Reporter looks at bike lanes on Spruce-Pine, Washington Ave Ben Franklin Parkway and in front of the Wawa at 38th and Spruce. The reporter confronts drivers and asks them why they are parking in the bike lane.
Video Link
This is the legacy blog of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. It is an archive of posts from 2003 to 2014. Making your ride better since 1972. https://www.bicyclecoalition.org
Saturday, October 31, 2009
CBS 3 I-Team Video On Cars Blocking Bike Lanes
"I-team's Jim Osman is asking the tough questions about why those drivers are putting all of us at risk."
Reporter looks at bike lanes on Spruce-Pine, Washington Ave Ben Franklin Parkway and in front of the Wawa at 38th and Spruce. The reporter confronts drivers and asks them why they are parking in the bike lane.
Video Link
Reporter looks at bike lanes on Spruce-Pine, Washington Ave Ben Franklin Parkway and in front of the Wawa at 38th and Spruce. The reporter confronts drivers and asks them why they are parking in the bike lane.
Video Link
Bike to the World Series
Strike or no strike you can still avoid the transit and parking crush by bicycling to the World Series, The Spectrum, Lincoln Financial Field etc.
It's about 20-25 minute bike ride from 10th and Pine St straight down 10th Street to get to the stadium. There are two bike racks, one at the first base entrance (Pattison and Darien St) and a smaller rack at the right field gates (Darien and Phillies Drive). There are plenty of iron fences to lock your bike in front of all the venues.
View Phillies Game Bike Parking in a larger map
It's about 20-25 minute bike ride from 10th and Pine St straight down 10th Street to get to the stadium. There are two bike racks, one at the first base entrance (Pattison and Darien St) and a smaller rack at the right field gates (Darien and Phillies Drive). There are plenty of iron fences to lock your bike in front of all the venues.
View Phillies Game Bike Parking in a larger map
Friday, October 30, 2009
Beware - Parking Authority Is Removing Meter Caps
UPDATE Friday Night-PPA sends out an apology for removing posts, will adhere to their policy not to remove mounting devices with bikes attached on them. They will reinstall the mounting device secure the bike at any pole which had a bicycle locked to it.
Just in time for a potential transit strike - less bike parking.
The Parking Authority removed the caps off of meter poles today on the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Walnut St this morning and left bicycles parked to the poles exposed. We contacted the Mayors Office Of Transportation and Utilities to urge them to notify the PPA to stop this practice.
So if you are in Center City DO NOT lock your bike to a capped meter pole. Hopefully this removal of the caps is in anticipation of the installation of new post and ring caps for bicycle parking. We'll let you know once we have more details from the City and the PPA.
An exposed bike on the 1600 Block of Walnut St 12:00 PM on Friday
Click on the photo for an enlarged image.
Just in time for a potential transit strike - less bike parking.
The Parking Authority removed the caps off of meter poles today on the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Walnut St this morning and left bicycles parked to the poles exposed. We contacted the Mayors Office Of Transportation and Utilities to urge them to notify the PPA to stop this practice.
An exposed bike on the 1600 Block of Walnut St 12:00 PM on Friday
Click on the photo for an enlarged image.
Courtesy, Respect, Compliance--It's Up to All of Us
In light of the recent hit and run between a bicyclist and Andre Steed that resulted in his death, the Bicycle Coalition has posted the following position statement about enforcement on its website.
".......It is the position of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia that all users of the road should obey traffic laws. When people bend the rules to their personal benefit, whether they are a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian, it contributes to chaos on the streets and everyone is endangered. To that end, the Bicycle Coalition has an outreach and education program called Bicycle Ambassadors, which is designed to encourage adult bicyclists to ride more often and ride more safely, by teaching bike safety, sharing the road, bike lane and bike path etiquette and how to bike to work and school.......As the rules of the road adapt to new users, and the roadways themselves are reconfigured to meet the needs of more vulnerable road users, everyone needs to adapt to the rules of the road – after all, a bicycle is a legal vehicle in all 50 states and all vehicles have to abide by the same rules......The position of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on enforcement is that we welcome more consistent and visible enforcement of traffic laws. We want enforcement to be applied equitably to all users: motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. All three are a part of the current problem on the streets and each need to be part of the solution."
The Bicycle Coalition also submitted a Letter to the Editor to the Inquirer stating:
"As reported this week, a bicyclist and pedestrian were recently involved in a fatal collision. The bicyclist made the immoral and illegal decision to flee the scene. On behalf of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, I am writing to express bicyclists’ dismay about this crash and extend our sympathies to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues.
A bicycle is a legal vehicle in all 50 states and, like all vehicles, must follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, bicyclists, car drivers and pedestrians blithely ignore traffic laws in Philadelphia. We need a concerted campaign in Philadelphia for consistent and visible enforcement of traffic laws -- enforced equitably to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians – to calm our city’s streets and make them safe for everyone."
Bicycle Ambassadors are also hosting "service stations" once a week on Spruce and Pine to inform bicyclists about the pilot project and smart safety tips. Three have been held already and two more will be held in the following weeks. Pending good weather, the next service station will be on Wednesday, November 4th from 7:30-9:00am at a to-be-decided upon intersection.
Inga Saffron wrote a terrific column in today's Inquirer summarizing all of these issues. Kudos to her for putting what many of us have been thinking so eloquently.
".......It is the position of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia that all users of the road should obey traffic laws. When people bend the rules to their personal benefit, whether they are a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian, it contributes to chaos on the streets and everyone is endangered. To that end, the Bicycle Coalition has an outreach and education program called Bicycle Ambassadors, which is designed to encourage adult bicyclists to ride more often and ride more safely, by teaching bike safety, sharing the road, bike lane and bike path etiquette and how to bike to work and school.......As the rules of the road adapt to new users, and the roadways themselves are reconfigured to meet the needs of more vulnerable road users, everyone needs to adapt to the rules of the road – after all, a bicycle is a legal vehicle in all 50 states and all vehicles have to abide by the same rules......The position of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on enforcement is that we welcome more consistent and visible enforcement of traffic laws. We want enforcement to be applied equitably to all users: motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. All three are a part of the current problem on the streets and each need to be part of the solution."
The Bicycle Coalition also submitted a Letter to the Editor to the Inquirer stating:
"As reported this week, a bicyclist and pedestrian were recently involved in a fatal collision. The bicyclist made the immoral and illegal decision to flee the scene. On behalf of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, I am writing to express bicyclists’ dismay about this crash and extend our sympathies to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues.
A bicycle is a legal vehicle in all 50 states and, like all vehicles, must follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, bicyclists, car drivers and pedestrians blithely ignore traffic laws in Philadelphia. We need a concerted campaign in Philadelphia for consistent and visible enforcement of traffic laws -- enforced equitably to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians – to calm our city’s streets and make them safe for everyone."
Bicycle Ambassadors are also hosting "service stations" once a week on Spruce and Pine to inform bicyclists about the pilot project and smart safety tips. Three have been held already and two more will be held in the following weeks. Pending good weather, the next service station will be on Wednesday, November 4th from 7:30-9:00am at a to-be-decided upon intersection.
Inga Saffron wrote a terrific column in today's Inquirer summarizing all of these issues. Kudos to her for putting what many of us have been thinking so eloquently.
NJ Governors Race - Where Do the Candidates Stand?
We know where they stand on the World Series but where are they on Complete Streets? With the New Jersey Governor's Race heating up in Tuesday's election our partners at the Tri State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) sent out a transportation questionnaire to the three gubernatorial candidates - Jon Corzine, Chris Christie and Chris Daggett. The Corzine and Daggett campaigns returned responses. The Questionnaire addressed issues such as land use, the Transportation Trust Fund, traffic safety, transit and accountability of transportation spending.
From Mobilizing The Region:
Traffic Safety
In 2008, 592 people died on New Jersey roadways. Of those, more than 160 were pedestrians or cyclists. Here’s what the candidates said they would do to make roads safer:
Governor Corzine cited success in his 2006 goal of reducing traffic fatalities to below 700 annually. Part of that success he attributes to his $74 million pedestrian initiative, which included a Safe Routes to School program, Safe Routes to Transit program and other pedestrian infrastructure improvements and programs. The Democrat also mentioned that NJ is still working toward the goal of creating 1,000 miles of bikeways in the state, noting that the League of American Bicyclists ranked NJ the ninth most bike-friendly state in the nation.
Corzine stated that he will sign a Complete Streets policy if it should cross his desk, and is willing to accept the goal of reducing traffic accidents and pedestrian fatalities by 50% in the next five years. As evidence of his commitment to senior pedestrian safety, he cited NJDOT’s Senior Safety Study, which incorporates senior-friendly infrastructure and education into a targeted intersection pilot program. Corzine also noted that while he doesn’t often have the chance to ride a bike, he enjoys running marathons.
Chris Daggett did not specifically address our questions regarding pedestrian safety, but specified the need for investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure elsewhere in his responses, calling safe walking and cycling “one of the challenges of the 21st century” that the next governor must address.
