the anniversary of the Bike Share Movement in Philadelphia, an operational 3rd Generation bike share station and bicycles from Montreal's Public Bike System (PBS) will be on display and available for the public to try.

Originally uploaded by vincent.vulgati

Portable wi-fi driven and solar powered, Montreal's PBS relies on city funds not advertising dollars and can be moved as needed.

Come see these demonstrations:

Thursday, January 15, 2009 – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in University City at 36th and Walnut Streets at the Penn Book Store

Friday, January 16, 2009 – 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM in Center City on Logan Square in front of the Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy.

Don't forget the Bike Share/Streetfilms movie night at the Academy of N.S. begins at 6:30.

Dreaming of a Bicycle Friendly Spruce and Pine

The implementation of an east west bicycle route through Center City is a top priority of the Bicycle Coalition. But the lack of political will to remove street parking and/or travel lanes on city streets has been and remains a large hurdle that only strong public support can overcome.

The Pine and Spruce street pair have always stood out as potential candidates. They are mostly residential and small business so truck and bus traffic is lighter than on parallel streets. And they are simply great urban streets, architect Bob Thomas describes Spruce St in Center City as the 18th and 19th Century history of Philadelphia with colonial era homes in the east and the elegant brownstones in the west.


View Larger Map

Two quick and dirty concepts of Pine St involve removing one of the two travel lanes and replacing them with bike lanes:




















The first photo is a 6' bike lane with two feet added to the sidewalk and one foot added to the remaining lane. The second is a physically separated bike lane with a three foot buffer between the bike lane and the inside parking lane much like 9th Avenue and Grand St in Manhattan.


















There are other options of course that wouldn't involve lane removal, examples are signage, traffic calming and sharrows. Any or all these elements could be applied together to create a bicycle boulevard.

We welcome your thoughts on how to make Spruce and Pine bicycle friendly streets.

Inauguration Bicycle Plan

The WashCycle Blog has posted details of Inauguration Day bicycle access. The area shaded in red will be pedestrians only, but the area in blue will be bicycles, pedestrians and buses only (no automobile traffic). The Red markers are bridges that will be closed to bikes.

The bicycle markers are points where the Washington Area Bicyclists Association will be offering guarded bicycle parking.


View Larger Map


Taking your own bike into Washington on transit is always problematic. Amtrak only allows folding bicycles, boxed full size bicycles can be checked a day in advance of travel for $15 (only the early AM train has a baggage car). Chinatown buses are your only real option to bring a full size bike to DC.

In DC Metrorail will be banning bikes from Jan 17th to Jan 2oth but Metrobuses do have bike racks.

Look For Bicycle Commuter Vouchers In March

Commuter Check For Bicycling is coming!

Here is the program in a nutshell from the CommuterCheck.com website:

"We offer the Commuter Check for Bicycling voucher which makes participation a breeze. Your employer will first need to choose to offer the benefit (pre-tax deduction or an employer subsidy). Once you sign up with your employer to get the benefit, take the voucher you receive to any dedicated bicycle shop or bicycle parking or storage location to redeem your value. If your purchase is greater than the amount of the voucher you have, you can use multiple vouchers or add value with another credit/debit card."

There is an contact form for the Human Resources person at your workplace:
http://accorservicesusa.web101.hubspot.com/cc-for-bicycling-employer.
You can also have them call 1-800-531-2828

Accor Services USA (ASUSA) has added some additional guidelines for the program.

1. The voucher will be available for customers nationwide beginning in March, exclusively through www.commutercheck.com.

2. The maximum value will be $20; vouchers will be valid for 13 months.

3. These vouchers will be able to be used for the purchase of bicycles,
bicycle accessories, maintenance, and storage. Bicycle accessories
include pumps, locks, racks, lights, and safety gear but does not
include clothing and food products such as energy bars.

4. The bike shop or service provider must be registered with ASUSA to accept the vouchers. The League of American Bicyclists and the National Bicycle Dealers Association are working on outreach to the shops.

