PENNDOT's Deputy Chief Director of Transportation Affairs Bruce Armstrong announced today that the agency will be kicking off an ambitious 5 year plan to make every state road in Pennsylvania a "Complete Street" by the year 2014.
Nicknamed the "Amsterdam Project" Penndot will simply be shifting funding set aside for highway expansion to bikeway and sidewalk planning and construction.
Armstrong said that reallocating the state's dwindling transportation funds will create more construction jobs per dollar than the big highway projects and will eventually give every Pennsylvanian the ability to safely walk or bike to any place that they choose to go.
PENNDOT believes that the retrofit, along with a vigorous safety campaign will for the first time create a significant reduction in the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed or injured on the state highway system and will contribute to the states plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
The State Health Department agrees. Dr. Sarah Breen Minick, Assistant to the State Surgeon General believes that the expected reduction in vehicle miles traveled will reduce the negative effects of asthma on the young and elderly alike. And that improving the infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians will encourage Pennsylvanians to get active. Dr. Minick notes that physical inactivity is a major contributing factor for obesity and its associated health problems of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
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
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
2009 Red Bowl
2009 Red Bowl (9)
Originally uploaded by Philly Bike Coalition
Sunday's Red Bowl event was a great success, thanks to everyone who came out to spend the day with us.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Energy Efficiency Block Grants
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) provides grants to U.S. local governments, states, territories, and Indian tribes, to fund projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and that improve in energy efficiency. Transportation projects that reduce energy use and emissions including bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible.
The interesting twist to EECBG is that money is available from several levels of Government. If your municipality doesn't have an allotment then you can request funding from your county and then the state energy office.
Locally EECB Grants have been awarded to the following:
Pennsylvania State Energy Office - $23,574,800
Bucks County - 3,906,600
Chester County - 4,615,800
Delaware County - 3,668,300
Montgomery County - 6,183,000
Philadelphia - 14,108,700
Abington - 500,400
Bensalem - 576,000
Bristol - 492,500
Cheltenham - 147,400
Chester - 156,000
Haverford - 190,000
Lower Merion - 587,6000
Upper Darby - 695,600
NJ State DOE - $14,400,700
Burlington County - $3,051,700
Camden County - $2,046,700
Gloucester County - $2,155,400
Camden City - 780,200
Cherry Hill - 719,600
Evesham - 192,800
Ewing - 159,000
Gloucester City - 564,900
Hamilton Twp - 835,300
Mount Laurel - 183,100
Pennsauken - 154,900
Trenton - 847,800
Washington Twp - 467,400
Willingboro - 144,700
Winslow Twp - 153,500
For more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program - Click Here
The interesting twist to EECBG is that money is available from several levels of Government. If your municipality doesn't have an allotment then you can request funding from your county and then the state energy office.
Locally EECB Grants have been awarded to the following:
Pennsylvania State Energy Office - $23,574,800
Bucks County - 3,906,600
Chester County - 4,615,800
Delaware County - 3,668,300
Montgomery County - 6,183,000
Philadelphia - 14,108,700
Abington - 500,400
Bensalem - 576,000
Bristol - 492,500
Cheltenham - 147,400
Chester - 156,000
Haverford - 190,000
Lower Merion - 587,6000
Upper Darby - 695,600
NJ State DOE - $14,400,700
Burlington County - $3,051,700
Camden County - $2,046,700
Gloucester County - $2,155,400
Camden City - 780,200
Cherry Hill - 719,600
Evesham - 192,800
Ewing - 159,000
Gloucester City - 564,900
Hamilton Twp - 835,300
Mount Laurel - 183,100
Pennsauken - 154,900
Trenton - 847,800
Washington Twp - 467,400
Willingboro - 144,700
Winslow Twp - 153,500
For more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program - Click Here
Red Bowl Today -- Tickets Available at the Door
It's too crummy a day not to spend it indoors. Join me -- and the 145 other people who already have tickets -- for an afternoon of bowling and beer with the bike crowd. In addition to the bowling, we've got a bikeathlon (bmx time trial and bowling), tire changing tournament and a raffle and silent auction with lots of cool packages -- including four bikes donated by Specialized, Canondale and Fuji.
It's a family affair and kids under 12 are free!
1:00 to 4:00 pm
North Bowl Lounge
909 N 2nd St
Tickets available at the door
It's a family affair and kids under 12 are free!