TSTC was unable to find statements from Chris Christie regarding traffic safety. Both he and Gov. Corzine have been criticized for poor driving records.
You can read TSTC's complete analysis of the responses in two parts on their Mobilizing The Region blog (http://tinyurl.com/njgovbikerace)
From Mobilizing The Region:
Traffic Safety
In 2008, 592 people died on New Jersey roadways. Of those, more than 160 were pedestrians or cyclists. Here’s what the candidates said they would do to make roads safer:
Governor Corzine cited success in his 2006 goal of reducing traffic fatalities to below 700 annually. Part of that success he attributes to his $74 million pedestrian initiative, which included a Safe Routes to School program, Safe Routes to Transit program and other pedestrian infrastructure improvements and programs. The Democrat also mentioned that NJ is still working toward the goal of creating 1,000 miles of bikeways in the state, noting that the League of American Bicyclists ranked NJ the ninth most bike-friendly state in the nation.
Corzine stated that he will sign a Complete Streets policy if it should cross his desk, and is willing to accept the goal of reducing traffic accidents and pedestrian fatalities by 50% in the next five years. As evidence of his commitment to senior pedestrian safety, he cited NJDOT’s Senior Safety Study, which incorporates senior-friendly infrastructure and education into a targeted intersection pilot program. Corzine also noted that while he doesn’t often have the chance to ride a bike, he enjoys running marathons.
Chris Daggett did not specifically address our questions regarding pedestrian safety, but specified the need for investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure elsewhere in his responses, calling safe walking and cycling “one of the challenges of the 21st century” that the next governor must address.
TSTC was unable to find statements from Chris Christie regarding traffic safety. Both he and Gov. Corzine have been criticized for poor driving records.
You can read TSTC's complete analysis of the responses in two parts on their Mobilizing The Region blog (http://tinyurl.com/njgovbikerace)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Riegelsville Bridge Rehabilitation Project Open House
RIEGELSVILLE, PA - The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will hold an open house where the public can review conceptual plans and provide comment on the proposed rehabilitation of the Riegelsville Toll-Supported Bridge, which connects the Borough of Riegelsville in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with the Riegelsville section of Pohatcong Township in Warren County, New Jersey.
The open house is scheduled to take place on:
•Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Riegelsville Borough Hall, 615 Easton Road, Riegelsville, PA 18077
Displays will include general photos of the existing bridge, examples of inspection findings, schematics of the bridge elements requiring repair, and potential detours. Project fact sheets and public comment cards also will be made available at the open house. Bicyclists should comment on the need for bicycle detours.
The The Project will include rehabilitating or replacing the bridge's steel floor system and sidewalks, painting the bridge's superstructure, rehabilitating the substructure above the waterline, milling and repaving the Pennsylvania approach to the bridge, upgrading bridge lighting, and improving the signage on the bridge's approaches.
The 105 Year Old Bridge was built by Roebling and Son's on Roebling NJ the same firm that built the Brooklyn Bridge. The Web page that the Commission has created for the project may be viewed by going to the Commission Project's section of its Web site - http://www.drjtbc.org/ - and clicking on the Riegelsville Toll-Supported Bridge Rehabilitation menu item. The direct address is: http://www.drjtbc.org/default.aspx?pageid=1535.
The open house is scheduled to take place on:
•Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Riegelsville Borough Hall, 615 Easton Road, Riegelsville, PA 18077
Displays will include general photos of the existing bridge, examples of inspection findings, schematics of the bridge elements requiring repair, and potential detours. Project fact sheets and public comment cards also will be made available at the open house. Bicyclists should comment on the need for bicycle detours.
The The Project will include rehabilitating or replacing the bridge's steel floor system and sidewalks, painting the bridge's superstructure, rehabilitating the substructure above the waterline, milling and repaving the Pennsylvania approach to the bridge, upgrading bridge lighting, and improving the signage on the bridge's approaches.
The 105 Year Old Bridge was built by Roebling and Son's on Roebling NJ the same firm that built the Brooklyn Bridge. The Web page that the Commission has created for the project may be viewed by going to the Commission Project's section of its Web site - http://www.drjtbc.org/ - and clicking on the Riegelsville Toll-Supported Bridge Rehabilitation menu item. The direct address is: http://www.drjtbc.org/default.aspx?pageid=1535.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Stop At Our Pine St Service Station Tomorrow
The Bicycle Coalition will be hosting another service station at 13th and Pine Streets tomorrow 10/29 from 4:30 to 6:00PM. Stop by and and we'll pump your tires to the recommended pressure, learn about smart safety tips and you can ask about what is going on at the BCGP. Plus you can also enter our raffle to win a I Bike PHL t-shirt.
BCGP members are welcome to volunteer at the service station and will receive an I Bike PHL t-shirt. If you can help out please contact Max Rosen-Long via email max@bicyclecoalition.org
Photo - mlhradio on Flickr
BCGP members are welcome to volunteer at the service station and will receive an I Bike PHL t-shirt. If you can help out please contact Max Rosen-Long via email max@bicyclecoalition.org Photo - mlhradio on Flickr
"American Idle" Takes A Hard Look At Our Sedentary Culture
Author/Professor Mary Collins American who suffered debilitating injuries in a bicycle crash several years ago and began to explore the American Idle: A Journey Through Our Sedentary Culture
Collins who was recovering from a severe bicycle crash, began a study of movement and how our sedentary lifestyle affects our physical and mental health. What she found is that the message that the health care community has been sending out - eat right and exercise has been ineffective and is impeded by the by our indoor culture, suburban sprawl and a lack of outdoor public spaces. All of this has created a compulsion to drive everywhere and a disdain to get out and take a walk, even when sidewalks are available and places are within walking distance.
Collins who was recovering from a severe bicycle crash, began a study of movement and how our sedentary lifestyle affects our physical and mental health. What she found is that the message that the health care community has been sending out - eat right and exercise has been ineffective and is impeded by the by our indoor culture, suburban sprawl and a lack of outdoor public spaces. All of this has created a compulsion to drive everywhere and a disdain to get out and take a walk, even when sidewalks are available and places are within walking distance.
Collins' website offers a sample chapter that features a conversation about the social costs of inactivity with the National Center For Bicycling and Walking Director Sharon Roerty.
With the "growing" worldwide obesity problem Collins offers a fresh perspective on how we can "move forward" and making our communities bicycle friendly is a "step in the right direction".
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Philadelphia's Street Furniture Survey
The Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities is asking the public to take a survey on street furniture (bus shelters, information kiosks, sheltered bike racks). It will use this survey to gather public opinion as it puts together a Request for Proposal (RFP). As stated in the preface to the survey:
"By the end of the year, the City of Philadelphia will issue a request for proposals (RFP) from companies to provide and maintain bus shelters and street furniture. The firms will make the shelters and furniture available for advertising opportunities, with revenue going to the City."
While the City is considering sheltered bike racks as part of this contract, it is not considering bike sharing as part of this RFP. Take a few minutes to take the survey and weigh in on this important issue. At the end of the survey, there is an open-ended question that you can use to suggest that bike sharing be incorporated into the RFP.
Photo kenudigit on Flickr
"By the end of the year, the City of Philadelphia will issue a request for proposals (RFP) from companies to provide and maintain bus shelters and street furniture. The firms will make the shelters and furniture available for advertising opportunities, with revenue going to the City."
While the City is considering sheltered bike racks as part of this contract, it is not considering bike sharing as part of this RFP. Take a few minutes to take the survey and weigh in on this important issue. At the end of the survey, there is an open-ended question that you can use to suggest that bike sharing be incorporated into the RFP.
Photo kenudigit on Flickr
Monday, October 26, 2009
Andre Steed Dies-Reward For Hit and Run Bicyclist Offered
Pedestrian Andre Steed passed away Saturday morning as a result of the injuries sustained in the hit and run with a bicyclist on October 15th.
Andre was a Paralegal for the law firm of Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd. They are offering a reward of $10,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual that struck and killed Andre. Further information regarding the reward will be available via the Citizens Crime Commission of Philadelphia (215-546-TIPS; http://www.crimecommission.org/philadelphia.html).
The cyclist has been described by witnesses as a white male, about 5'9" tall, 140 pounds, in his late teens or early twenties, wearing a white hoodie with red spots in the background and riding a white mountain bike.
Thanks to Sal Guerriero and Pete LaVerghetta for providing updates to this story.
Andre was a Paralegal for the law firm of Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd. They are offering a reward of $10,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual that struck and killed Andre. Further information regarding the reward will be available via the Citizens Crime Commission of Philadelphia (215-546-TIPS; http://www.crimecommission.org/philadelphia.html).
The cyclist has been described by witnesses as a white male, about 5'9" tall, 140 pounds, in his late teens or early twenties, wearing a white hoodie with red spots in the background and riding a white mountain bike.
Thanks to Sal Guerriero and Pete LaVerghetta for providing updates to this story.
