Early Bird registration for TD Bank Bike Philly ends TODAY!

Yep, Bike Freedom Valley is over and now we are gearing up for TD Bank Bike Philly. Join us for the third annual event on September 13th. Enjoy a morning of biking on Philadelphia streets without cars and meander through Old City and hidden corners of Fairmount Park! Bike Philly offers distances to suit cyclists of all skills levels and ages.

Early registration ends today June 30. Click here to sign up at this rate by 11:59 tonight.

Contra-Flow Bike Lane in University City

Contra-Flow Bike Lane
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

A small segment of Civic Center Blvd hints at the first practical contra- flow lane in Philadelphia. The bike lane is part of the reconfiguration of Civic Center Blvd and Health Sciences Dr and should officially be opened later this year.

We've Moved

The Bicycle Coalition has officially moved to its new location at 1500 Walnut St, Suite 1107. The new office space is double the size of old crib allowing for its 6 full time employees to work in a comfortable environment with plenty of natural light and a view of One Liberty Place.




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Enough Already - Amish Buggy Crash Cites Need For Vulnerable User Law

Today's Philadelphia Inquirer recounts a horrible crash where a 19 Year Old driver slammed into an Amish Buggy which killed a young mother and the horse while critically injuring the father and an infant child on Route 41 a road with wide shoulders just east of the Lancaster-Chester County line.

There are a many thoughts in my mind as to how this type of crash can be been prevented: Lowering speed limits and traffic calming on rural roads adjacent to Amish populations, educating drivers to look out for vulnerable road users and having the State Police curtail speeders on these roads with radar. Believe it or not, local law enforcement in PA is forbidden to use radar.

Besides fixing that absurd law, the State Legislature can and should pass a vulnerable road user law which penalizes the driver that hits a vulnerable road user is subject to a fine and possible license suspension. A recent post on the Virginia Bicycling Federation blog sums it up well:

Whether the accident occurred through inattentiveness or incompetency, the driver doesn’t even merit a look by officials to see if they should continue to have a license. They are free to go back out and kill or injure someone else...

...would provide law enforcement with a useful tool for charging drivers who cause serious injury or death to other users of the public way. “I didn’t see him or her” will no longer be automatically excusable.

To our knowledge none of the recent bike crashes including the incident at MLK drive crosswalk and the Taxi that ran down a cyclist and took off on Broad Street has resulted in any sort of charges.



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Climate Bill Promotes Green Transportation

Today's House vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (the climate bill that is in the news today) is very important. In addition to being the first serious bill to mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, it will promote projects to make communities safer for bicycling and walking. The bill will provide states with 10% of "carbon emission allowances" to invest in energy efficient projects and 10% of that 10% can go towards green transportation projects.

Especially if you live in Congressman Jim Gerlach's or Joe Sestak's districts, Delaware Valley House members need to hear from you to vote yes on the bill. Please call the House switchboard 202-224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your Member of Congress. Tell the staff that you are a voter and that you support the Clean Energy and Security Act. You can also call their district offices. Don't know who your House Representative is? Easy, plug in your zip code on this site to find out.

Norristown Schuylkill River Trail Cleanup

A trail clean up is organized for Saturday, June 27 from 9am to 3pm along the trail in Norristown. Meet at the waterfront park (you can park there) at 60 Haws Avenue. Drive under the SRT and turn left. People will be up the trail from that location. Please RSVP to Phil Hoke philaware1@verizon.net Bring water, protection against poison ivy, gloves and tools.

NJ 3 Foot Passing Bill Goes To Vote in the State Assembly This Morning

UPDATE - This Bill Has Passed the State Assembly 78-1. This Bill's future in the State Senate is uncertain as there have been some concerns raised the Senate Transportation Committee.

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

From our Friends At the New Jersey Bicycle Coalition

NEW JERSEY BICYCLE COALITION
23 June 2009ALERT!

A-3912: Scheduled for NJ Assembly Vote on Thursday!
[Find Your Legislator]

A-3912, the New Jersey Assembly bill mandating at least a three foot buffer zone between bicycles and overtaking motor vehicles, is scheduled for an Assembly vote on Thursday, 25 June, at 11 AM.

