Cynwyd-Ivy Ridge Trail Walk Tomorrow

Saturday February 28th meet at 10AM at the SEPTA Ivy Ridge Station on Umbria St, Manayunk. R6 Train from Center City arrives at 9:47 AM.

Bring your bike and explore the planned Cynwyd-Ivy Ridge trail that will use the old R-6 line from the Ivy Ridge Station over the Manayunk Bridge to Cynwyd and down to the Tow Path Bridge and Penncoyd bridge to reach Manayunk.

For more information, go to this page and scroll all the way down to view a postcard about the walk and a map.

Sign the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail Petition

Last night's presentation at the Academy of the Natural Sciences was an overwhelming success. Thanks to Sarah Clark Stuart, Loree Jones, Joe Syrnick, Gina Snyder, Chris Leswing and Chris Kingsley for putting together a first class presentation.

You can see the full presentation and sign the petition to complete the trail in Philadelphia and Lower Merion by going to completethetrail.info.

Bring your bike to explore the Cynwyd-Ivy Ridge Trail on Saturday, February 28 at 10am. Meet at the Ivy Ridge Station.

Burlington County Bus Service to Raise Fares 150%

Effective Monday BurLink the (mostly) bike accessible bus service in Burlington County NJ is doubling fares as of Monday March 2. For those who want to transfer to NJ Transit buses or the RiverLINE the free transfer will become 50 cents-effectively raising the fare from $1 to $2.50, a 150% increase.
















This is an ironic twist in the stimulus bill. Congress pours billions into capital funding in fact SEPTA has $200 Million lined up for infrastructure improvements. But the operations funding required to keep the buses running (and bus drivers employed) amounted to zero. The service already suffered through a round of service cuts last year. The downward spiral has begun.

I'm a fan of BurLink, there are not many wild places left in our region and there are even fewer ways to get there. But BurLink's B1 Bus runs hourly from the Beverly RiverLINE stop to Country Lakes Estates which is about 2 miles from the entrance to Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Just beware of sugar sand if you plan on mountain biking.

Completing the Schuylkill River Trail to Create the Region’s First Green Transportation Corridor

Completing the Schuylkill River Trail to Create the Region’s First Green Transportation Corridor

a Town Square Series forum

Location: Academy of Natural Sciences
Date: Thursday, February 26^th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Refreshments from 6-6:30pm; Panel begins at 6:30pm)
RSVP: rwall@ansp.org

The Schuylkill River Trail is an extremely popular and heavily used recreational asset and commuter route. It also has the potential to be much more: a connector between a variety of Philadelphia neighborhoods and suburban neighbors, the region’s first green transportation corridor for multiple communities, a strong catalyst for economic development, and a critical access point to open space and commuting paths for underserved neighborhoods.

To be complete, the trail has critical gaps that need to be filled, and it needs to be extended southward, northward and into more neighborhoods. There are nine trail projects that, if constructed, would complete Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River Trail from Delaware County to Montgomery County. The Forum will detail the public benefits of a completed trail and describe the planned trail segments to make the case for the Greater Philadelphia region and its elected officials to work together to make these trail segments a priority and to fund their construction.

The organizations from the non-profit, development corporation and public sectors working together to articulate the vision for a completed and connected Schuylkill River Trail in the Greater Philadelphia Region include Schuylkill River Park Alliance, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Schuylkill Project, Manayunk Development Corporation, East Falls Development Corporation, Roxborough Development Corporation, Friends of Ivy Ridge Trail, Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Bartram’s Garden and Fairmount Park.

Introductory Remarks:

Curtis Jones Jr., Philadelphia City Council, 4^th District

Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor, Office of Transportation and Utilities

Mark Focht, Executive Director, Fairmount Park

Panel:

Sarah Clark Stuart, Schuylkill River Park Alliance

Loree D. Jones, Executive Director, Manayunk Development Corporation

Joseph Syrnick, President, Schuylkill River Development Corporation

Gina Snyder, Executive Director, East Falls Development Corporation

Christopher Leswing, Assistant Director, Planning Supervisor, Lower Merion Township

Now Rocky Can Park His Bike

We spotted 8 new bike racks today in front of the Art Museum Steps. Thanks to the Philadelphia Streets Department and Fairmount Park for the installation and the inverted U racks.