Street Furniture Forum
No, it's not a yard sale, but tonight the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities & the Next Great City Coalition is holding a Forum on the future of street furniture. This forum will present how the city will be approaching its next street furniture contract.
Hopefully there will be a Q and A where you can speak up for more bike parking, including sheltered bike parking, which will be considered (but is not a done deal) and to ask for bike sharing which is not in the plan but other cities have funded bike sharing. You may want to mention that bike sharing would be a great asset during a transit strike as was demonstrated in Paris in 2007.
Monday, October 26
5:30-7:30pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Hopefully there will be a Q and A where you can speak up for more bike parking, including sheltered bike parking, which will be considered (but is not a done deal) and to ask for bike sharing which is not in the plan but other cities have funded bike sharing. You may want to mention that bike sharing would be a great asset during a transit strike as was demonstrated in Paris in 2007.
Monday, October 26
5:30-7:30pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Thank Your Senators for making clean transportation part of the climate bill
Speaking of Climate Change...
The authors of the Senate climate bill have decided to support serious investment in cleaner transportation options. And it only makes sense – transportation pollution is responsible for nearly one-third of our national greenhouse gas emissions.
The bill will secure funding for clean transportation alternatives, such as public transportation and passenger rail, affordable neighborhoods around transit stops, vanpooling and neighborhood projects that increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Please thank your senators for moving forward on this landmark bill and ask them to continue to support strong transportation measures in the climate bill.
http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2180
The authors of the Senate climate bill have decided to support serious investment in cleaner transportation options. And it only makes sense – transportation pollution is responsible for nearly one-third of our national greenhouse gas emissions.
The bill will secure funding for clean transportation alternatives, such as public transportation and passenger rail, affordable neighborhoods around transit stops, vanpooling and neighborhood projects that increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Please thank your senators for moving forward on this landmark bill and ask them to continue to support strong transportation measures in the climate bill.
http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2180
Comment on Pennsylvania's Climate Change Action Plan
Beginning October 10, 2009, the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan is available for a 30-day public comment period.Pennsylvania is responsible for 1% of the planet’s man-made greenhouse emissions. On July 9, 2008, Governor Rendell signed the Climate Change Act (Act 70), which included a number of goals, including the preparation of an action plan detailing measures Pennsylvania could take to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Working with the Climate Change Advisory Committee, the Department has prepared this Climate Change Action Report, which identifies 52 specific actions that would result in a 95.6 Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MMtCO2e) reduction of Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Interested persons may submit written comments on Pennsylvania’s Climate Change Action Plan by November 9, 2009. The Department will accept comments submitted by mail or by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Email comments should be submitted to epclimatereportcomments@state.pa.us . Written comments should be submitted to Joseph Sherrick, via the U.S.P.S. to the Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105. The Department will not accept comments submitted by facsimile.
Click here to access the full report or individual chapters. Chapter 6 focuses on Transportation and Land Use.
First Glance at Chapter 6
There is no mention of bicycling and walking in the plan. There is a desire but no stated goal for reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled. The plan focuses instead on keep driving actions such as proper tire inflation and "Eco Driving". Enhanced Support for Existing Land Use Policies sounds like a really weak action. Why not strengthen and enforce better Land Use Policies?. Why not have a plan to make build more sidewalks and bike lanes?
So please submit your comments.
Interested persons may submit written comments on Pennsylvania’s Climate Change Action Plan by November 9, 2009. The Department will accept comments submitted by mail or by e-mail. A return name and address must be included in each e-mail transmission. Email comments should be submitted to epclimatereportcomments@state.pa.us . Written comments should be submitted to Joseph Sherrick, via the U.S.P.S. to the Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105. The Department will not accept comments submitted by facsimile.
Click here to access the full report or individual chapters. Chapter 6 focuses on Transportation and Land Use.
First Glance at Chapter 6
There is no mention of bicycling and walking in the plan. There is a desire but no stated goal for reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled. The plan focuses instead on keep driving actions such as proper tire inflation and "Eco Driving". Enhanced Support for Existing Land Use Policies sounds like a really weak action. Why not strengthen and enforce better Land Use Policies?. Why not have a plan to make build more sidewalks and bike lanes?
So please submit your comments.
SEPTA Authorizes Strike
Today SEPTA TWU 234 authorized their union to call a strike. While no strike deadline has been set there is some possibility that a strike action could affect the World Series next weekend, although past history has shown that a strike threat can loom for weeks before the balloon finally goes up.
During the last strike in November 2oo5 the BCGP counted bicycles on the Walnut Street Bridge and found a 90% increase in bike traffic over the normal fall counts taken that year in September and October.
During the last strike in November 2oo5 the BCGP counted bicycles on the Walnut Street Bridge and found a 90% increase in bike traffic over the normal fall counts taken that year in September and October.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Alleys For Alice Fundraiser November 9th
Alice Hershey, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival was struck by a truck at 17th and JFK Boulevard on August 14th . Although she was wearing a helmet she suffered severe head trauma and has been in a coma ever since.
Her parents and sister have been by her side almost constantly over the past eight weeks. Her condition has meant regular travel between Philadelphia and their home in Indiana, as well as other unexpected expenses and loss of income. Friends of Alice will be holding a fundraiser for the family with the goal of raising $5,000
Monday, November 9, 2009
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
North Bowl (909 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA)
$50 Ticket Price, $25 Student Rate
Purchase tickets at the door or in advance through PayPal:
http://www.tinyurl.com/lltchv
Price of admission gets you bowling and food catered by North Bowl. Cash bar with North Bowl drink specials and you don't have to attend to make a donation.
Her parents and sister have been by her side almost constantly over the past eight weeks. Her condition has meant regular travel between Philadelphia and their home in Indiana, as well as other unexpected expenses and loss of income. Friends of Alice will be holding a fundraiser for the family with the goal of raising $5,000
Monday, November 9, 2009
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
North Bowl (909 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA)
$50 Ticket Price, $25 Student Rate
Purchase tickets at the door or in advance through PayPal:
http://www.tinyurl.com/lltchv
Price of admission gets you bowling and food catered by North Bowl. Cash bar with North Bowl drink specials and you don't have to attend to make a donation.
Google Streetview - Vote For The Schuylkill River Trail
Google Maps has opened up polling as to where to bring the Streetview Trike, which takes Streetview images of off road locations. We are urging everyone to take the poll and vote for the Schuylkill River Trail.
Scroll down to fill in your information and to cast your vote.
Scroll down to fill in your information and to cast your vote.
Pedestrian Allegedly Struck By Hit and Run Bicyclist
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer - Andre Steed was found lying on the ground at 16th and Locust St and was hit by bicyclist who fled the scene of the crash. The Police came upon the scene found no witnesses and therefore did not open a formal investigation (a scenario that is unimaginable if the victim was in a motor vehicle).
Friends of the victim of put up flyers around the neighborhood and witnesses came forward who stated that he was indeed hit by a bicyclist. The article described the bicyclist as a white man who appeared to be in his early 20s. He was about 5-foot-9, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with red spots, and rode a white mountain bike.
Regardless of what the vehicle operator is driving they are required to give information to the police and render aid (PA Consolidated Statutes Title 75 § 3744).
Mr. Steed suffered from severe head injuries and now is in an induced coma. We wish him a full recovery.
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Friends of the victim of put up flyers around the neighborhood and witnesses came forward who stated that he was indeed hit by a bicyclist. The article described the bicyclist as a white man who appeared to be in his early 20s. He was about 5-foot-9, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with red spots, and rode a white mountain bike.
Regardless of what the vehicle operator is driving they are required to give information to the police and render aid (PA Consolidated Statutes Title 75 § 3744).
Mr. Steed suffered from severe head injuries and now is in an induced coma. We wish him a full recovery.
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Biketoberfest on October 25th
The weather is looking good for Sunday afternoon - mostly sunny and a temperature of 60 degrees almost 10 degrees warmer than last year. The event will be at the Dock St Brewery from 2 - 6 tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. If you have any questions, please email us at events@bicyclecoalition.org
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ask Governor Rendell and Corzine to Support Funding for Bike Trails
It is time for Philadelphia to fill the gaps in the Schuylkill River Trail, for Pennsylvania to have a connected East Coast Greenway connecting to New Jersey and Delaware, and for Camden, New Jersey to become a city of trails, not highways.
Between the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail and East Coast Greenway campaigns, a broad network of organizations is asking that supporters of green infrastructure (you!) ask Governor Rendell and Governor Corzine to support completing these trails.
A little over a month ago, Philadelphia and five other surrounding counties submitted to the federal government for stimulus funding an unprecedented multi-jurisdictional application (called GREAT PA/NJ) for $36 million to build 17 segments of the Schuylkill River Trail, the East Coast Greenway and the Camden GreenWay. If stimulus funds can repair highways and bridges, remodel transit stations and repave roads, why shouldn't that same type of funding build bicycle & pedestrian trails? This is a HUGE opportunity to significantly advance active transportation regionally and to close many of the gaps along these trail syst
ems.