For more information about the Commuter Benefit program visit the League of American Bicyclists website.

The Boxers Trail Opens Up East Fairmount Park

View Larger Map

The Boxers Trail is a newly improved network of paths in East Fairmount Park beginning at Strawberry Mansion and winding past Woodford, Laurel Hill the trail then becomes gravel and follows a cascading stream before following the contours of the East Fairmount Park escarpment down to Fountain Green Drive where a new traffic signal on Kelly Drive enables a connection to the Schuylkill River Trail. The trail becomes a paved sidepath over to the Smith Playhouse and ending at the Disc Golf Course near 33rd St.

Bike Sharing and Streetfilms Movie Night

For the Anniversary of the Bike Share Movement in Philadelphia, an operational solar powered 3rd Generation Public Use Bicycles Station and Bicycles from Public Bike Systems will be on display and available for the public to try for two days.

Demonstrations will be held from 11 AM until 6 PM:

• Thursday, Jan 15th on Penn's Campus at 36th and Sansom and on
• Friday Jan 16th at the Academy of Natural Sciences

On Friday at at 6:30 PM the Academy will be hosting Streetfilms Movie Night! watch short films of innovative bicycling solutions from NY, Portland, Bogata and beyond.

Bike Share Philadelphia is looking for volunteers to help manage the demonstrations at Penn and on Logan Square, if you can spare a little time either day please contact Russell Meddin

Pedal Co-Op Offers Christmas Tree Pickup

The Pedal Cooperative, Philadelphia-based bicycle haulers, are offering Christmas tree removal. The fee is $1.00 per foot, so a 5 ft. tree would have a $5.00 charge. It’s truly a great and green way to dispose your Christmas tree. The trees collected by Pedal Co-Op will be used for composting. Sign up today by contacting Woody at pedalcoop@gmail.com.

In the city of Philadelphia, Christmas trees left on your curb will be collected with rubbish and sent to a landfill. If you wish to recycle or compost your tree, it will have to be delivered to the Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Center. For more information, click here.

For more information on the Pedal Cooperative and their services, please visit their website at pedalcoop.org or by calling (484) 222-1231.

Sign the Petition to Support Pedicabs in Philadelphia

Hi everyone,

I am writing to ask for your help for 30 seconds. I own Chariots of
Philly, a small business in Philadelphia that provides pedicab / bike
taxi / rickshaw rides. We started in 2003 in the neighborhood of
Manayunk but when we tried serving other areas of the city, we were
ordered to "Cease Operations" by the city. This past June we were
even banned from Manayunk.

Pedicabs are an environmentally friendly, affordable means of
transportation. They make Philly a better city for residents,
business owners, and visitors. Currently, Philadelphia has no
regulation that deals with this industry.

We have been forced to stop operating until City Council passes an
Ordinance which provides this regulation. My brother Tom has been
helping me try to get this regulation passed, but we have had trouble
convincing City Council that this is an important issue - so we need
your help!

Would you please click the link below and sign the petition asking
City Council to regulate pedicabs? If they realize that there are
many others that want pedicabs in Philly, they will pay more
attention to this issue. Please e-mail me ben@chariotsofphilly.com or
call me 267.307.7020 (cell) with any questions, and forward this e-
mail to everyone you know! Thank you for your help!!

Ben Dambman


http://www.petitiononline.com/pedicabs/petition.html

Weekend Fun - Crossword Puzzle

crosswordweaver.com

How much do you know about bicycle advocacy? Click on the image to get a printable jpeg. The solution is located here.

Ghost Bike Story in Today's Inquirer

6 YO Riley Boyle's memorial is highlighted on the MLK Drive path is highlighted in an Inquirer story about Ghost Bikes which are memorials for fallen cyclists.

There was only one reported death in the media in Philadelphia in 2008 although they generally miss a couple. I am going to assume until I hear otherwise that there were less than the 5 bicycle deaths in the city last year.

In New Jersey bicycle deaths in 2008 doubled in spite of a decline in total traffic fatalities.