Moving People from "Interested but Concerned" to "Enthused and Confident" Cyclists

Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler is written up in today's Inquirer and The Philly Post  as saying that the Nutter Administration is taking steps to encourage the "Interested but Concerned" (i.e. reluctant) bike rider to take the streets more often and in greater numbers.

Where did this term come from?  This graphic is borrowed from the City of Portland, which created it based on survey data.   The bar categorizes the public according to their attitude about cycling:

• Strong and Fearless
• Enthused and Confident
• Interested but Concerned
• No Way No How

While Philly's demographics are different than Portland's, the breakdown of people's attitudes about riding bikes in Philadelphia is probably the same.  The bar illustrates that a majority of the population is reluctant to use bikes on a regular basis.

There are many strategies (bike sharing, education, enforcement) that will help grow bicycling in Philadelphia and convince more people to shift from "Interested but Concerned" over to "Enthused and Confident."  But, one important  (and relatively low cost) strategy is to make more of the city's streets feel safer for cyclists.  One type of infrastructure that accomplish this is separated bike lanes, i.e. cycletracks.  These higher quality bike lanes are separated by paint, such as the Spruce and Pine bike lanes, or better yet, physical barriers, and are effective at drawing out those reluctant cyclists to try using their bike instead of driving.  We're psyched that Deputy Mayor Cutler and Mayor Nutter are embracing this approach and look forward to hearing more details about the soon to come north-south bike lanes.

One Step Closer To Biking The Delaware

Potential bike/ped trail on Central Delaware

A critical piece of the Central Delaware Master Plan fell into place recently.  The Delaware River Waterfront Corp awarded a contract  Whitman Requardt and Associates LLP to conduct a traffic study of Delaware Avenue from Oregon to Allegheny Avenue.  The study, to be completed by the end of July, will provide the necessary analysis required to shift biking the Delaware from distant urban aspiration to tangible urban investment objective.

A multi-use trail along the Delaware River is a central piece of the revitalization of that waterfront.  Such a trail would attract pedestrian and bicycle traffic, improve Philadelphia's burgeoning green image, and bring an incalculable boost in mood for those traversing our eastern river.  Building momentum for its creation requires the statistics generated by this study.  The traffic study will show whether Delaware Ave can handle vehicular traffic with fewer lanes, the creation of a trail, and allow trail advocates a seat at the table with the river's commercial and industrial stakeholders.

This is a first and necessary step towards the Nutter Administration's vision of a green, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly Delaware River.  This summer, we can look forward to the injection of new information, and new momentum, into the redevelopment of the Delaware waterfront.

Submitted by guest blogger Nicholas Mirra

Center City Bike Lane Coverage on CBS 3

Link to Story
Watch the Video


CBS 3 reporter Todd Quiñones covering bicyclist and motorist reaction to Deputy Mayor Cutler revealing that a pilot project that may bring north south bike lanes to Center City streets later this year. Features a brief interview with BCGP Executive Director Alex Doty.

Coming Soon - New North South Bike Lanes in Center City

Inquirer Staff Writer Peter Mucha broke the story on Philly.com today stating that Rina Cutler, deputy mayor for transportation answered a question about new north south bike lanes by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Cutler did not specify which streets will be targeted but she later stated - "We expect sometime in late April to be announcing the pilot streets, as well as the enforcement program".

Meanwhile back on the internet, the bike hating idiots are spewing their vermin in the article's comments section, you can help the cause by signing in to Philly.com and saying something positive about bikes.



Will the Mayor take the scary scissors to another set of bike lanes this year?

New Data Graphic Reflects The Awesomeness of Philly Bike Culture

Philadelphia has just nudged up a little higher into the National bike culture consciousness.

We have the data, and have blogged about it here and here, but a new info-graphic created by Kory Northrop, a master’s student in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Oregon has been making the rounds in the bike blogosphere over the past couple of days.

Considering that our fair city is often at the bottom of these types of "best of" lists (or top of "worst of" lists) its refreshing to be in the forefront especially, when the data comes from the US Census not some list generated by a publication trying sell magazines.

Northrop's graphic takes the 2009 American Community Survey Data (ACS) for the 70 largest cities and ranked them. Philadelphia landed in 9th place with a whopping 2.16% of all Philadelphians traveling to work primarily via bicycle.

In Philadelphia only 37% of the cycling population is female, that is however somewhat higher than the National average of 27%. Women are seen by experts as an indicator species in cycling statistics. Studies have shown that the most bike friendly places draw the highest percentages of female cyclists. In Northern Europe the percentage of women vs men who cycle often exceeds 50%.

Philadelphia is a big city and the intensity of bicycle commuting varies widely throughout. We are continuing to drill down with the Census Data and last year's bicycle counts to get a clearer picture of cycling in the City. Look for a report from the BCGP within the next few weeks.

Gearing Up is Moving Up and Will be Featured on APBP Webinar

For most of us, going for a bike ride is how we get around town or enjoy a day in the sun. For the women of Gearing Up, it means much more. Gearing Up is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving women in transition from drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, and/or homelessness the skills, equipment, and guidance to safely ride a bicycle for exercise, transportation, and personal growth.