Let Governor Rendell and Governor Corzine know that you are counting on them to be supportive of the GREAT PA/NJ application and to support other funding programs to build and complete bicycle & pedestrian trails. Send an email letter (which you can personalize) to your Governor today!
Between the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail and East Coast Greenway campaigns, a broad network of organizations is asking that supporters of green infrastructure (you!) ask Governor Rendell and Governor Corzine to support completing these trails.
A little over a month ago, Philadelphia and five other surrounding counties submitted to the federal government for stimulus funding an unprecedented multi-jurisdictional application (called GREAT PA/NJ) for $36 million to build 17 segments of the Schuylkill River Trail, the East Coast Greenway and the Camden GreenWay. If stimulus funds can repair highways and bridges, remodel transit stations and repave roads, why shouldn't that same type of funding build bicycle & pedestrian trails? This is a HUGE opportunity to significantly advance active transportation regionally and to close many of the gaps along these trail syst
ems.Let Governor Rendell and Governor Corzine know that you are counting on them to be supportive of the GREAT PA/NJ application and to support other funding programs to build and complete bicycle & pedestrian trails. Send an email letter (which you can personalize) to your Governor today!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Slow Down Campaigns - We Can Start With Trash Cans
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® is a campaign based in Omaha Nebraska. whose mission is to end all deaths and injuries caused by speeding on all roadways. KKAD's target is zero deaths, zero injuries. To do less is to accept and tolerate deaths and injuries to loved ones; daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends.
But what caught my eye was a tireless effort to spark grass roots campaigns in towns and cities all over the country. They have kits for community organizing but, for those who don't have the energy or the time KKAD offers these great trash can decals that are available for purchase. 40% of your purchase goes toward KKAD so it's a great opportunity to walk the walk while donating to this great cause. Imagine if everyone on the block had these stickers on their trash and recycling cans. And what if communities delivered recycling cans with the stickers already pasted? Talk about message reinforcement.
In a similar effort Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance in partnership with the Alliance For Biking and Walking has retained the advertising firm BBDO to create a Drive 22/Slow Down campaign.
Why 22? Exactly!
Speed Limit signs that end in 5 or 0 are routinely observed and therefore ignored by many. Look for that campaign to start up early next year in select cities and hopefully expanding beyond after that. Both campaigns should offer great synergy with bicycle/pedestrian advocacy and especially Safe Routes to School.
Photo Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr
But what caught my eye was a tireless effort to spark grass roots campaigns in towns and cities all over the country. They have kits for community organizing but, for those who don't have the energy or the time KKAD offers these great trash can decals that are available for purchase. 40% of your purchase goes toward KKAD so it's a great opportunity to walk the walk while donating to this great cause. Imagine if everyone on the block had these stickers on their trash and recycling cans. And what if communities delivered recycling cans with the stickers already pasted? Talk about message reinforcement.
In a similar effort Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance in partnership with the Alliance For Biking and Walking has retained the advertising firm BBDO to create a Drive 22/Slow Down campaign.
Why 22? Exactly!
Speed Limit signs that end in 5 or 0 are routinely observed and therefore ignored by many. Look for that campaign to start up early next year in select cities and hopefully expanding beyond after that. Both campaigns should offer great synergy with bicycle/pedestrian advocacy and especially Safe Routes to School.
Photo Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Urban Assault Child Carrier
Looking at all the fancy folding strollers while walking down Walnut St I noticed how much they have in common with folding bikes. As a father of two small children I have been trying to find an easy way to schlep them around on a bike for 5 years now. Making 1 mile trips in a car seems ridiculous to me, fortunately one of the baby shower gifts for my son was a bike trailer which has proven to be useful if bulky and a bit time consuming to set up and break down. Parking this thing at the train station is a challenge and I usually take up the whole ribbon rack.
My ideal vehicle would allow me to bike to the train station, bring it on the train then stroll to the car share vehicle in which the child carrier component doubles as a car seat.
Enter the Stroller Tricycle?
At least two stroller bike/trike combos have entered the market the Zigo Leader X2 which is available in North America for $1400 and the Taga Stroller Bike which is only available in Europe although SJS Cycles ships them worldwide for about $2400 plus shipping.
Taga Tricycle - A Single Foldable Unit
Zigo - A Bike Stroller Combo that breaks into two separate units
While the these products don't quite resolve the problem as I see it as a step in the right direction that could lead to the ultimate urban assault child carrier. The $1500-$2500 price tag means that I'll be sticking to my bike trailer, but it's far cheaper than a boutique stroller and a hybrid car.
My ideal vehicle would allow me to bike to the train station, bring it on the train then stroll to the car share vehicle in which the child carrier component doubles as a car seat.
Enter the Stroller Tricycle?
At least two stroller bike/trike combos have entered the market the Zigo Leader X2 which is available in North America for $1400 and the Taga Stroller Bike which is only available in Europe although SJS Cycles ships them worldwide for about $2400 plus shipping.
Taga Tricycle - A Single Foldable Unit
Zigo - A Bike Stroller Combo that breaks into two separate units
While the these products don't quite resolve the problem as I see it as a step in the right direction that could lead to the ultimate urban assault child carrier. The $1500-$2500 price tag means that I'll be sticking to my bike trailer, but it's far cheaper than a boutique stroller and a hybrid car.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
5 Minutes On Pine St
So here is a YouTube video that I took riding down Pine St in the morning. Life is not perfect out there--One cyclist was riding the wrong way, another was on the sidewalk and there were vans and construction equipment blocking the lane but on the whole it appears that the world of motorists and residents has not come crashing down. Life on Pine St in Center City goes on but with happier cyclists and calmer traffic.
Look for more of these videos on our website in the next few weeks.
Look for more of these videos on our website in the next few weeks.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Biketoberfest rescheduled for October 25th!
The weather is looking nasty for Sunday afternoon - 80% precipitation, temperature in the 40s and 100% chance of an overcast sky.But, do not despair, we thought ahead and scheduled a raindate - October 25th is the new Biketoberfest date!
If you have any questions, please email us at events@bicyclecoalition.org
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Nice (Indoor) Rack!
Indoor bike parking has finally come to the BCGP office! Given the dire bike parking shortage on the 1500 block of Walnut St it has not come a moment too soon.
Secure indoor bicycle parking does not have to be complicated or expensive. All you need is some plywood, screw in hooks, some enamel or wallpaper to protect the paint on the wall and most importantly a building that allows bicycles inside.
BCGP Volunteer Chuck Aronson hangs his bike on BCGP's new office bike rack.
Secure indoor bicycle parking does not have to be complicated or expensive. All you need is some plywood, screw in hooks, some enamel or wallpaper to protect the paint on the wall and most importantly a building that allows bicycles inside.
BCGP Volunteer Chuck Aronson hangs his bike on BCGP's new office bike rack.
Forum on Future of Bus Shelter & Street Furniture
Forum on Future of Bus Shelter & Street Furniture
Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities & the Next Great City Coalition is holding a Forum on the future of street furniture. This forum will present how the city will be approaching its next street furniture contract.
In addition to bus shelters, honor box "hotels", and information kiosks, bicycle parking shelters will be considered street furniture for purposes of this forthcoming contract. Bike sharing, however, will not.
Monday, October 26
5:30-7:30pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities & the Next Great City Coalition is holding a Forum on the future of street furniture. This forum will present how the city will be approaching its next street furniture contract.
In addition to bus shelters, honor box "hotels", and information kiosks, bicycle parking shelters will be considered street furniture for purposes of this forthcoming contract. Bike sharing, however, will not.
Monday, October 26
5:30-7:30pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tacony Child Struck in Hit and Run
An 11 Year Old Boy on a bicycle was hit with in struck by a hit and run driver on Keystone St in the Tacony section of Philadelphia on October 8. Police are looking for a light-to-dark-colored vehicle which they believe will have front-end damage.
Keystone St is on the east edge of Tacony clearly marked at 25mph and footage on CBS 3 shows cars moving swiftly down the narrow street.
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Keystone St is on the east edge of Tacony clearly marked at 25mph and footage on CBS 3 shows cars moving swiftly down the narrow street.
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Early Spruce Pine Results Show Significant Increase in Bike Traffic
Bicycle traffic on Spruce and Pine Streets appears to have nearly doubled based on partial counts by the BCGP. The new bike lanes has resulted in an immediate shift in bike traffic in the Center City road network. With about 90% of the counts completed bicycle traffic has increased by 95% with the most dramatic changes on Pine St.
Look for a complete 2009 Bicycle Count Report later this fall.
Look for a complete 2009 Bicycle Count Report later this fall.
Coalition Calls on NJ Governor Corzine to Enact a ‘Complete Streets’ Policy
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: October 13, 2009
Contact: Jay Corbalis, New Jersey Future 609-393-0008 ext 110;
Zoe Baldwin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, 609-271-0778
Citing 33% Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities, Coalition Calls on Governor Corzine to Enact a ‘Complete Streets’ Policy
TRENTON – Today a coalition of planning, environment, transportation and health groups called on Governor Corzine to adopt a "Complete Streets" policy in New Jersey as a means of improving safety on roadways and creating viable transportation choices.