1:00 to 4:00 pm
North Bowl Lounge
909 N 2nd St
Tickets available at the door
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tell Governor Rendell to Release Safe Routes to School Funds
Remember when we told you that the League of American Bicyclists ranked Pennsylvania as 38th out of 50 states on their Bike Friendly States list? Well that’s not as low as we can go. Another measure of bike and pedestrian friendliness is the level to which Safe Routes to Schools are funded. Well, we have bad news: PA ranks 49th in the nation on Safe Routes to School spending.
If you look at the Safe Routes to School programs map below you’ll notice an enormous hole where PA is filled with only a handful of orange dots. All of our neighboring states have filled their map with Safe Routes to School success stories. Communities in PA are still waiting.
Pennsylvania has received $21 million over five years (FY05 – 09) for the federal Safe Routes to School program. So far it has only released $2 million of that money to date. This leaves $19 million collecting dust that is earmarked for making our streets safer so kids can walk and ride bikes to school. We want Governor Rendell to release this money for its intended use—to make our communities safer for kids to walk and bike to school.
These funds are critical to help schools and communities make it safer for children to walk and bicycle to school—and at least $14 million of those funds are for building sidewalks, crosswalks, and other bike/ped infrastructure near schools.
Thus far, only 11 mini-grants for $5,000 each have been awarded to schools in PA—putting the state next-to-last in the nation for funds awarded to local communities.
Last fall, PennDOT held a grant competition for approximately $12 million in infrastructure grants. Nearly 100 schools applied, requesting $56 million in funding, showing the demand for Safe Routes to School across the state.
The awards still have not been announced, and the last update from PennDOT said grants would be awarded in December 2008.
Please contact Governor Rendell to ask him to release these grants as soon as possible. Schools and communities need these funds to address traffic congestion and air quality, help children lead healthy and active lives, and to create safe infrastructure for children walking and bicycling.
Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284
E-mail the Governor’s Office
Original Post on Bike PGH:
If you look at the Safe Routes to School programs map below you’ll notice an enormous hole where PA is filled with only a handful of orange dots. All of our neighboring states have filled their map with Safe Routes to School success stories. Communities in PA are still waiting.
Pennsylvania has received $21 million over five years (FY05 – 09) for the federal Safe Routes to School program. So far it has only released $2 million of that money to date. This leaves $19 million collecting dust that is earmarked for making our streets safer so kids can walk and ride bikes to school. We want Governor Rendell to release this money for its intended use—to make our communities safer for kids to walk and bike to school.
These funds are critical to help schools and communities make it safer for children to walk and bicycle to school—and at least $14 million of those funds are for building sidewalks, crosswalks, and other bike/ped infrastructure near schools.
Thus far, only 11 mini-grants for $5,000 each have been awarded to schools in PA—putting the state next-to-last in the nation for funds awarded to local communities.
Last fall, PennDOT held a grant competition for approximately $12 million in infrastructure grants. Nearly 100 schools applied, requesting $56 million in funding, showing the demand for Safe Routes to School across the state.
The awards still have not been announced, and the last update from PennDOT said grants would be awarded in December 2008.
Please contact Governor Rendell to ask him to release these grants as soon as possible. Schools and communities need these funds to address traffic congestion and air quality, help children lead healthy and active lives, and to create safe infrastructure for children walking and bicycling.
Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284
E-mail the Governor’s Office
Original Post on Bike PGH:
Friday, March 27, 2009
Camden GreenWay To Connect City with Subs and Philly
The Camden GreenWay Trail network will be the eastern component of a larger trail network that will spread across much of the region. The network will connect to Philadelphia via the Ben Franklin Bridge.
The Bicycle Coalition is on the steering committee led by the Cooper's Ferry Development Association. The committee will plans to hold public meetings, conduct neighborhood marketing campaigns and seek corporate and legislative support for the trails.
Sections of the GreenWay network have already been constructed but they are mostly short and disconnected. Because of this many of the older segments are in need of rehabilitation.
View Larger Map
The Bicycle Coalition is on the steering committee led by the Cooper's Ferry Development Association. The committee will plans to hold public meetings, conduct neighborhood marketing campaigns and seek corporate and legislative support for the trails.