Please contact your Assemblyperson as soon as possible and urge him or her to support this important legislation. You can find contact details for your representative here.The bill reads as follows:"An Act concerning the operation of motor vehicles in certain cases and supplementing Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:1. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle has safely passed the bicycle. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of $100.2. This act shall take effect immediately."

And Now the Second Cheapest Way to Cross the Ben Franklin Bridge

The South Jersey Transportation Authority is providing the "Waterfront Connection" shuttle bus between the Independence Visitor Center the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey.















KYW1060.com


At just two dollars round trip only the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway will offer a less expensive option. That's $4 less than the ferry and less than half the price of a round trip PATCO/RiverLINE ride, which requires two separate fares each way. Buy your tickets at the Independence Visitor Center, Battleship New Jersey box office or Adventure Aquarium box office. Tickets will not be sold on the bus.

Service runs every half hour between 10:30 and 6. Sorry no bike rack.

The South Walkway on the BF Bridge has been Reopened

No more cattle chute, tunnels or near death crossings of 6th St at Franklin Square. The South Walkway of the Ben Franklin Bridge has been reopened with a fresh coat of Ben Franklin Bridge Blue Paint (that is the official name of the color).

Safety on SRT in Montgomery County Update

The Montgomery County Committee of the Bicycle Coalition has coordinated an online incident report map (created by Jon Bringhurst--thank you Jon) for users of the Schuylkill River Trail. (The map can used for any section of the SRT). As mentioned before, always call 911 if you have been assaulted, injured in a crash, or if you see any criminal activity on the trail.

A trail clean up is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th from 9am to 3pm. Meet other bicyclists at the Citizens Bank Parking Lot adjacent to the trail at the intersection of Lafayette and Barbados Streets in Norristown. The bank address is 2 West Lafayette St., #110, Norristown, PA. Please bring your own tools (no chain saws). If you plan to come, please email jcerruti@comcast.net or philware1@verizon.net If you have questions, call Steve Scheetz at 610-636-8039

Philadelphia Makes the Courteous Driver Top 10 - Really?

Out of the 25 top Metro Areas in the Country - Philadelphia Ties For 7th Most Courteous Metro Area. The fourth annual In the Driver’s Seat Road Rage Survey, commissioned by AutoVantage, a leading national auto club, found that Philadelphia (tied with St. Louis) is the seventh most courteous city in terms of road rage, compared to 24 other major U.S. cities. That’s a slight change from last year’s 11th most courteous ranking.

Contributing to its improvement in the ranking, drivers in Philly (tied with Cleveland and Portland) ranked No. 1 as least likely to observe other drivers cutting over with little or no warning/notice. And they ranked No. 2 as least likely to observe other drivers following too close to another driver.

Full Report

A Youth Bike Program In Norristown?

Cyclist Lisa Graves has established a blog to facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources to help establish a bicycle related youth program in Norristown. http://norristowncyclists.wordpress.com.

She invites readers to submit ideas by posting in the comments section.

One possibility - Neighborhood Bike Works President Leland Mayne posted expressing interest in establishing a Norristown chapter if the resources and workspace can be found. NBW already has a chapter in Chester.

Completing the Schuylkill River Trail Gains Momentum

It's been a busy week for the campaign to "Complete the Trail." on Tuesday, the groups who have been working together on this issue have formed the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail Coalition which includes: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadephia, Schuylkill River Park Alliance, Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Bartram's Garden, Manayunk Development Corporation and Schuylkill Project, East Falls Development Corporation, Friends of Ivy Ridge Trail, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Fairmount Park and Schuylkill River Development Corporation.

On Thursday, the online petition hit 2500.

Also on Thursday, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a resolution, which unanimously passed, authorizing the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to "hold hearings and form a working group of City, state and federal lawmakers and interested parties to look for money to complete the Schuylkill River Trail."

On Friday, the State Legislative Joint Conservation Commission held a hearing at Drexel University chaired by Senator Ray Musto and Representative Kenyatta Johnson and attended by Rep. James Roebuck, Rep. Babette Josephs, Rep. Kathy Mandarino and Rep. Edward Young on completing the trail. It was very successful and we welcome the support of the Committee, its members and representatives from the districts that the trail goes through.