The coalition included Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New Jersey Future, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the New Jersey Chapter of the AARP, Disability Rights New Jersey, and Environment NJ.
This call was made in response to a Tri-State Transportation Campaign analysis of state data, which showed a 33% rise in pedestrian fatalities to date in 2009. Through September 30, 2009, New Jersey saw 121 pedestrian fatalities, compared to 91 through the first three quarters of 2008.
“New Jersey has made strides in recent years towards a more balanced transportation policy, but these numbers prove that the state still has a long way to go before our roads are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “A Complete Streets policy will ensure our roads are designed for all users.”
“For a variety of reasons, a lot of people are walking, biking, and taking mass transportation in New Jersey, yet we are still building and upgrading streets with no sidewalks, no crosswalks and no bike lanes. This has to stop,” said Pete Kasabach, Executive Director of New Jersey Future.
“Older people deal with the effects of incomplete streets every day, and make up a disproportionate share of pedestrians killed by cars in New Jersey. The needs of seniors and other pedestrians must be taken into account when streets and highways are built and repaired,” said Janine Bauer, a volunteer transportation advocate for AARP in New Jersey.
“The Bicycle Coalition supports Complete Streets because it encourages people to get out of their cars and make green transportation choices. But in many places in New Jersey, walking to the corner store or biking to the bank just isn’t safe,” said John Boyle, Advocacy Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
A Complete Streets policy would require that engineers design roads to accommodate the needs of all users any time a new road is built or an existing road is retrofitted, except where infeasible. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, 107 jurisdictions nationwide have adopted Complete Streets policies, including the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon, and Illinois. The enactment of a Complete Streets policy is one of a number of actions municipalities can complete to be certified under the Sustainable Jersey Program. Those actions were vetted and approved by a broad coalition of municipal officials and experts led by the League of Municipalities’ Mayors’ Committee for a Green Future, and the New Jersey Sustainable State Institute at Rutgers.
###
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign is a non-profit organization working toward a more balanced, transit-friendly and equitable transportation system in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. www.tstc.org
New Jersey Future is a statewide nonprofit research and policy organization advocating smart growth, environmental preservation, neighborhood revitalization and transportation choice. www.njfuture.org
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: Making bicycling better through advocacy and education by promoting biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation and recreation. www.bicyclecoalition.org
Environment New Jersey is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. Our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for New Jersey's environment. Environment New Jersey draws on over 30 years of success in tackling our state's top environmental problems. www.environmentnewjersey.org
NJ AARP: AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change and delivering value to members through information, advocacy and service. www.aarp.org/states/nj/
Disability Rights New Jersey is the consumer-directed, non-profit organization that serves as New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in the state. www.drnj.org
For Immediate Release: October 13, 2009
Contact: Jay Corbalis, New Jersey Future 609-393-0008 ext 110;
Zoe Baldwin, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, 609-271-0778
Citing 33% Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities, Coalition Calls on Governor Corzine to Enact a ‘Complete Streets’ Policy
TRENTON – Today a coalition of planning, environment, transportation and health groups called on Governor Corzine to adopt a "Complete Streets" policy in New Jersey as a means of improving safety on roadways and creating viable transportation choices.
The coalition included Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New Jersey Future, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the New Jersey Chapter of the AARP, Disability Rights New Jersey, and Environment NJ.
This call was made in response to a Tri-State Transportation Campaign analysis of state data, which showed a 33% rise in pedestrian fatalities to date in 2009. Through September 30, 2009, New Jersey saw 121 pedestrian fatalities, compared to 91 through the first three quarters of 2008.
“New Jersey has made strides in recent years towards a more balanced transportation policy, but these numbers prove that the state still has a long way to go before our roads are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “A Complete Streets policy will ensure our roads are designed for all users.”
“For a variety of reasons, a lot of people are walking, biking, and taking mass transportation in New Jersey, yet we are still building and upgrading streets with no sidewalks, no crosswalks and no bike lanes. This has to stop,” said Pete Kasabach, Executive Director of New Jersey Future.
“Older people deal with the effects of incomplete streets every day, and make up a disproportionate share of pedestrians killed by cars in New Jersey. The needs of seniors and other pedestrians must be taken into account when streets and highways are built and repaired,” said Janine Bauer, a volunteer transportation advocate for AARP in New Jersey.
“The Bicycle Coalition supports Complete Streets because it encourages people to get out of their cars and make green transportation choices. But in many places in New Jersey, walking to the corner store or biking to the bank just isn’t safe,” said John Boyle, Advocacy Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
A Complete Streets policy would require that engineers design roads to accommodate the needs of all users any time a new road is built or an existing road is retrofitted, except where infeasible. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, 107 jurisdictions nationwide have adopted Complete Streets policies, including the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon, and Illinois. The enactment of a Complete Streets policy is one of a number of actions municipalities can complete to be certified under the Sustainable Jersey Program. Those actions were vetted and approved by a broad coalition of municipal officials and experts led by the League of Municipalities’ Mayors’ Committee for a Green Future, and the New Jersey Sustainable State Institute at Rutgers.
###
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign is a non-profit organization working toward a more balanced, transit-friendly and equitable transportation system in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. www.tstc.org
New Jersey Future is a statewide nonprofit research and policy organization advocating smart growth, environmental preservation, neighborhood revitalization and transportation choice. www.njfuture.org
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: Making bicycling better through advocacy and education by promoting biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation and recreation. www.bicyclecoalition.org
Environment New Jersey is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. Our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for New Jersey's environment. Environment New Jersey draws on over 30 years of success in tackling our state's top environmental problems. www.environmentnewjersey.org
NJ AARP: AARP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change and delivering value to members through information, advocacy and service. www.aarp.org/states/nj/
Disability Rights New Jersey is the consumer-directed, non-profit organization that serves as New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in the state. www.drnj.org
Monday, October 12, 2009
In Minneapolis A Cycletrack Draws Little Criticism
Compare this reporting in America's No. 2 bicycle city to some of the news reports seen regarding the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine. I think they are just nicer there.
It's a pretty radical treatment a one way street (1st Ave) will become a two way street with bike lanes. During off peak times the right lane becomes parking creating a part time cycletrack or physically separated bike lanes. The report has a nice animation.
Hennepin Avenue with its famous and awkward left side two way bike lane will become a two way street. 1st Ave which is parallel will now be the preferred street for cyclists although Hennepin will contain a bike/bus/right turn lanes.
View Larger Map
It's a pretty radical treatment a one way street (1st Ave) will become a two way street with bike lanes. During off peak times the right lane becomes parking creating a part time cycletrack or physically separated bike lanes. The report has a nice animation.
Hennepin Avenue with its famous and awkward left side two way bike lane will become a two way street. 1st Ave which is parallel will now be the preferred street for cyclists although Hennepin will contain a bike/bus/right turn lanes.
View Larger Map
Bicycle Coalition's Position on SEPTA R8 Newtown Line Restoration
The Pennsylvania Transit Expansion Coalition (PA-TEC) has launched a grass roots campaign to restore the R8 Newtown Line between Fox Chase in Philadelphia and Newtown in Bucks County. Rail service was "temporarily suspended" in 1983 and the corridor has deteriorated from neglect ever since.
This past June Montgomery County Parks opened the first phase of the Pennypack Trail which runs from Robbins Ave in Rockledge to the RR bridge adjacent to Old Huntingdon Pike in Abington.
Pennypack Trail Brochure
Phase two will rehabilitate the RR bridge to make it passable for bicycles and bring the trail to Huntington Pike where it will connect to the proposed Lower Moreland Greenway. Montgomery County's goal is the connect the trail formally with the Pennypack Bikeway in Philadelphia with the Cross County Trail near Byberry Rd in Bryn Athyn. Bucks County is currently developing a county bicycle plan which should clarify their intentions for this corridor.
This conflict between rail and trail has splintered smart transportation advocates across the country and in the transportation scheme of things, has us fighting for the leftover crumbs. As we often argue when trails are pitted against other interests, it is not an issue of us vs them but how we can all coexist.
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BCGP Position Statement - R8 Newtown Branch Rail Restoration
Passenger rail lines and non-motorized trails are complimentary elements of transportation infrastructure that reduces automobile usage. We support the creation of a rail trail along the Newtown Branch to improve bicycle travel, preserve the right of way and to prevent encroachment of adjacent property owners. We believe that there is sufficient right of way available to support both future rail service and maintain trail usage. If there is insufficient right of way within the corridor to do both, then a relocation or rerouting of the trail to preserve the non-motorized route is necessary. We also believe that stations and trains should be designed with bicycle access in mind with sufficient covered bicycle parking and bicycle storage space on new rail cars.
We will support future rail restoration as long as:
Pennypack Trail
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition
This past June Montgomery County Parks opened the first phase of the Pennypack Trail which runs from Robbins Ave in Rockledge to the RR bridge adjacent to Old Huntingdon Pike in Abington.