Sections of the GreenWay network have already been constructed but they are mostly short and disconnected. Because of this many of the older segments are in need of rehabilitation.
View Larger Map
Red Bowl Online Registration Extended
We have extended the online registration period for Red Bowl 2009 until 11:59 PM on Saturday night. You save $9 over the $20 admission at the door.
Register Online Here
 |
| From Philadelphia Bicycle News |
Register Online Here
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Video - Copenhagen's Green Wave
In Copenhagen some streets that are prioritized for bicycles have closed loop (interconnected by software) traffic signals timed at 20km/hr or 12 mph. This street carries 35,000 bikes per day.
The Green Wave in Copenhagen from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
The Green Wave in Copenhagen from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Philadelphia's Bicycle Parking Legislation
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On March 12th, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Councilman Kenney and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. introduced Bill #090190 to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding a new Section providing for bicycle parking, under certain terms and conditions. This bill defines several classes of bicycle parking spaces and requires bicycle parking spaces to be provided in office, retail and other commercial buildings, large multiple family units, parking lots and low-occupancy buildings that obtain a zoning permit. As an incentive for developers, bicycle parking can be installed in lieu of a percentage of motor vehicle parking spaces (5 bike parking spaces can replace one off street parking space).
This bill was prompted by the Bicycle Coalition's campaign to increase bicycle parking. The Bicycle Coalition worked with the Nutter Administration on this bill and praises Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, Kenney and Jones for introducing this measure.
The bill will be presented to the Philadelphia City Planning Commission at its April 21st meeting (1pm, 18th Floor of 1515 Arch Street). City Council is expected to hold a hearing on the bill in May.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
14YO Critically Injured in Hit and Run
From PhillyBurbs.com:
By: MATT COUGHLIN The Intelligencer
A 14-year-old boy remains hospitalized with multiple injuries after a pickup truck struck his bicycle in Northampton on Friday and the driver fled, police said. The teen was riding in the area of Temperance Lane at Blue Fox Lane about 5:24 p.m. when the pickup struck him, police said. He was taken to St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown by the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and was in critical condition in the ICU Saturday morning, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said.
The pickup was disabled in the accident and one of the 48-year-old driver's relatives drove to the intersection to support the driver. However, police said the driver got into that car and fled, leaving his relative behind. The 48-year-old man, who lives in the Richboro section of Northampton, was located about 30 minutes later at another relative's home, police said. The man was taken to St. Mary and samples were taken for blood-alcohol testing.
View Larger Map
The juvenile's name has not been released. The driver has not been charged and police said the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Anyone who saw the crash or has information about events leading up to the accident is asked to
call officers Martin Comyn, Marcus Wigler or Detective Peter Stark at 215-322-6111.
Matt Coughlin can be reached at 215-949-4172 or mcoughlin@phillyBurbs.com.
By: MATT COUGHLIN The Intelligencer
A 14-year-old boy remains hospitalized with multiple injuries after a pickup truck struck his bicycle in Northampton on Friday and the driver fled, police said. The teen was riding in the area of Temperance Lane at Blue Fox Lane about 5:24 p.m. when the pickup struck him, police said. He was taken to St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown by the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and was in critical condition in the ICU Saturday morning, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, authorities said.
The pickup was disabled in the accident and one of the 48-year-old driver's relatives drove to the intersection to support the driver. However, police said the driver got into that car and fled, leaving his relative behind. The 48-year-old man, who lives in the Richboro section of Northampton, was located about 30 minutes later at another relative's home, police said. The man was taken to St. Mary and samples were taken for blood-alcohol testing.
View Larger Map
The juvenile's name has not been released. The driver has not been charged and police said the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Anyone who saw the crash or has information about events leading up to the accident is asked to
call officers Martin Comyn, Marcus Wigler or Detective Peter Stark at 215-322-6111.
Matt Coughlin can be reached at 215-949-4172 or mcoughlin@phillyBurbs.com.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Google Street View is now in The Netherlands
This is great news, StreetView now covers Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Gronigen in the Netherlands. Complete Streets at their best.