Update On The Recent Hit And Run Car-nage

Two communications regarding bicyclists who have been struck recently by hit and run drivers:

1 - A bicyclist who was struck at 6th and Spring Garden Evan Kelley, 21, suffered a broken fibula and tibia when he was struck by a car that immediately fled the scene last weekend.

Beef & Beer to benefit Evan and assist with hospital bills will take place tonight Friday, June 19, at Cafe Estelle (444 N. 4th St.). $20 for all you can eat beef brisket sammies and local draft beer. Here is a post on the benefit.

2 - Anger at Old City Cab is building for not penalizing the cab driver involved in a hit and run that seriously injured a cyclist has sparked an internet campaign to boycott the company:

Philadelphians,

Boycott Olde City Cab Co. until they come forth with the driver that hit Amanda Gillern.

Taxi hit and run accidents with cyclists in Philadelphia are becoming all too common, are often fatal and, in some cases, are left unresolved by the authorities. This is preventable if we as a community hold Cab companies and their drivers accountable for their reckless behavior.

Read the following article & please fwd, repost, Twitter, blog, ect. this simple but justified call for action.

As the article states and contrary to early reports Gillern suffern serious injuries. She remains at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Fair Condition with a punctured lung and broken neck, leg and ribs.

Not angry enough? Check out this video in Jersey City of a pedestrian struck last week by a hit and run motorist who ran a red light. Even more appalling - the bad behavior doesn't end with the crash, watch for more red light runners who make illegal right turns at the end of the video.

Let the Federal Transportation Bill Debate Begin!

Overshadowed by today's leading news on President Obama's health care proposals and plans to overhaul the nation's financial regulatory structure, a significant event occured yesterday and today with respect to the forthcoming federal Transportation Bill. Just as Representative Jim Oberstar (D-MN) (Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) was poised to release his transportation bill outline (many months in the making) at a press conference today, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced yesterday that the Administration was seeking an 18 month extension of the current legislation to replenish the Highway Trust Fund with some reforms; although specifics were few. The NY Times reported that Chairman Oberstar was "not too pleased with the Administration's proposal." T4America praised the outline of Oberstar's bill as being "transformational."

UPENN Says No To Bicycle Commuter Benefit

The University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia's largest employer has rejected requests from employees to set aside benefits for bicycle commuters.


The Human Resources department sent this statement out as a response to a recent inquiry:
Currently the University is unable to offer this deduction for its employees due to the technical and procedural challenges involved. However, given the University’s strong commitment to sustainable transportation, we plan to explore automated processes for assigning, verifying and processing this benefit that may enable us to provide this benefit to our employees at some future date.


While the law itself in its current form is poorly written and needs reform, I don't think anyone would believe this simple tax benefit is too complex for the Ivy League institution to figure out. In fact UPenn recently won an award for its commuter services programming and has been adding hundreds of bike parking spaces.

Norristown Area Media Coverage

Also there is this report on KYW - Police Patrols Stepped Up In Montco

We are really impressed at the level of response by the Borough and the County, volunteers are also working on a incident report form that will forwarded to the County and the Police which will be accessible through the BCGP website. In the meantime you can use our generic incident report form.

Finally if you are a little skittish about returning to the trail alone you can join us on Sunday for Bike Freedom Valley where you will have plenty of company and sag support.

June 19th Hearing on Completing the Schuylkill River Trail

On Friday, June 19th, the Joint Conservation Committee is convening a public hearing to gather information on the Schuylkill River Trail and garner support for State funding. The hearing is being held at the request of State Representative Kenyatta Johnson (186th District).

The hearing will be held from 9am-12noon at Drexel University's Paul Peck Center (32nd and Market Street).

Witnesses asked to testify include Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., Lower Merion Commissioner President Bruce Reed, Loree Jones of Manayunk Development Corporation, Mark Focht of Fairmount Park, Charles Carmalt of the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities, Kurt Zwikl of Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Chris Leswing of Lower Merion Township, Michael Stokes of Montgomery County and Sarah Clark Stuart of Schuylkill River Park Alliance/Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Close to 2400 people have signed the online petition in favor of Completing the Trail. Have you?