Pennypack Trail Brochure
Phase two will rehabilitate the RR bridge to make it passable for bicycles and bring the trail to Huntington Pike where it will connect to the proposed Lower Moreland Greenway. Montgomery County's goal is the connect the trail formally with the Pennypack Bikeway in Philadelphia with the Cross County Trail near Byberry Rd in Bryn Athyn. Bucks County is currently developing a county bicycle plan which should clarify their intentions for this corridor.
This conflict between rail and trail has splintered smart transportation advocates across the country and in the transportation scheme of things, has us fighting for the leftover crumbs. As we often argue when trails are pitted against other interests, it is not an issue of us vs them but how we can all coexist.
-------------------
BCGP Position Statement - R8 Newtown Branch Rail Restoration
Passenger rail lines and non-motorized trails are complimentary elements of transportation infrastructure that reduces automobile usage. We support the creation of a rail trail along the Newtown Branch to improve bicycle travel, preserve the right of way and to prevent encroachment of adjacent property owners. We believe that there is sufficient right of way available to support both future rail service and maintain trail usage. If there is insufficient right of way within the corridor to do both, then a relocation or rerouting of the trail to preserve the non-motorized route is necessary. We also believe that stations and trains should be designed with bicycle access in mind with sufficient covered bicycle parking and bicycle storage space on new rail cars.
We will support future rail restoration as long as:
- The Newtown Branch Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail is preserved; and
- If stations and trains are optimized for easy bicycle access.
Pennypack Trail
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Bike and Boat Adventure on the Schuylkill - Oct 31
On Saturday October 31st raise money for the Pennsylvania East Coast Greenway by taking a bike tour of the proposed East Coast Greenway route from Center City to Southwest Philadelphia with bicycle trail planning expert Bob Thomas! Bicycle tour leaves from the Walnut Street Bridge area of the Schuylkill Banks trail to Bartram’s Garden, then to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and on to the mouth of the tidal Schuylkill at Fort Mifflin.
At Fort Mifflin, lunch will be provided, as well as a guided tour of this important Revolutionary War site. From Fort Mifflin, bicycles will be trucked back to the Walnut Street Bridge area while participants take a rarely offered two hour voyage up the tidal Schuylkill. Representatives from Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) will be on hand to discuss the vision for the continuing revitalization of the tidal Schuylkill based around the construction of a continuous greenway stretching from the Philadelphia Museum of Art all the way down to Fort Mifflin.
The Bicycle tour departs from Walnut Street Bridge area at 9:00am, riverboat returns to Walnut Street Bridge dock at approx. 4:00pm
Tickets Are $100 and are available here.
https://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=219718
At Fort Mifflin, lunch will be provided, as well as a guided tour of this important Revolutionary War site. From Fort Mifflin, bicycles will be trucked back to the Walnut Street Bridge area while participants take a rarely offered two hour voyage up the tidal Schuylkill. Representatives from Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) will be on hand to discuss the vision for the continuing revitalization of the tidal Schuylkill based around the construction of a continuous greenway stretching from the Philadelphia Museum of Art all the way down to Fort Mifflin.
The Bicycle tour departs from Walnut Street Bridge area at 9:00am, riverboat returns to Walnut Street Bridge dock at approx. 4:00pm
Tickets Are $100 and are available here.
https://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=219718
Friday, October 09, 2009
TIGER applications from the Delaware Valley Region
As reported before on this blog, the Bicycle Coalition and Pennsylvania Environmental Council helped the City of Philadelphia and five other counties submit a TIGER application called GREAT-PA/NJ to build 17 multi-use trail segments along the Schuylkill River Trail, East Coast Greenway and Camden GreenWay. US DOT recently announced the total amounts applied for by each state; Pennsylvania applied for over $2 Billion worth of projects. All states are limited to receiving no more than $300M (the total grant program has only $1.5B to distribute).
Needless to say, this is a very competitive grant program. Today, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission released a summary of all projects that were submitted from the region.
1. SEPTA -- FareCard Payment System Total Cost: $100 Million TIGER Amount: $75 Million
2. GREAT PA/NJ -- Multi-county trail greenway to fill gaps Total Coast: $55 M TIGER: $36m
3. PennDOT -- I-95 Cottman-Princeton Reconstruction Total Cost: $195M TIGER: $95
4. Lower Merion Township -- Belmont Ave Corridor/Rock Hill Road Widening Total Cost: $20 M TIGER: $20 M
5. Center City District -- Transforming Dilworth Plaza Total Coast: $45M TIGER $30M
6. Philadelphia Regional Port Authority -- Container Handling Total Cost: $28M TIGER: $25M
7. Norfolk Southern -- Crescent Corridor Freight Project Total Cost: $618M TIGER: $300
8. South Jersey Port Corp -- Rail & Port network improvements Total Cost: $63M TIGER: $44M
9. NJDOT -- Route 30/130 Bridge Replacement Total Cost: $50M TIGER: $41 M
10. City of Trenton -- Route 29 Boulevard Realignment Total Cost: $150 TIGER: $63M
Needless to say, this is a very competitive grant program. Today, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission released a summary of all projects that were submitted from the region.
TIGER Grant Applications in the DVRPC Region
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant applications were due to U.S. DOT on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. $1.5 billion is available nationwide for surface transportation infrastructure projects of regional significance. Using a team review process, U. S. DOT will evaluate applications and will notify applicants of awards no later than February 17, 2010. Priority will be given to projects that can be completed by February 12, 2012. The following represents a summary of applications worth $490 million submitted by stakeholders in the DVRPC region:
DRPA Green Ports Initiative Open House Meeting
Please attend the open house and let DRPA know that Green Ports also means Green Transportation. Ask for better bicycle and pedestrian access on DRPA bridges and transit/ferry services. Some suggested ideas for submission include:
Philadelphia Green Ports Initiative Open House
* Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
* Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey
* 475 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, Pa 19123
View Larger Map
For the Green Ports Initiative, WESTON is tasked with reviewing operations at DRPA, SJPC and PRPA facilities in order to recommend short term and long term alternatives for making port and transportation operations more environmentally friendly.
A second round of public meetings will be held in early 2010 during which WESTON’s proposed recommendations to further advance the Green Ports Initiative will be presented.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.
- Optimized bicycle and pedestrian access to the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway
- Bicycle accommodation on new rail cars
- Bike accessible shuttle services between New Jersey and Pennsylvania transit terminals over the Betsy Ross, Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges
- Integrate bicycle and pedestrian access into all major bridge overhaul projects.
Philadelphia Green Ports Initiative Open House
* Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
* Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey
* 475 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, Pa 19123
View Larger Map
For the Green Ports Initiative, WESTON is tasked with reviewing operations at DRPA, SJPC and PRPA facilities in order to recommend short term and long term alternatives for making port and transportation operations more environmentally friendly.
A second round of public meetings will be held in early 2010 during which WESTON’s proposed recommendations to further advance the Green Ports Initiative will be presented.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.
Philadelphia to Spend Energy Block Grant $ on Bike Parking
As reported in today's Inquirer, the Nutter Administration announced yesterday that it has received a $14.1 Million "Energy Efficiency Block Grant" from the U.S. Department of Energy. Approximately $375,000 of that will be used to retrofit 1600 meter poles left standing by the Philadelphia Parking Authority as it converted street parking from meters to kiosks this summer. It will also be used to purchase about 1000 more inverted-U racks.
Example of a bike rack converted from meter pole in Baltimore
This past August, the Bicycle Coalition and the Center City District advised the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities on the location of 1600 meter poles that should be retrofitted based on where bike parking was heaviest. We're hopeful that the Mayor's Office of Transportation and PPA can deploy the funding as quickly as possible so that bike parking can be quickly restored where it is needed the most (and the City's street trees can be spared from bikes being locked to them!)
Example of a bike rack converted from meter pole in BaltimoreThis past August, the Bicycle Coalition and the Center City District advised the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities on the location of 1600 meter poles that should be retrofitted based on where bike parking was heaviest. We're hopeful that the Mayor's Office of Transportation and PPA can deploy the funding as quickly as possible so that bike parking can be quickly restored where it is needed the most (and the City's street trees can be spared from bikes being locked to them!)
Google Reveals That Bike Directions Are Coming To Google Maps
On Wednesday Google's Lat Long Blog posted that Google has released new data that shows more multi use paths and that they will soon be providing bike directions. This is the first public announcement from Google that a bike routing feature is in the works.
"...The best part about this new dataset is that we've been able to add a lot of new, detailed information to Google Maps - information that helps people better explore and get around the real world. For example, college students will be pleased to see maps of many campuses; and cyclists will now find many more trails and paths to explore. Soon we even plan on providing you with biking directions to take advantage of this new data. Of course, in the true Google spirit of 'launch and iterate,' we plan to work with more data sources to add new features in the map."
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Park & Trail Meetings in Philadelphia and Lower Merion
Philadelphia's new Parks and Recreation Department and Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis are inviting the public to attend a meeting and exchange ideas for the newly merging Parks and Recreation Department. Here's an opportunity to express your opinions about how to improve park facilities for bicycling!