View Larger Map
We have created a Google Map to place unique bicycle features in StreetView. It is an open collaboration so if you know a good image in streetview please feel free to add it the map.
http://tinyurl.com/worldbikemap
View Larger Map
We have created a Google Map to place unique bicycle features in StreetView. It is an open collaboration so if you know a good image in streetview please feel free to add it the map.
http://tinyurl.com/worldbikemap
On Street Bike Parking Comes to Baltimore
Charm City continues its "worst to first"sprint of Bicycle Friendly Northeast Corridor cities. While Baltimore is still has a relatively low bike lane mileage count the city is not afraid to try innovative design solutions. Sharrows and parking meters converted to bike racks are still in the planning stages here in Philly.
On Friday an in street bike corral made its debut in the Charles Village neighborhood.
Photo by Patrick McMahon on Shutterfly
On Friday an in street bike corral made its debut in the Charles Village neighborhood.
Photo by Patrick McMahon on Shutterfly
Streets Department Establishes Recessed Stop Bar Policy
From Charles Denny Chief Engineer at the Philadelphia Streets Department:
For all new designs of pavement markings we will be following the below standard.
At non signalized locations the stop bar will be located 4 feet behind the crosswalk.
At signalized locations the stop bar is to be placed 10 feet behind the crosswalk.
This will provide two safety benefits, one to pedestrians and the other to bikes. The benefit to pedestrians is that the greater distance from the stop bar lessens the chance of drivers of larger vehicles not seeing pedestrians because of the height of their front ends. For bikes it provides a space for them to move to the front of motor vehicles and get a head start when making left or right turns at intersections.
It's not quite a bike box, in fact it can be argued that legally bicycles are supposed to stop at the bar. But without MUTCD approval it is difficult from a liability standpoint to install bike boxes (the MUTCD is coming up for an update).
For all new designs of pavement markings we will be following the below standard.
At non signalized locations the stop bar will be located 4 feet behind the crosswalk.
At signalized locations the stop bar is to be placed 10 feet behind the crosswalk.
This will provide two safety benefits, one to pedestrians and the other to bikes. The benefit to pedestrians is that the greater distance from the stop bar lessens the chance of drivers of larger vehicles not seeing pedestrians because of the height of their front ends. For bikes it provides a space for them to move to the front of motor vehicles and get a head start when making left or right turns at intersections.
It's not quite a bike box, in fact it can be argued that legally bicycles are supposed to stop at the bar. But without MUTCD approval it is difficult from a liability standpoint to install bike boxes (the MUTCD is coming up for an update).
Friday, March 20, 2009
UPENN Share the Road Press Conference
From the University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety:
The “Share-the-Road” campaign will kick off next week at an event that will focus on educating both cyclists and motorists of basic safety practices and City and State laws to allow for a safe riding environment, and safety for pedestrians as well.
Penn’s “Share-the-Road” campaign will have members from the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Bike Works, USP, Drexel, EMS, Trophy Bikes, MERT and the Undergraduate Assembly available on site to answer questions and provide information on Tuesday, March 24 at 1:30 p.m. at the entrance of Locust Walk at 34th and Walnut Streets.
Over the past several months UPenn has been setting an example of a Bicycle Friendly Campus (perhaps the League of American Bicyclists needs a new category). Nearly 200 more bike parking spaces have been installed or upgraded (wave racks replaced by inverted U racks) and the Penn Shuttle service has put bike racks on its larger buses that cover its E and W routes.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Some Friendly Advice to our Allies at the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club website supports better bicycling and walking as evidenced in one of their three transportation goals:
Expanded transportation choices and increased reliance on transportation alternatives: Reducing vehicle miles traveled per person by increasing public transit use, fostering compact communities with transportation choices (rail, bus, walking, biking), and by cutting the number of car trips taken.
But when you go to the newly added Green Tips Transportation section, walking and bicycling are treated as afterthoughts. After six specific tasks are listed on how you can drive greener there is this general statement at the bottom of the list:
Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips helps, as does carpooling with friends.
If I were editing this page I would expand on those options.
Expanded transportation choices and increased reliance on transportation alternatives: Reducing vehicle miles traveled per person by increasing public transit use, fostering compact communities with transportation choices (rail, bus, walking, biking), and by cutting the number of car trips taken.
But when you go to the newly added Green Tips Transportation section, walking and bicycling are treated as afterthoughts. After six specific tasks are listed on how you can drive greener there is this general statement at the bottom of the list:
Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips helps, as does carpooling with friends.
If I were editing this page I would expand on those options.
- Pointing people to available resources on the internet such as Google Transit, Walkscore and the Livable Streets Network.