Two Hit and Runs Overnight - Technology May Help Find Offenders

A bicyclist was hit at Broad and Federal by an Olde City Taxi who fled the scene. The report on Fox 29 indicates that GPS devices installed on all medallian cabs may help catch the offending driver. Heavy rain at the time (1AM) may have been a factor.

At about the same time a pedestrian was struck crossing Roosevelt Blvd at Rhawn St in Northeast Philadelpia. Police are hoping that Red Light cameras at the intersection will lead them to a suspect.

Pennypack Trail Opening Ceremony

Pennypack Trail
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

Montgomery County Press Release:

ABINGTON — The Montgomery County Commissioners are pleased to announce the opening of a 2.4-mile segment of the Pennypack Trail, most of which runs through Lorimer Park. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 on the trail directly across Moredon Road from the parking lot for Lorimer Park.

Most of this segment of the trail lies within Lorimer Park and was converted from the abandoned Fox Chase-Newton Branch rail line.

It will eventually run 5.5 miles from Rockledge Borough to Huntingdon Pike in Abington and use a combination of trail and sidewalk connections through Lower Moreland, Upper Moreland and Bryn Athyn to connect to the Cross-County Trail.

The trail surface is crushed stone and appropriate for use by bicyclists, walkers/joggers and equestrians.

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Parkway Council Foundation Conducting Parkway Study

The Parkway Council Foundation is conducting a "study to develop a long-term strategy to bring more cultural institutions and activity to the Ben Franklin Parkway. One aspect of the this study is to get the opinions of residents and users of the Parkway."

They are holding a public meeting at Friends Select School on Tuesday, June16th from 6-8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.

It will be interesting to learn how this study will dovetail with Fairmount Park's plans to redo the two blocks (streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks) of 2000-2200 BFP and Logan Square Neighborhood Association's Logan Square Neighborhood Parkway Plan.

Norristown Police Seen Patrolling the Trail

A Norristown PD Police Cruiser was spotted traveling slowly down the Schuylkill River Trail (with the Blue and Red lights turned on) in Norristown. As accounted by a recent email:

I was heading east about 1/4 mile west of Haws Ave when I saw an NPD SUV coming toward me, with roof-mounted emergency lights flashing red and blue.

At first I thought it was an emergency. But when I realized that the NPD prowler was taking a leisurely westbound cruise (maybe 10 mph) along the SRT, it dawned on me that this is part of the NPD being visible, real VISIBLE on the SRT. THAT is the most law enforcement visibility I've ever seen on the SRT. I gave the officers a smile and wave, which was returned, as they drove off the trail to let me pass.

Many thanks to the Norristown PD for being pro-active, I hope at some point that a regular bicycle patrol could be justified.

Inquirer Endorses Complete Streets For Philadelphia

Saturday's editorial page of the Philadelphia Inquirer urged the Mayor to implement and enforce the city's new Complete Streets Policy

Editorial: Making life easier for bikers, walkers

One day, Philadelphia may live up to its reputation as a pedestrian-friendly city - a place where crossing signals no longer flash "Don't Walk" before you reach the other side, where construction crews aren't permitted to cordon off entire sidewalks, and where drivers don't get away with blocking intersections while waiting to turn on red...

...Now that Nutter has put pedestrian-friendly policies in place, the challenge for him will be to insist that city agencies comply and don't try to step around them.

Great advice, we certainly will have our work cut out for us.

More Safety Measures installed at MLK Crosswalk

On Saturday sawtooth Yield bars were added before the crosswalk, soft (thermoplastic) rumble strips added on the inbound side of MLK Drive.



Still to come rapid flash pedestrian crossing warning lights (but not this summer).

Update On Norristown Assault Followup

A coalition of local bicycle clubs and other concerned cyclists met on Wednesday Night with the Norristown Police Department and County Officials to discuss harrassment and assault issues in the vicinity of Haws Avenue.

The Meeting was covered in the Times Herald and cyclist Howard Hochheiser reported his observations in an email:

...one of the most important things I got out of the meeting was the value of reporting ALL incidents. I was amazed when we were told that there were very few incidents in the last 3 years, while the experiences of those in the audience painted a very different picture. It seemed like many had a story to tell, mostly of harassment, but some with violence or the threat of violence. It appeared that the scope of the problem in that area was news to many of the police/government people in attendance.