10/13 7:00 PM Christy Recreation Center: 56th and Christian Street, 19143
10/14 7:00 PM Columbus Square: 12th and Wharton, 19147
10/22 7:00 PM Simons Recreation Center: 7200 Woolston Ave, 19138
10/28 7:00 PM Northeast Older Adult Center: 8100 Bustleton Avenue, 19152
10/29 5:00 PM One Parkway Building 18th Floor: 1515 Arch Street, 19102
11/4 7:00 PM Mander Playground: 33rd and Diamond, 19121
11/5 7:00 PM Cohocksink Recreation Center
Lower Merion's new Cynwyd Heritage Trail (from the Cynwyd Station to the Manayunk Bridge) is in the process of being designed. The public is invited to attend any of the following community meetings to share thoughts and ideas for "the region's next great public open space." All meetings will be held at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
10/13 6:30-7 PM
10/25 Noon to 3pm Children's Design Workshop
11/1 Noon to 3pm Adult Workshop Design Workshop
11/17 6:30-7:30 PM
1/26 6:30-7:30 PM
Take the Cynwyd Heritage Trail Community Survey
10/13 7:00 PM Christy Recreation Center: 56th and Christian Street, 19143
10/14 7:00 PM Columbus Square: 12th and Wharton, 19147
10/22 7:00 PM Simons Recreation Center: 7200 Woolston Ave, 19138
10/28 7:00 PM Northeast Older Adult Center: 8100 Bustleton Avenue, 19152
10/29 5:00 PM One Parkway Building 18th Floor: 1515 Arch Street, 19102
11/4 7:00 PM Mander Playground: 33rd and Diamond, 19121
11/5 7:00 PM Cohocksink Recreation Center
Lower Merion's new Cynwyd Heritage Trail (from the Cynwyd Station to the Manayunk Bridge) is in the process of being designed. The public is invited to attend any of the following community meetings to share thoughts and ideas for "the region's next great public open space." All meetings will be held at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
10/13 6:30-7 PM
10/25 Noon to 3pm Children's Design Workshop
11/1 Noon to 3pm Adult Workshop Design Workshop
11/17 6:30-7:30 PM
1/26 6:30-7:30 PM
Take the Cynwyd Heritage Trail Community Survey
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Gasoline Consumption Remains at 2003-2004 Levels
The Energy Information Administration reported that for the first week of October 2009 gasoline consumption levels remained at a rate equivalent to usage in 2003 and 2004. In total 9.04 million barrels of Finished Motor Gasoline Product were supplied for consumption. However this figure represents a nearly 3% climb from October, when only 8.8 million barrels were supplied. A level not seen since October 2002.
US Gasoline production/consumption peaked during the week of July 27, 2007 when nearly 9.7 million barrels were supplied. Gasoline at the time was priced at around $3 a gallon.
US Gasoline production/consumption peaked during the week of July 27, 2007 when nearly 9.7 million barrels were supplied. Gasoline at the time was priced at around $3 a gallon.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Design Philadelphia and Kinetic Sculptures
Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby: How, Why, Who, What
Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
Date: October 09, 2009
Time: 6:00 PM, Reception at 7:00 PM
Location: Skybox at 2424 Studios 2424 E York St.Philadelphia PA
Join past and future teams from the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby to hear why & how they made their sculptures and why this event is possible and important for Philadelphia. Hear from five presenters on the details of their experience, see some past sculptures in person, and celebrate this exciting event.
Presenters include: John Spetrino from the following KKSD winning teams, The Aliens, Octu Vishnu and 215 Sand Reckoner; Vin Marshall from TE Labs responsible for the Pirate ship and pink tank sculptures, Vince Colvin, Colleen Rudolf, Kate Kaman, Joel Erland, and Lane Davis of the 2009 People's Choice Winner Zombish Team; Kathryn Doherty-Chapman organizer of the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby; and Bradley Litwin a renowned Kinetic Sculpture maker; and Billy Dufala of the Toilet Trike Race.
Admission: Free
For More Information: Please visit http://www.kinetickensington.org/
Volunteer Night this Wednesday
Are you a member of the Bicycle Coalition and want to volunteer? Meet at 6:30pm at our new office (1500 Walnut Street, Suite 1107) on Wednesday, October 7th. We'll feed you pizza and discuss our new "Service Station" campaign that will be run over the next several weeks.
We're going to set up service stations on Spruce and Pine once a week (while the weather stays reasonable) to hand out free air, stickers and safety tips. Please come get briefed on this new volunteer opportunity. Are you not a member yet? You can sign up at our offices at the meeting, or online.
We're going to set up service stations on Spruce and Pine once a week (while the weather stays reasonable) to hand out free air, stickers and safety tips. Please come get briefed on this new volunteer opportunity. Are you not a member yet? You can sign up at our offices at the meeting, or online.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Advanced Sports (Fuji) Becomes Regions First Bicycle Friendly Business
We often talk about the six E's for bicycle friendly communities. Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Equity, Evaluation and Encouragement. That final E Encouragement being the one that is the easiest to implement as either private businesses or local governments can offer amenities to make bicycling a better option. Be it an employer offering shower facilities, a hotel offering free loaner bikes or an airport shuttle service installing bike racks on its fleet vehicles.
The Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program recognizes employers’ efforts to encourage a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. The program honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides technical assistance and information to help companies and organizations become even better for bicyclists. Like the Bicycle Friendly Community Award BFB awards range from Bronze to Platinum.
ASI President Pat Cunnane and Marketing Director Karen Bliss talking with Mayor Nutter at Bike to Work Day last Spring.
The Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program recognizes employers’ efforts to encourage a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. The program honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides technical assistance and information to help companies and organizations become even better for bicyclists. Like the Bicycle Friendly Community Award BFB awards range from Bronze to Platinum.
The League of American Bicyclists awarded Advanced Sports Inc. (ASI) in Northeast Philadelphia a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business Award. ASI manufactures and distributes Fuji, Kestral, SE and Breezer Bicycles. Another local business Bike Share consultants CityRyde received an Honorable Mention.
ASI President Pat Cunnane and Marketing Director Karen Bliss talking with Mayor Nutter at Bike to Work Day last Spring.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Center City Bicyclist Struck By Suspected Drunk Driver
From CBS 3:
Female Bicyclist Struck By Car In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― A bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a car in Center City Friday evening.
The accident (crash) happened at about 7:30 p.m. at 22nd and Market Streets in downtown Philadelphia.
According to investigators, the driver fled the scene after striking the bicyclist. However, the driver was taken into custody near 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway.
The victim was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is listed in critical condition.
Investigators said the driver is being investigated for a possible DUI.
The incident remains under investigation.
Female Bicyclist Struck By Car In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― A bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a car in Center City Friday evening.
The accident (crash) happened at about 7:30 p.m. at 22nd and Market Streets in downtown Philadelphia.
According to investigators, the driver fled the scene after striking the bicyclist. However, the driver was taken into custody near 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway.
The victim was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she is listed in critical condition.
Investigators said the driver is being investigated for a possible DUI.
The incident remains under investigation.
Fox 29 Story
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Later that evening, jst a few blocks away a BCGP member was only slightly injured in a hit and run on 24th St, he got the license number and it was reported to the police. On Thursday night the member also witnessed a bicyclist struck on the Falls Bridge. The driver stopped and the bicyclist that crashed appeared to be bruised.
And of course just a week ago a bicycle officer was intentionally run over and slightly injured by another hit and run driver.
View Bicyclists Crashes 2008-2009 NJ and SE PA in a larger map
Later that evening, jst a few blocks away a BCGP member was only slightly injured in a hit and run on 24th St, he got the license number and it was reported to the police. On Thursday night the member also witnessed a bicyclist struck on the Falls Bridge. The driver stopped and the bicyclist that crashed appeared to be bruised.
And of course just a week ago a bicycle officer was intentionally run over and slightly injured by another hit and run driver.
Our society must do better to protect our most vulnerable road users. A good start would be a vulnerable user law similar to Oregon's.
Join Dr. Andy Baldwin's Health Ride Across PA
You can join U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Dr, Andy Baldwin for his cross state Health Ride next Friday Oct 9 or Saturday Oct 10 for the final legs to raise awareness about childhood obesity.
Dr. Baldwin's Health Ride 2009 ride across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania takes place from Oct 4-10 promoting healthy behaviors in PA communities via health fairs at elementary schools along the way.
On Friday there is a bike ride on Friday from Lancaster to Valley Forge along PA Bike Route S, leaving the Hampton Inn at 545 Greenfield Road at 7AM (or the New Holland Recreation Center at 123 S Shirk Rd at about 8:30AM). There will also be a visit to the Hill-Freedman Middle School in Philadelphia.
The last leg of the bike ride is on Saturday October 10 leaving 8:30AM from the Valley Forge Park Betzwood area along the Schuylkill Trail to the Art Museum.
This is followed by several events at Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row from 11AM to 2PM.