- Offering options for biking such as using a bike trailer that can carry several bags of groceries or how taking your bike on transit can expand your car free travel options.
- Champion the health benefits of bicycling and walking.
- Talk about the cost savings of joining a car sharing organization.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Red Bowl 2009 Is Coming
Its bigger and better this year, North Bowl Lounge will be giving us the entire bowling alley.
When: Sunday, March 29, 2009 1-4pm
Where: North Bowl Lounge, 909 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia PA 19123
Cost: $10 pre register/ $20 day of - Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Tickets include bowling and valet bike parking. Cash bar & food.
Presented by Keswick Bicycle, Bicycle Therapy, SRAM, Specialized, Cannondale, and others
To buy tickets, call to reserve a ticket, or stop by either the Cherry Hill or Glenside locations of Keswick Cycle, or Bicycle Therapy in Center City Philadelphia. Or, you can click here and purchase a ticket online for $11.00. Or, simply show up and pay $20 at the door!
View Larger Map
Cynwyd Trail Cleanup On Saturday
This weekend work on the Cynwyd Trail will focus on the Spaventa Spur by clearing debris and removing invasives. Several neighbors who back up to the trail will be cleaning the trail between Cynwyd Station and Belmont Avenue. You can meet them at 9:00 am Saturday on the trail by Bala Cynwyd Park if you prefer.
The Spaventa group will meet around 8:45 across from the vacant gas station at Belmont Avenue and Rock Hill Road. You can also park at the station or bike from Manayunk via the Green Lane Bridge. Work will continue until 1 when pizza will be served.
View Larger Map
More Info Call Chris Leswing
(610) 645-6116
cleswing@lowermerion.org
The Spaventa group will meet around 8:45 across from the vacant gas station at Belmont Avenue and Rock Hill Road. You can also park at the station or bike from Manayunk via the Green Lane Bridge. Work will continue until 1 when pizza will be served.
View Larger Map
More Info Call Chris Leswing
(610) 645-6116
cleswing@lowermerion.org
Monday, March 16, 2009
Remarks of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks at the 2009 National Bike Summit.
Secretary LaHood reinforced his commitment to bicycling in his official blog Welcome to the Fast Lane: Cyclists are important users of Transportation Systems
Secretary LaHood reinforced his commitment to bicycling in his official blog Welcome to the Fast Lane: Cyclists are important users of Transportation Systems
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Snippets from the National Bike Summit
I had a great week in Washington in spite of my sprained ankle. With the new administration in place comes an optimism that had been missing for several years. At the opening plenary Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood and stated that "You have a full partner at US DOT"
On Capitol Hill day we were tasked with several asks for our Congressional Reps and Senators:
Thanks to Sarah Clark Stuart for organizing the meetings as well as everyone who came down to Washington for Lobby Day. We hope to see even more of you next year.
On Capitol Hill day we were tasked with several asks for our Congressional Reps and Senators:
- Support the America Bikes Agenda
- Support the Current Complete Streets Bills in the House and Senate
- Support the CleanTEA Bills int he House and Senate - An exciting new bill that will set aside 10% carbon cap and trade revenues in the future climate bill that would go to transportation projects that reduce Greenhouse Gases which is bicycling walking and transit.
- The Senate Complete Streets and CleanTEA bills are Sponsored in the Senate by our local Senators Tom Carper (DE) and Arlen Specter (PA).
In addition we asked for more support for the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia, and strengthening the requirement for bike/ped accommodations on bridges in the next Transportation Bill.
Other Blogs covered highlights from the Bike Summit
BikePortland.org Bike Summit Coverage
Top ten Tweets from the Bike Summit
Thanks to Sarah Clark Stuart for organizing the meetings as well as everyone who came down to Washington for Lobby Day. We hope to see even more of you next year.
Mayor Nutter Shrinks the City's Vehicle Fleet
Mayor Nutter is retiring more city vehicles to save 1.5 million dollars a year.
Philadelphia has been a government leader in car sharing, by June the City would have reduced their vehicle fleet by more than 800 vehicles since 2006. The originally contracted with PhillyCarShare for car share services but in 2008 they awarded the new contract ZipCar which came in with a lower bid.