Bottom line, PLEASE report anything, regardless of how small it is, not just something that would require a 911 call. Its the only way to capture the extent problems, and where they lie.

The county and borough will step up patrols in the area. Tasks for the bicycle community resulted in these three strategies:

1. Web Based Reporting System for events that are not 911 worthy, but police should be made aware of. Complaints will be forwarded to the Norristown PD and the County Parks. There is a prototype already in development and when it is formally released it will be available through the BCGP Report a Problem page where for now you can use the generic reporting form.

2. Cameras to monitor the area where the Assault occurred, the cost will be about $2000 plus internet usage fees.

3. Trail work days to clean up the brush where the kids who are throwing rocks at the cyclists are hiding.

Bicycles: People + Ideas in Motion

Moore College of Art & Design is mounting a very cool multi-faceted exhibition about Philadelphia and bicycles. Bicycle: People + Ideas in Motion will run from June 19th through October 14th at its galleries at 20th and Parkway. It will feature exhibits, movies, performances and more for all ages. Check the Bicycle Coalition's events calendar for all dates.





From the press release "The exhibition celebrates Philadelphia's passion and commitment to the bicycle with a series of changing exhibitions, programs and events that explore the bicycle both as a functional object and as a canvas for good causes, personal expression, civic mindedness and political beliefs.....In addition to vintage bikes from Philadelphia collections, the core exhibit will feature a variety of bikes found in Philadelphia's urban landscape: "fixies," tandems, hand-built bikes, folding bikes, road and touring bikes, commuters, cargo bikes and more."



Two exhibits are already on display: Ryan Humphrey's Fast Forward and Leo Stoetzel's Big Bike



The official opening night is Friday, June 26th from 6-8pm.

• 7pm-- Ramps in Ryan Humphrey's installation will be artfully put to use by 80's pro BMX'er John "Dizz" Hicks and other select pro-level BMX'ers from Philadelphia
• 8pm--Premier of I Love My Bicycle: The Story of FMB Bikes (2009) Directed by Joe Stakun of Philadelphia. Tickets and prices at www.bicyclefilmfestival.com

Saturday, June 27 - 8pm -- Bicycle Film Festival and Street Party.

The Bicycle Ambassadors and Bike Share Philadephia will be at some of these events. Join us!

Take Back The Drive Update: More Good News for Park Users

The Streets Department informed us that the soft rumble strips will be applied in the travel lanes on Martin Luther King Drive this weekend (weather permitting). The city is also in the early stages of planning to install a high visibily flash signal at the crosswalk.

So far three of the short term objectives of our Take Back the Drive campaign have been or will shortly be addressed: a narrowing of the outbound on-ramp through striping and the application of soft rumble strips at the crosswalk. The third objective of "Yield to Pedestrians" signs have also been installed, although these signs are not the "silent policeman" in-street signs that we asked for (and see used on the Art Museum road--why not on MLK?).

But there is more to do to make MLK Drive safer for park users. We still are asking for the flashing lights that need to go through the bidding process. We also would like to see sawtooth "yield bars" before the crosswalk, increased car free hours on weekends and a hard look at the feasibility of reducing travel and installing bike lanes on MLK Drive.

Bike Ride to Stop the Violence - NE Philly

Saturday, June 27th the 2nd Police District Advisory Council will host a BIKE RIDE TO STOP THE VIOLENCE. The ride will leave Roosevelt Mall at 8:30AM with a police escort. The ride will snake through the 2nd Police District streets and return to Roosevelt Mall where refreshments will be served to the riders.

All are welcome. Must wear a helmet. Helmets will be available from the City Health Department before the ride.

JOIN THE FUN!!!!!

We're Moving

IMG_3288
Originally uploaded by kstoerz

Your Bicycle Coalition is growing and we need more space. So at the end of June we will be moving to a new office on Walnut St.

Our new Address will be:

1500 Walnut St
Ste.1107
Philadelphia PA 19103-3506

Solidarity Gathering At Norristown Cancelled

Tomorrow's gathering at last week's crime scene is cancelled. Instead we urge you to attend a public meeting with county officials and the Norristown Police Department at 1 Montgomery Plaza tomorrow Wednesday June 10th at 7PM.