Talking Points For Tonight's US 422 Corridor Study Meeting

Tonights Route 422 Meeting at MCCC Pottstown - from 6:30-9 p.m. in the community room of the West campus of hosted by the Montgomery County Community College, 101 College Dr

1 - Corridor Communities update their master plans to require complete streets

• Identify gaps in sidewalks in non-rural areas
• Identify solutions to crossing 422 on foot or bike
• Identify bicycle improvements, especially where barriers exist
• Require bike parking in business districts and new commercial construction
• Traffic calming plans
• Safe routes to schools plans
  

2 - Connect and coordinate existing SEPTA, BARTA and Pottstown Urban Transit services

• Service extensions to Exeter, Birdsboro and Boyertown
• Bike racks on all buses

3 - Supplement or enhance Capitol Trailways Pottsville/Reading - Philadelphia commuter bus service

• Serve US 422 locally from Reading to Pottstown (local stops)
• Use Bus Wrap to identify commuter buses place schedules on BARTA and SEPTA websites
• Install bike racks on buses

4 - Complete the Schuylkill River Trail and integrate into the regional travel network

• Final product - A seamless, well maintained, paved shared use path from Center City Philadelphia to Reading with good on street access to nearby destinations

Upcoming Meetings That Bicyclists Should Attend

The second half of February will be very busy for concerned cyclists

Feb 15 - 21:
Sunday - 4th Annual Delaware County Environmental Summit- John Heinz NWR
Monday - Chester County Cycling Coalition Meeting - West Chester
Tuesday - US 422 Corridor Meeting-MCCC Pottstown; Delaware County Committee Meeting-Lansdowne
Wednesday - Camden County Trail Plan Meeting - Somerdale Municipal Building; US 422 Corridor Meeting - Oaks Elementary School, Oaks., Lower Merion BOC - Review of Cynwyd Trail Master Plan, Lower Merion Township Building

Feb 22 - 28:
Tuesday - Camden County Trail Plan Meeting - Lindenwold Community Center
Wednesday - Camden County Trail Plan Meeting - Berlin Community Center
Thursday - Completing the Schuylkill River Trail to Create the Region's First Green Transportation Corridor - Academy of Natural Sciences

For more information check out the BCGP's Calendar in the right sidebar of this blog

Stimulus - $825 Million in Transportation Enhancement Money

Thanks to everyone who called their Senators and Representative. The final draft of the stimulus bill sets aside 3% of the of the total transportation funding ($27.5 billion) for Transportation Enhancements. The House originally proposed 1.3 Billion and the was no money set aside in the Senate version.

The House and Senate will probably vote on the bill Today and Tomorrow respectively and signed by the President on Monday. It ain't over till the President signs so keep those fingers crossed.

One question that we are asking is how is this money going to be spent. Will it simply be used to fund the backlog of existing projects (many have been plagued by cost overruns) or will there be a call for new projects.

One More Time - Support Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill

Join The America Bikes Coalition to Protect Transportation Enhancement Funding

The House and the Senate have each passed their own version of the Economic Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Both bills include billions for transportation infrastructure, but only the House bill includes funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the Transportation Enhancements program.

The House Bill includes approximately $1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60% is traditionally spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Senate Bill does not explicitly include Transportation Enhancements, so its unclear whether this funding will be in the final bill.

This week there will be a conference committee where several members of the House and several members of the Senate will work together to reconcile the two bills. Conferees need to hear that Transportation Enhancements are important to stimulating the economy, creating green jobs, and moving us towards a sustainable future.

Please call your Senators and Representative and urge them to tell the Conferees to support Transportation Enhancements in the Economic Recovery bill.

Call Your Senators
Pennsylvania - Specter (202) 224-4254, Casey (202) 224-6324
New Jersey - Menendez (202) 224-4744, Lautenberg (202) 224-3224

Type in your Zip Code to find your Local Representative

Safe Passing Legislation - Contact Your PA State Representative

We have an opportunity in this legislative session to pass a bill that will improve bicycling safety in Pennsylvania. HB2689 from last session was initiated by the Bicycle Access Council and included a provision that would require motorists to allow at least 4 feet when passing a bicyclist.

The prime sponsor, Rep. Ron Miller, is reintroducing this bill very soon. It is important to have a bill co -sponsored by many of the 203 House members. As of February 6th, there were only 6 co - sponsors.

Please contact your state representative. A sample letter follows but if you have had a personal experience with a vehicle being driven too close to you or a “right hook”, consider sharing that with your legislator as well.

HB2689 can be viewed at http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/session.cfm

Go to bill information and select 2007-2008 session and enter HB2689.

Contact your House member here

or click on the map below

SAMPLE LETTER/EMAIL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rep. _ _ _ _ _ _

I support legislation that is being introduced by Rep. Ron Miller that will require motorists, when changing lanes is not possible, to give at least four feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. It also requires a motorist who is making a right turn not to interfere with a bicyclist who is traveling straight. This is the same legislation as HB2689 from last session.