Philadelphia has been a government leader in car sharing, by June the City would have reduced their vehicle fleet by more than 800 vehicles since 2006. The originally contracted with PhillyCarShare for car share services but in 2008 they awarded the new contract ZipCar which came in with a lower bid.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Are We A Bicycle Friendly Community?
The League's Bicycle Friendly America family of programs recognize states, communities and businesses for their efforts to promote bicycling and provide road maps to improve.
Today the City of Philadelphia submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community application.There are 4 levels of awards for Bicycle Friendly Communities based on the criteria - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Communities with emerging bicycle programs can receive an Honorable Mention. So far not a single community in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware has received an award and only two communities Newark DE and Point Pleasant NJ have received an Honorable Mention.
In 2006 the City of Philadelphia applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status and received an Honorable Mention. Reasons for not receiving an award included the lack of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. Since that time we have a new administration an office of Transportation and Utilities an new Bicycle Ambassadors and a draft Bike Parking Ordinance that include a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.
Announcements will be made during Bike Month - This could be our year.
Today the City of Philadelphia submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community application.There are 4 levels of awards for Bicycle Friendly Communities based on the criteria - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Communities with emerging bicycle programs can receive an Honorable Mention. So far not a single community in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware has received an award and only two communities Newark DE and Point Pleasant NJ have received an Honorable Mention.
In 2006 the City of Philadelphia applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status and received an Honorable Mention. Reasons for not receiving an award included the lack of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. Since that time we have a new administration an office of Transportation and Utilities an new Bicycle Ambassadors and a draft Bike Parking Ordinance that include a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.
Announcements will be made during Bike Month - This could be our year.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bike Summit Lite
Off we go to the National Bike Summit, you can download the program here.
This year the League of American Bicyclists has opened up their Annual Meeting to all cyclists in the amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Conference Center on Wednesday night and you can still lobby with us on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Call it Bike Summit Lite and it is free.
This year the League of American Bicyclists has opened up their Annual Meeting to all cyclists in the amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Conference Center on Wednesday night and you can still lobby with us on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Call it Bike Summit Lite and it is free.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Earth To Philly - Why No Naked Bike Ride?
Earth to Philly the Daily News Green Living Blog asked our Executive Director Alex Doty about the Naked Bike Ride.
If Albany and Grand Rapids can find enough people to risk sticking to their saddle, then why can't Philadelphia?
If Albany and Grand Rapids can find enough people to risk sticking to their saddle, then why can't Philadelphia?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Bike the Strike Rewind
Remember the SEPTA Strike in November 2005. Perfect Indian Summer weather, a bike parking station at the Municipal Services Building, and a commuter race in which the bicyclist lost to a speeding cab (at least it didn't cost him $12).
But it was also a time of gridlocked rush hour traffic and long cues of commuters waiting for trains with Tokyo subway like crowds.
You can relive the 2005 SEPTA and the 2006 NY MTA strike experiences by going to the Bike the Strike Blog.
If recent history repeats there won't be a SEPTA Strike in March, April or even May but just in case SEPTA has quickly put up a service interruption guide, which shows a lot of not so great Regional Rail options and nothing about bikes.
But it was also a time of gridlocked rush hour traffic and long cues of commuters waiting for trains with Tokyo subway like crowds.
You can relive the 2005 SEPTA and the 2006 NY MTA strike experiences by going to the Bike the Strike Blog.
If recent history repeats there won't be a SEPTA Strike in March, April or even May but just in case SEPTA has quickly put up a service interruption guide, which shows a lot of not so great Regional Rail options and nothing about bikes.
Find the Bikes in the IBM Smart Traffic Commercial
IBM brought London style congrestion pricing to City of Stockholm last year, calling it smart tolling. The advert only focuses on decreasing congestion but at the 20 second mark it briefly flashes hordes of bicyclists riding down an urban street (presumably somewhere in Asia).
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The Delaware Bike Summit Opens Up Registration
As we head off to Washington next week for the National Bike Summit the state of Delaware has opened up registration for the Delaware Bike Summit on Friday April 24th.
The Keynote Speaker will be Michael Ronkin Former Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator for Oregon DOT. Other speakers include LAB President Andy Clarke, BCGP Bicycle Ambassador Coordinator Breen Goodwin and Penn Police Bicycle Patrol Lt. John Washington. Invited elected officials include DE Governor Jack Markell, Congressman Mike Castle and Complete Streets champion Senator Tom Carper.