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Are Party Bikes Back On The Scene?

Here is an interesting Bill that popped up for a hearing this week

BILL NO. 090466
AN ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 9-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Carriers,” by adding a new Section 9-408, entitled “Multi-Seat Pedalcycles,” to provide for the licensing and regulation of businesses operating Multi-Seat Pedalcycles for hire, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sounds like pedicabs (a colleague has suggested that we start calling them bike-cabs or bike-taxis for clarity), but then there is this description in the bill that suggests something else:

Multi-Seat Pedalcycle. A vehicle propelled solely by human-powered pedals,
equipped with four or more seats and sets of pedals, on which one person (the “driver”) controls the steering and braking system.

That doesn't say "Party Bike" or its more common name "Conference Bike" but it is one of two contraptions that we know of in existence that match that description.





Or could they be talking about Surreys, you've seen these on the boardwalk.





















So Multi-Seat Pedalcycles as described in the bill are different from pedicabs err bike-taxis but the Inquirer apparently didn't get the memo:

Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell proposed a bill that would allow "multi-seat pedalcycles" that would operate between the Philadelphia Zoo and areas of Fairmount Park including the Please Touch Museum. The pedalcycles feature a bicycle that pulls a two-wheeled carriage. There will be a hearing on this plan on Thursday and the pedalcycles could be in use this summer.

From kronos

From Philadelphia Bicycle News

Stop the Violence! Show Your Solidarity on the SRT

Come out on Wednesday June 10th from 7:00 to 7:30 PM for a bike/skate/sit-in as a showing of solidarity against violence at the location of last Wednesday's assault on the Schuylkill River Trail above the basketball courts between Haws Avenue and the double bridge over US 202 in Norristown.

Delaware Waterfront Path Makes A Quiet Debut

PlanPhilly gave us an update of the Waterfront Trail south of Penns Landing to Pier 70 today. Line striping on the existing sidewalk has been completed from the I-95 Interchange near the Chart House down to Christian Street. The second phase will continue this process down to Reed Street. The third and most interesting phase of the project from Reed down to Pier 70 is off the Columbus Blvd Right of Way and is presumably mired in land ownership and easement issues.



This interim trail is exactly that and it doesn't even come close to modern multi-use path standards. In a few places it is somewhat difficult to navigate with hazards such as belgian block driveways, narrow pinch points and RR tracks. A recreational bicyclist with children in a trailer would probably not have a steller time here. Still it is physically separated from the high speed and unyielding traffic on Columbus Blvd and I appreciated the break during rush hour. To the credit of the planners the adjacent bike lanes are not affected. So you still can get to Ikea in a hurry.



The thought of schlepping over the Ben Franklin Bridge in the rain to get home was unappealling but then I saw a queue for concert express ferry service to the Susquehanna Bank Center (Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction) The express (6 minute) ferry service every 15 to 30 minutes is a rare treat that actually makes the ferry a real travel option to Camden. I can use the return ticket of the round trip anytime.

PA Walks and Bikes Awarded $30,000 Start Up Grant

Alliance Grants $125,000 to Organizations (Full Press Release)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—The Alliance for Biking & Walking is awarding seven grants totaling more than $125,000 to grassroots biking and walking advocacy organizations.

The Advocacy Advance Grants will be used to jump-start emerging advocacy organizations and to fund innovative campaigns with the potential to dramatically increase biking and walking. These grants are a key part of the Advocacy Advance Partnership with the League of American Bicyclists. Launched this year, the grants are made possible with generous funding by SRAM, Planet Bike, Bikes Belong and Cannondale. Nearly 100 proposals totaling more than $2 million were received in this first round.

Awards include:

Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes

Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes will put a $30,000 matching grant to work to help build the first statewide coalition for biking and walking in Pennsylvania. The coalition will work to ensure state bicycle and pedestrian laws, policies, and funding are enacted. PA Bikes and Walks was founded in 2009 to create healthy, sustainable communities across Pennsylvania by making bicycling and walking safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.