More information can be found here - Health Ride
Dr. Baldwin's Health Ride 2009 ride across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania takes place from Oct 4-10 promoting healthy behaviors in PA communities via health fairs at elementary schools along the way.
On Friday there is a bike ride on Friday from Lancaster to Valley Forge along PA Bike Route S, leaving the Hampton Inn at 545 Greenfield Road at 7AM (or the New Holland Recreation Center at 123 S Shirk Rd at about 8:30AM). There will also be a visit to the Hill-Freedman Middle School in Philadelphia.
The last leg of the bike ride is on Saturday October 10 leaving 8:30AM from the Valley Forge Park Betzwood area along the Schuylkill Trail to the Art Museum.
This is followed by several events at Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row from 11AM to 2PM.
More information can be found here - Health Ride
The Philadelpha Zoo Wants Your Input on the Westbank Greenway Extension
The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Zoo are working on plans to connect the Westbank Greenway with the Zoo and Fairmount Park and they want to hear from you.
See the plans and take the survey.
Proposed Improvements:
View of the proposed path along 34th St.
See the plans and take the survey.
Proposed Improvements:
- Replacement of the existing sidewalk along 34th Street with a 10’ wide multi-use trail.
- Replacement of the existing sidewalk along the Zoo frontage on 34th Street.
- Replacement of existing curb ramps in accordance with current ADA criteria at the following intersections:
- 34th Street/Girard Avenue/Lansdowne Avenue
- 34th Street/Zoological Drive
- Extension of the existing concrete barrier on the 34th Street Bridge to eliminate bicycle and pedestrian crossings at the 34th Street/Zoological Drive intersection.
View of the proposed path along 34th St.
Coalition for Philadelphia's Riverfronts Launch
An invitation from Next Great City and PennFuture to attend an event on Tuesday, October 6th
Philadelphia is on its way to becoming a great riverfront city full of cultural, economic and environmental potential. We invite you to be part of this exciting growth by joining the Coalition for Philadelphia’s Riverfronts (CPR).
CPR will work to create a scenic walking, biking, skating and blading trail that is connected to the city and follows the edges of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers.
At the launch, the Coalition for Philadelphia's Riverfronts will talk about how the new greenway will help the city’s economy, the ways it will support Greenworks’ goal to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America, and how a continuous, connected trail along our rivers will benefit everyone who lives in or visits Philadelphia. And there’s more! Thanks to help from our partners as the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Hidden River Outfitters will offer discounted kayaking after the event so you can get out and enjoy the river.
At the new Schuylkill Banks Plaza at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive On the Schuylkill River adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Launch is free; kayaking tour offered at a discounted price of $25
Snacks and beverages will be served
For more information about launch please contact Rachel Vassar at 215-545-9691 or vassar@pennfuture.org. For kayaking specific questions call 215-592-7020 x101
Philadelphia is on its way to becoming a great riverfront city full of cultural, economic and environmental potential. We invite you to be part of this exciting growth by joining the Coalition for Philadelphia’s Riverfronts (CPR).
CPR will work to create a scenic walking, biking, skating and blading trail that is connected to the city and follows the edges of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers.
At the launch, the Coalition for Philadelphia's Riverfronts will talk about how the new greenway will help the city’s economy, the ways it will support Greenworks’ goal to make Philadelphia the greenest city in America, and how a continuous, connected trail along our rivers will benefit everyone who lives in or visits Philadelphia. And there’s more! Thanks to help from our partners as the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, Hidden River Outfitters will offer discounted kayaking after the event so you can get out and enjoy the river.
Come to help Philly reach its potential as a great riverfront city.
Stay for discounted kayaking!
Coalition for Philadelphia’s Riverfronts (CPR) Launch &
Discounted Kayaking with Hidden River Outfitters
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Stay for discounted kayaking!
Coalition for Philadelphia’s Riverfronts (CPR) Launch &
Discounted Kayaking with Hidden River Outfitters
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
At the new Schuylkill Banks Plaza at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive On the Schuylkill River adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Launch is free; kayaking tour offered at a discounted price of $25
Snacks and beverages will be served
For more information about launch please contact Rachel Vassar at 215-545-9691 or vassar@pennfuture.org. For kayaking specific questions call 215-592-7020 x101
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Philadelphia is No. 1 Among Big Cities For Bicycle Commuting
Bicycle Commuting Doubles in Philadelphia over three year period
The US Census Bureau’s 2008 American Community Survey recently reported that Philadelphia has the most bicycle commuters per capita of the nation’s most populated cities. Philadelphia’s bicycle commuters comprised 1.6% of all commuters who travel to work.
Among the nation’s ten largest cities, Philadelphia had the highest percentage of commuters who use a bike; higher than New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles. Philadelphia also tied for 10th among the country’s 60 largest cities and the second highest percentage among east coast cities (only Washington DC has a higher percentage).
Philadelphia’s percentage of commuters who bike is nearly three times the national average of 0.55%.
The 2009 American Community Survey found that the number of commuters who rode a bicycle to work rose from 4778 to 9410 between 2005 and 2008: a 97% increase in 3 years. This finding confirms the Bicycle Coalition's 2008 report, Double Dutch, that the number of bicyclists using Schuylkill River Bridges doubled from an average of 60 bikes per hour to 120 bikes per hour between 2005 and 2008.
The news is also good for the Delaware Valley counties surrounding Philadelphia. While the steady climb in bicycling has been documented in Philadelphia since the 2000 census, bicycling in the region outside of Philadelphia remained stubbornly well below the national bike to work percentage. However, the 2008 ACS revealed double digit gains in 7 of the 8 suburban Counties. Overall, the regional increase was more than 75%, with Montgomery and Bucks Counties showing 122% and 130% gains respectively.
Bike Pittsbugh's Erok Boerer developed a nice spreadsheet that breaks down bicycling, walking and transit use among the 60 largest cities.
The US Census Bureau’s 2008 American Community Survey recently reported that Philadelphia has the most bicycle commuters per capita of the nation’s most populated cities. Philadelphia’s bicycle commuters comprised 1.6% of all commuters who travel to work.
Among the nation’s ten largest cities, Philadelphia had the highest percentage of commuters who use a bike; higher than New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles. Philadelphia also tied for 10th among the country’s 60 largest cities and the second highest percentage among east coast cities (only Washington DC has a higher percentage).
Philadelphia’s percentage of commuters who bike is nearly three times the national average of 0.55%.
- Philadelphia 1.6% (6th largest city)
- San Jose 1.2% (l0th largest city)
- Chicago - 1.0% (3rd largest city)
- San Diego 0.9% (9th largest city)
- Los Angeles - 0.9% (2nd largest city)
- New York - 0.6% (1st largest city)
- Phoenix - 0.8% (5th largest city)
- Houston - 0.4% (4th largest city)
- Dallas - 0.1% (8th largest city)
- San Antonio - 0.1% (7th largest city)
The 2009 American Community Survey found that the number of commuters who rode a bicycle to work rose from 4778 to 9410 between 2005 and 2008: a 97% increase in 3 years. This finding confirms the Bicycle Coalition's 2008 report, Double Dutch, that the number of bicyclists using Schuylkill River Bridges doubled from an average of 60 bikes per hour to 120 bikes per hour between 2005 and 2008.
The news is also good for the Delaware Valley counties surrounding Philadelphia. While the steady climb in bicycling has been documented in Philadelphia since the 2000 census, bicycling in the region outside of Philadelphia remained stubbornly well below the national bike to work percentage. However, the 2008 ACS revealed double digit gains in 7 of the 8 suburban Counties. Overall, the regional increase was more than 75%, with Montgomery and Bucks Counties showing 122% and 130% gains respectively.
Bike Pittsbugh's Erok Boerer developed a nice spreadsheet that breaks down bicycling, walking and transit use among the 60 largest cities.
EMS Club Day This Weekend!
It's back and better than ever! Eastern Mountain Sports is hosting their bi-annual Club Day this Friday and Saturday (October 2nd & 3rd). Visit a store and show your 2009 Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Member card and receive 20% off full prices items.
And now for the better than ever...The University City location (3401 Chestnut Street, PHL PA 19104) has invited the Bicycle Coalition to be their spotlight club for the weekend. This means that any customer who is not a member of a club will be able to make a donation to the Bicycle Coalition and receive the same discount on the spot.
The staff at the University City location will be providing free bicycle safety checks both days. To make it even better, they will also be hosting 2 Fix-A-Flat clinics each day at 2pm and 5pm. Please contact the store for additional information on the clinics at 215.382.0930.
Happy Shopping!
And now for the better than ever...The University City location (3401 Chestnut Street, PHL PA 19104) has invited the Bicycle Coalition to be their spotlight club for the weekend. This means that any customer who is not a member of a club will be able to make a donation to the Bicycle Coalition and receive the same discount on the spot.
The staff at the University City location will be providing free bicycle safety checks both days. To make it even better, they will also be hosting 2 Fix-A-Flat clinics each day at 2pm and 5pm. Please contact the store for additional information on the clinics at 215.382.0930.
Happy Shopping!
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