The summit takes place at Del Tech's Terry Campus 100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE from 8AM to 5:00. Admission is free. DART First State Route 301 bus carries bicycles and serves Del Tech. Leaving from the Wilmington Amtrak station at 6:10AM with a return bus leaving DelTech at 6:05PM.
The Keynote Speaker will be Michael Ronkin Former Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator for Oregon DOT. Other speakers include LAB President Andy Clarke, BCGP Bicycle Ambassador Coordinator Breen Goodwin and Penn Police Bicycle Patrol Lt. John Washington. Invited elected officials include DE Governor Jack Markell, Congressman Mike Castle and Complete Streets champion Senator Tom Carper.
The summit takes place at Del Tech's Terry Campus 100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE from 8AM to 5:00. Admission is free. DART First State Route 301 bus carries bicycles and serves Del Tech. Leaving from the Wilmington Amtrak station at 6:10AM with a return bus leaving DelTech at 6:05PM.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Beer Week-The Hammer of Glory and Bicycles
I still don't quite understand the nuances of Beer Week except that it involves a lot of beer. But it kicked off this afternoon as the first leg of the Hammer of Glory tapper relay was completed in a Bilenky Cargo Bike by longtime BCGP member Pete Laverghetta from the Grey Lodge Pub to the Philasdelphia Brewing Company. Subsequent hammer runs included a tandem and a bakfiets cargo bike owned by Trophy Bikes, no doubt accompanied by its sound system bike trailer.
Bakfiets Cargo Bike
Bakfiets Cargo Bike
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Obama Appoints Former STPP Director For DOT Slot
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer Roy Kienitz, a deputy chief of staff for Governor Rendell, has been nominated as the department's undersecretary for policy.
Kienitz was the former director the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP). STPP's is a diverse, nationwide coalition working to ensure safer communities and smarter transportation choices that enhance the economy, improve public health, promote social equity, and protect the environment. STPP helped shape the policies in TEA-21, and Safety-Lu. They published several reports about infrastructure and pedestrian safety long before the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse.
Kienitz left the organization in 2003 and STPP's influence has waned since, in fact the website was last updated in 2006 and much of the policy work has been taken over by T4 America.
It's hard to say exactly how Kienitz influenced PennDOT policies for bicycling and walking. There were lots of steps taken in the right direction at the Central Office (such as the bike/ped checklist) but it never seemed to trickle down to the District level. The loss of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator and assistant B/P Coordinator has further tarnished the DOT's reputation. On the other hand Governor Rendell has become the defacto leader for Infrastructure and Mass Transit improvements.
Kienitz was the former director the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP). STPP's is a diverse, nationwide coalition working to ensure safer communities and smarter transportation choices that enhance the economy, improve public health, promote social equity, and protect the environment. STPP helped shape the policies in TEA-21, and Safety-Lu. They published several reports about infrastructure and pedestrian safety long before the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse.
Kienitz left the organization in 2003 and STPP's influence has waned since, in fact the website was last updated in 2006 and much of the policy work has been taken over by T4 America.
It's hard to say exactly how Kienitz influenced PennDOT policies for bicycling and walking. There were lots of steps taken in the right direction at the Central Office (such as the bike/ped checklist) but it never seemed to trickle down to the District level. The loss of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator and assistant B/P Coordinator has further tarnished the DOT's reputation. On the other hand Governor Rendell has become the defacto leader for Infrastructure and Mass Transit improvements.
90 Bike Parking Spaces Added at UPenn
The University of Pennsylvania continues their committment to increase bike parking on campus with new bike racks for the med school area at the University of Pennsylvania.
The locations are:
Richards Building: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) (20 bike capacity) (COVERED)
Morgan Building: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) 20 bike capacity
Stemmler Hall: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) 20 bike capacity (COVERED)
Blockley Hall: 3 new racks (15 hoops on rails 30 bike capacity
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The locations are:
Richards Building: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) (20 bike capacity) (COVERED)
Morgan Building: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) 20 bike capacity
Stemmler Hall: 2 new racks (10 hoops on rails) 20 bike capacity (COVERED)
Blockley Hall: 3 new racks (15 hoops on rails 30 bike capacity
View Larger Map
Monday, March 02, 2009
Join us to lobby Congress on March 12 for better bicycling policies!