In addition, the Alliance is granting scholarships and travel stipends to the start-up grantees (Minnesota, Oakland, and Pennsylvania) to attend key trainings on membership development and winning campaigns. The Alliance thanks our funders, the League, and our volunteer grants committee for their assistance and support. For more information about the Advocacy Advance Partnership and the Alliance grants program, please visit www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/grants

Mayor Nutter's Complete Streets Executive Order

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 5-09
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY

WHEREAS, road and sidewalk space is a limited public good that must be shared by public transit service, pedestrians, taxicabs, bicycles, personal, emergency, commercial and utility vehicles, parked vehicles, sidewalk vending and cafes, bicycle racks, newsstands, bus stops and shelters, newspaper boxes and planters, among other things; and

WHEREAS, increasing public transit use, walking and bicycling offers the potential for a healthier citizenry, cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, more livable neighborhoods, less reliance on fossil fuels and imported sources of energy, and more efficient use of road space and resources;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael Nutter, by the authority vested in me by the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
All City departments and agencies shall, in connection with input into and decisions regarding all transportation and development projects:

A. Give full consideration to accommodation of the safety and convenience of all users of the transportation system, be they pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users or motor vehicle drivers;

B. Balance the needs of all users in planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation; and

C. Prioritize the safety of those traveling in the public right of way, and in particular the safety of children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Such efforts shall be known as the City’s “Complete Streets Policy.”

Section 2. IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPLETE STREETS
All departments shall make the Complete Streets Policy an integral part of their planning and programming wherever practicable. Examples of how the Complete Streets Policy may be implemented include, but are not limited to:

A. Use of good geometric design and features such as median refuges and curb extensions (bumpouts) in connection with streetscape design, in order to minimize crossing distances and increase visibility between pedestrians and motorists;

B. Timing of traffic signals to minimize pedestrian delay & conflicts;

C. Discouraging limited pull-off lanes, driveways and obstructions that narrow sidewalks to the detriment of a comfortable pedestrian environment;

D. Promotion of an expanded and improved bicycle network, including bike lanes, off-road trails and bicycle parking at automobile parking facilities;

E. Reviewing motor vehicle traffic lanes to determine whether additional space for other lower-impact uses could be reasonably accommodated;

F. Improving the rights-of-way in compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines; and

G. Addressing the needs of bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit, as well as automobiles, when authorizing street and sidewalk closures for construction projects.

Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Order shall be effective immediately.

DATE June 4, 2009

__________________________
MICHAEL A. NUTTER, MAYOR

Philadelphia Earns Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award

BFC Award Press Conference (21)
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition

Before skies opened up, Andy Clarke of the League of American Bicyclists awarded the City of Philadelphia a "Bronze" Bicycle Friendly Community Award. Introduced by Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler, Mayor Michael Nutter accepted the award and pledged to make every effort to get Philadelphia a "Platinum" next time. Mayor Nutter also signed an Executive Order to develop a Complete Streets Policy. Congratulations to Philadelphia and the City's Streets Department and Office of Transportation and Utilities for this milestone.

Bicyclist Assaulted on the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown

On Wednesday evening a female bicyclist was sucker punched as she passed by a gang of 6-7 men in black jeans and red shirts hanging out near the trail. She didn't have enough time to turn around so instead she just hammered past them but was punched in the face.

Amazingly she didn't fall off her bike and was able to get away. According to police there has been an increase in gang activity in the area and that may (or may not)explain the red shirts. We had another report earlier in the day of 4 men in red shirts but that cyclist reported other people around.

This location (Schuylkill River Trail at Haws Avenue) has had isolated cyclist harassment problems in the past in the late spring and summer although there have been no serious injuries to date. The county has responded by clearing brush to prevent bad guys from hiding in the shrubbery.

We recommend that you should not travel alone in the vicinity of Haws Avenue in the late afternoon or evening. If you are alone carry your cell phone and wait for other bicyclists before proceeding. If you see trouble get yourself to a safe place and call police and render aid if you need to.

Members of the Bicycle Coalition's Montgomery County Committee are talking to the Norristown Police about this incident. The location is less than a mile west of the Norristown Transportation Center you should see signs as the Norristown Farm Park Connector Route which begins at Haws Avenue.