Your co-sponsorship of Rep. Miller’s legislation will be greatly appreciated.

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


















To find your State House Representative:

• Click on the map
• Zoom in to your local area
• Select State Assembly/Lower Legislature Districts.

Support Trails in Springfield Township

If you're a Springfield Township (Montco) resident we really need your help again this Wed. evening Feb. 11th., 8pm at the Township Building 1510 Paper Mill Rd in Wyndmoor.

This Wednesday night the Springfield Township (Montgomery County) Commissioners will consider a resolution to support the development of cycling, hiking and walking trails in Springfield Township.

The Board will appreciate your public comment on the issue of trails (Cresheim Trail) in Springfield Township.


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DeMint Amendment Defeated

From the League of American Bicyclists:

Great news that the DeMint amendment to prohibit stimulus funds going to bike and ped projects was unsuccessful - thank you to all of you who called your Senators!

This also served as a good warm up for the big ask. We will be getting the public alert for you to help spread later today. We do ask that you all help get the word out as soon as the bill passes the Senate (expected to happen Tuesday...but it is the Senate and politics). Again, be looking for our alert language later today.

NEW - Bike Radio Talk Show on WIFI AM

Listen to yours truly on Wednesday Feb 11 at 7:45 - 8PM on the debut of the John Strait Cycling Show on WIFI 1460 AM. We'll be talking about the Bicycle Coalition and the issues of the day.

The low power station is based in Florence Township, NJ and can be heard in much of Burlington County, SE Bucks and Northeast Philadelphia. The station is streamed on the internet here.

Made In Philadelphia - Haley Trikes

Yes I have seen them around town from time to time, like this one at 2nd and Race, but it took this wonderful article on the PennLive website to learn that the hand made Haley Tricycles are built right here in Philadelphia.

Their basic model even comes in under $1000.

Pedicab Leaving Town

Click on image to Enlarge

West Mount Airy Neighbors Traffic Calming Forum

Join the West Mount Airy Neighbors on Thursday, February 19, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at Summit Presbyterian Church, corner of Greene and Westview Streets. This month's meeting centers around Taking Back Our Streets--Cars, People, and Pavement with special guest Gary Toth of Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org). Come learn about how our community can develop a street network that is safer and has less congestion, while also promoting walking, bicycling, transit, healthy watersheds and the use of streets as public spaces for social interaction and community life.

The Church is a few blocks from the SEPTA R8 Line Carpenter or Upsal Train Stations as well as bus routes H and 23.


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Action Alert - Kill The DeMint Amendment To Ban Bike/Ped Spending in Stimulus

Here is another very important Action Alert regarding the Stimulus Bill.

TAKE ACTION

Senator DeMint (R-SC) has offered an amendment to SPECIFICALLY prohibit funding for bicycles, walking and offroad vehicles. The amendment ONLY goes after bicycle, walking, and offroad vehicle funding.

The Amendment has been offered but not introduced. We do not have a schedule for when this will be introduced and voted on, but we need to alert all Senators to urge them to vote against such amendments and ensure that funding for bicycle infrastructure remain eligible under the transportation funds provided in the stimulus package.

--

In other news it appears that Transit cuts have been saved - From T4America:
UPDATED: (7:30 p.m. 2/6/09) A source claims that that the Senate agreement reached this afternoon contains NO changes for the transit or highway amounts, with the intermodal competitive grants and high-speed rail both cut in half. No change for Amtrak. In light of this development, we recommend halting calls on the possible $3.4 billion cut to transit. We’ll have the final word tonight or tomorrow.

Schuylkill River Trail Forum - Feb 26th 6:30 PM

Completing the Schuylkill River Trail to Create the Region's First Green Transportation Corridor.

Learn how completing the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia will connect neighborhoods and transit while stitching together the region's trail network.
















A trail on the Manayunk Viaduct?

A Town Square Series forum

Location: Academy of Natural Sciences
Date: Thursday, February 26th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
RSVP Requested Click Here

KENSINGTON KINETIC SCULPTURE DERBY SEEKS ENTRIES!

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Calling all artists, bike fanatics, community members, and friends! The 3nd Annual Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby, which will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival is now seeking entries! The Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby, sponsored by NKCDC, celebrates art and human-powered transit by pitting mobile sculptures against one another along a three mile urban obstacle course of cobblestones and mud pits through the Kensington and Fishtown neighborhoods. Sculptures aren’t the only things on parade though. This event also showcases the diversity of some of our neighborhood’s sustainable businesses - our local businesses on parade!