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The 2009 National Bicycle Summit is happening next week. We will be storming Capitol Hill with other bicycle advocates to lobby for progressive bicycle/pedestrian policies, a green transportation bill, and for funding to bicycle facilities such as new trail segments to Complete the Schuylkill River Trail in the Philadelphia region.Can you take a day off and come down to Washington DC to lobby with us? It’s a lot of fun and an eye opening experience. Comfortable shoes required. We’re setting up meetings with the offices of our Senator Casey, Specter and Menendez and Congressmen Fattah, Brady, Gerlach, Sestak, Schwartz, Murphy, LoBiando, Adler and Andrews. We usually meet with staff, although sometimes we catch a break and see the member him/herself.
Send John Boyle an email if you would like to join us on Thursday, March 12th. We need to hear from you if you plan to come and to help you find a car pool!
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New Trail Coming to the Delaware Waterfront
Buried in Mayor Nutter's announcement for a waterfront plan for the Delaware River was a plan for trail construction along the Delaware River.
The city is moving ahead with plans for a recreational trail, which is to break ground in April. The first two phases of the trail are to be completed by July and run continuously from Penn's Landing near Columbus Boulevard and Market Street to Pier 70 in South Philadelphia.
The trail, which will cost $500,000, is being developed by the city, the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., and the Center City District, a privately funded special-services organization.
Read the Full Story HereThe 1.3 trail is considered an interim trail that will not have lavish landscaping and take advantage of the existing wide walkways along the waterside of Columbus Blvd.
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Burlington County Pushes I-295 As A Scenic Byway
Burlington County - home of scenic river towns like Bordentown and Riverton. Plus the Pine Barrens, a large farm belt and cranberry bogs. Lots of possibilities for a Scenic Byway, right? So what route does the county choose for a scenic byway designation -- I-295?
Other State Scenic Byways that were pushed by local leaders included the the Blue Route and the Exton Bypass.
Fortunately or perhaps not FHWA policies specifically mention bicycling and walking as criteria for National Scenic Byway Designation:
c. Roads or highways considered for National Scenic Byways and All-
American Roads designations should accommodate, wherever feasible,
bicycle and pedestrian travel.
The definition of byway at FreeDictionary.com is "a secondary or side road, esp. in the country". It seems that including suburban bypasses such as the Blue Route and I-295 in the Scenic Byways program is not exactly in the spirit of the law as it was intended. It also puts interstates in competition for a small set aside of funds with Byways that do accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
There are only two locally designated National Scenic Byways
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway
Historic National Road
Other State Scenic Byways that were pushed by local leaders included the the Blue Route and the Exton Bypass.
Fortunately or perhaps not FHWA policies specifically mention bicycling and walking as criteria for National Scenic Byway Designation:
c. Roads or highways considered for National Scenic Byways and All-
American Roads designations should accommodate, wherever feasible,
bicycle and pedestrian travel.
The definition of byway at FreeDictionary.com is "a secondary or side road, esp. in the country". It seems that including suburban bypasses such as the Blue Route and I-295 in the Scenic Byways program is not exactly in the spirit of the law as it was intended. It also puts interstates in competition for a small set aside of funds with Byways that do accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
There are only two locally designated National Scenic Byways
Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway
Historic National Road
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Philly Congestion Down 28%
According to the INRIX National Traffic Scorecard Philadelphia/Wilmington Area congestion dropped 28% over the past year. However a deeper decrease in Atlanta kicked the region's congestion rank up from 12th worst up to 11th worst.
The Travel Time Index dropped 3% to 1.10 which means that a random trip at a random Time can expect a 10% increase in travel time due to congestion.
Which brings into the question the forecasting for traffic increasing, which is a major catalyst for building bigger roads. Granted high gas prices and a sagging economy may be a short blip in the projected trend. But with an aging population and the likely scenario that a surge in demand will drive up gas prices you have to wonder if current traffic forecasting models have any validity at all.
The Travel Time Index dropped 3% to 1.10 which means that a random trip at a random Time can expect a 10% increase in travel time due to congestion.
Which brings into the question the forecasting for traffic increasing, which is a major catalyst for building bigger roads. Granted high gas prices and a sagging economy may be a short blip in the projected trend. But with an aging population and the likely scenario that a surge in demand will drive up gas prices you have to wonder if current traffic forecasting models have any validity at all.
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