View Philadelphia Bike Map Wiki in a larger map

Bicycle Friendly Community Award Ceremony

What - League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Andy Clarke to present a Bronze Level Bicycle Community Award to Mayor Nutter.
Where – Love Park (weather permitting)
When – Thursday June 4th 12PM

Note: If the weather fails us, the ceremony will be held in the Mayor's Reception Room on the Second Floor of City Hall. Enter through the NE corner of City Hall.

Another Fatality on Deadly Route 13

On Monday Night Cheryl Janzer was struck and killed Monday night while walking her bike across Route 13 in Bristol. Janzer was struck in the northbound lanes of Route 13 between Route 413 and Bath Road by a minivan about 9 p.m. driven by Frances Ruth Dunbar of Bristol Township, police said.

Just 10 days before Jennifer Harley, a 28-year-old Fairless Hills mother, was killed by a hit and run driver cross Route 13 and an SUV struck her. The week before Harley was killed, two pedestrians were seriously injured when they were struck by a motorist on Route 13 at Bath Road less than a 1/4 mile from of Monday’s crash.

An article in the Bucks County Courier Times notes that major safety improvements are on the way, but the glacial pace of the process that includes simple line painting is one that has to be changed. Why have so many allowed to die on this deadly stretch of roadway? The article notes that the pedestrian safety improvements proposals first came about in a traffic study completed in 2003. We have written about the Route 13 fatalities on this blog many times before.

And of course we need to highlight the most vile comment for the story - Bangie wrote "If people don't know how to cross the street they deserve to get hit."


View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map

New Striping on the MLK Drive Entrance Ramp

Another milestone - Pictured here is the new striping at MLK Drive Entrance from Eakins Oval. It is hoped that the striping will create the effect of narrowing the lanes. Up at the top of the curve the merge into one lane is now moved back.

BCGP's Sarah Clark Stuart in the Final Running For Parks and Rec Commission

Committee on Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs announces
recommendations for the Commission on Parks and Recreation

The City Council Committee on Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs announced its commissioner recommendations to serve on the new Parks and Recreation Commission this afternoon.  Out of 204 applications, the Committee was required to provide the full Council with 18-25 recommendations.

The 25 recommendations are: Noel Abejo, Charles Baltimore, Max Berger, Luther Collins, Andrew Denison, Nancy Goldenberg, Debra Wolf Goldstein, Jeffrey Hackett, David Hollenberg, Alexander “Pete” Hoskins, John B. Kelly, III, Anthony Langford, Matthew McClure, Michael McCrea, Leslie Anne Miller, Carla Puppin, Carol Rice, Carlos Rodriguez, Wendy Rosen, James Straw, Sarah Clark Stuart, Joseph Syrnick, Ronald Thomas, Maria Walker, L. Trena Woodson.

City Council is expected to adopt its final recommendations via a resolution in its meeting on June 4.  Mayor Nutter will then be selecting the final 9 Commissioners from the list provided by Council.

The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, would like to thank all of the applicants who participated in this process. 

Bicycle Friendly Community Award Press Conference

It's official, we are are the first Bicycle Friendly Community in Pennsylvania! (YEAH!!! High 5!)

On Thursday June 4th League of American Bicyclists President Andy Clarke will present the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award to Mayor Michael Nutter at 11AM at City Hall.

The League's Bicycle Friendly Community press release had this to say:
Philadelphia is back on track after doing a lot in the late 1990s with its on-street network. They have hired a bike coordinator, Bike Philly is growing apace, there are unique urban mountain biking opportunities and industry and advocates are working effectively with Philadelphia to move things forward.

So how do we get to Silver, Gold or (gasp) Platinum?

Let's set our first goal for Silver in 2013. To do this the pending bicycle and pedestrian plan needs to be expanded to cover the entire city. And implementation of the first part of the plan should be well underway, beginning with a network of Center City bicycle facilities. Innovative designs such as physically separated bike lanes and bicycle boulevards have yet to be tested here. On the encouragement side the already effective Bicycle Ambassadors program needs a dedicated source of funding so it can continue into the future.

I believe enforcement will be our toughest challenge in the years ahead. But in the end a bicycle friendly city and indeed a livable city needs it police force as partners in traffic safety by evenly enforcing all traffic laws.