There will be a MEET N GREET to learn more about the event, find potential teammates, register, ask questions, etc. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28th 2009 from 2-4pm @ the Philadelphia Brewing Company-2439 Amber St. Free, open to all.

For additional information on the Debry please visit our website.

South Jersey School District Wants to Buy the Farm

This is probably the most blatant plan for School Sprawl that I have ever seen.

The Gloucester County Times reports that the Kingsway School District is looking at 3 parcels of land for its new middle school. The district say that a new school is needed to meet the needs of a growing student population would require between 65 to 100 acres if the forecast trends in population growth continue. One of the sites being looked at is an entire dairy farm.

Really?

But an interesting line at the end of the article reflects the reality of a collapsed housing market: "We've seen a significant slowdown in construction permits," Woolwich (Township) Mayor Joe Chila said. "This past month there are only two new houses that started."

Perhaps the township and the school district should take advantage of the slowdown to come up with a smart and sustainable land use plan that includes properly siting a school.


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The dairy farm site as seen from the NJ Turnpike

Question What does Roanoke and Birmingham Have that Philly Doesn't?

Answer: Pedicabs

Yes we are the backwater of hired transportation. Today's Metro highlights the story of how Chariots of Philly was run out of town by L&I and an unkown entity who complained about the service at Eagle games.

Meanwhile look at today's entries on Google News

A pedicab puts the city up really close (NYC)
Philadelphia Inquirer, Travel Section - Feb 1, 2009

Pedicabs Beat DC Gridlock
CBS News, NY - Jan 19, 2009

Bike Taxi's May Be In Birmingham's Future
CBS42

Customers on board with pedicab service in Roanoke
WDBJ7.com, VA - Jan 28, 2009

If you haven't before do so now Sign the Petition to bring back pedicabs to Philadelphia.

Video of Millville NJ Sidewalk Bike Arrest

Click on the image to see the video

From the Courier Post - Sheila Stevenson was arrested on Feb. 3, 2008, on the 500 block of North 2nd Street in Millville, NJ for riding on the sidewalk. Stevenson's arrest, captured on dashcam footage from the officers Police car, is at the heart of a lawsuit filed by the woman against Millville Police officers.

Full Story

The officer made a statement at the end of the story that included this line: "She was charged with a city ordinance violation for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in the arts district, a traffic summons for failure to keep right on a bicycle..."

Moorestown Bicycle Safety Task Force Resolution

TOWNSHIP OF MOORESTOWN, NJ
RESOLUTION NO. 41-2009
ESTABLISHING AND APPOINTING
A BICYCLE SAFETY TASK FORCE

WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to promote bicycle safety initiatives in the Township of Moorestown; and

WHEREAS, the Township Council desires to establish a Bicycle Safety Task Force and to appoint members to same; and

WHEREAS, the Task Force shall be comprised of residents, bicycle advocates, and staff; and

WHEREAS, the objectives of the Task Force shall be to:

1. Research and recommend bicycle safety initiatives for the Township of Moorestown.

2. Research and recommend educational programs and ways to promote bicycle safety.

3. Further research and develop a recommended action plan to implement a safe and convenient bicycle network throughout the Township; and

4. Set forth other objectives based on models already being implemented throughout the region and the State.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Moorestown, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, does hereby create a five (5) member Bicycle Safety Task Force to perform research and make recommendations on ways to implement bicycle safety initiatives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following persons shall be appointed:

Pete Sklarow (Resident)

Mike Zickler (Resident)

Bonnie MacMillan (Resident)

Richard Callhoun (Resident)

John Boyle (Bike Coalition)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee shall designate one member from the members appointed to act as Chairperson of the Task Force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Manager shall be designated as support staff to assist the Task Force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall within three (3) months or as soon thereafter present is final report of findings and recommendations to the Township Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Township Council shall automatically dissolve the Task Force upon acceptance of a final report of recommendation.

The Resolution was passed unanimously on January 26th

What is Street Code?

Street Code, is an agenda comprised of legislation, policy , enforcement and localized advocacy and education that explicates a collective understanding of how street users should interact:

• Drivers must always yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and obey relevant traffic laws
• Cyclists must always yield to pedestrians, and follow relevant traffic laws
• Pedestrians must follow relevant traffic laws

Northern European Countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Sweden employ street code type systems. Traffic fatalities per capita in those countries run about 1/4 of the rate in the US.

Engineering,, education and enforcement are all key supporters for a good street code. An example of this is "Strict Liability", supported in law in the Netherlands, leads to driver's insurance being deemed to be responsible in a collision between a car and a cyclist. This makes car drivers very wary of bicycles. However bicyclists are expected to obey the law there and bicycle safety education in the Netherlands is compulsory.