On April 1st, Gearing Up is moving into a new office space. Kristin Gavin, Director and Founder of Gearing Up, shared an office with the Bicycle Coalition for the past few months. We are always working towards making cycling a more attractive option for women (who tend to ride less than men), so are thrilled to see Kristin and her team move on and prosper.

You can learn more about Kristin, Gearing Up, and other women in cycling who are making a difference at an upcoming Women Can Change the World through Cycling webinar on Wednesday, March 30th at 3pm sponsored by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Registration is required.

In addition to Kristin, the webinar will feature:

Andrea Garland of Alta Planning + Design
Fionnuala Quinn, PE, Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling.
Anna Sibley, Masters in Public Health candidate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Carolyn Szczepanski, Communications Coordinator, Alliance for Biking & Walking, and columnist for Bicycling Times magazine.

Post written by guest blogger Ben Cromie

Calling All Bikers...It's Time to Walk!

As Spring awakens, carve out some time in your schedule to walk portions of the conceptual Forge to Refuge trail (which would extend the Radnor Trail to Valley Forge and to Cobbs Creek). The walks are designed to introduce the community to the historical and environmental significance of the area and get  feedback on this conceptual trail.  Architect Bob Thomas will lead both walks.                                                                            

  

                                                                                  Radnor Trail Exploration

Date: Sunday April 17, 2011
Time: 11am
Fee: $10 for members, $15 for non-members

(members of: Philadelphia Parks Alliance, Sierra Club, Pa. Environmental Council, Bicycle Coalition for Greater Philadelphia, Green Space Alliance, American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Hostelling International, Preservation Alliance, East Coast Greenway, REI, University City Historical Society, Women’s Transportation Seminar, or the Schuylkill River Greenway Association)

 

Cobb Creek Trail Exploration

Date: May 15, 2011

Time: 11am

Fee:  $10 for members, $15 for non-members

(members of: Philadelphia Parks Alliance, Sierra Club, Pa. Environmental Council, Bicycle Coalition for Greater Philadelphia, Green Space Alliance, American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Hostelling International, Preservation Alliance, East Coast Greenway, REI, University City Historical Society, Women’s Transportation Seminar, or the Schuylkill River Greenway Association)

For more information on the walks, please refer to the "Walking Tours" section of Philadelphia Parks Alliance
For information on the already existing Radnor Trail, please click here

Posted by guest blogger Lydia Prakash

Bucks County Bike Plan Public Meetings In April

A Bicycle Plan for Bucks County

A complete bikeway network will provide residents and visitors of Bucks County with a non-motorized option to efficiently access local and regional places of interest and commerce.

By providing opportunities for all types of riders, the master plan will expand bicycle facilities that will link important work, intermodal, shopping, recreation, schools, and tourist destinations.

A round of public meetings focused on obtaining feedback and opinion from the general public with regards to the vision of bicycling in Bucks County.The format for each public meeting will be a project presentation followed by a public involvement exercise.

The Meeting Times and Locations Are:

• Quakertown Borough Building:
  April 11th 6:00 - 8:00pm
  
  
• Silver Lake Nature Center:
  April 13th 6:30 - 8:00pm
  
  
• Doylestown Twp Building:
  April 20th 6:00 - 8:00pm

For more information go to the Bucks County Bicycle Plan website















A short section of the US 202 Parkway in Montgomeryville, showing bike lanes and an adjacent multi-use path that will extend to Doylestown.

Congressional Listening Session Tour on Transportation Comes to an End; Drafting of the New T Bill to Begin in April

Chair Mica and Reps Meehan and Shuster

Chairman John Mica (R-FL) wrapped up his Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee's nationwide tour of a dozen Congressional Districts in King of Prussia, PA today by listening to selected speakers from around the Greater Philadelphia region.  Chairman Mica was joined by host Congressman Pat Meehan (PA-07) and Bill Shuster (PA-09) on the panel. 

Chairman Mica, who started the week in Afghanistan and Europe and the day in Scranton PA, opened the session by stating that he wants to the next federal transportation bill to make proper choices about building infrastructure and nation's economy.  He also said that he was done with extensions and was going to start drafting a bill in April.  Moments of opportunity, identifying where red tape could be cut, and adding in a rail component were items that the Chairman wants in his bill.

Overall, the theme of the session was "how to do more with less."  It was mentioned over a dozen times throughout the two hours by Members of Congress and the speakers. Chairman Mica stated unequivocally that the gas tax was not going to get raised, explaining, "it's not just my position, it's just not going to happen in the reality in which I live."  He stated that the goal was to find ways to raise revenue without raising taxes.  But, to start, he asked the speakers directly, "what do you want changed?"

P3s, or public private partnerships, were the hot topic.  State Senator John Rafferty (44th District) is chair of the Transportation Committee and spoke about his legislation to create more of these partnerships to raise revenue for transportation projects.  Senator Rafferty said that his committee had concluded that states need more flexibility from the feds to toll.  He was quick to say that the state needed $20-60 Billion to upkeep the existing transportation system, but that P3s could help supplement. 

Cecile Charlton Delaware County Transportation Management Association and Rob Henry of Greater Valley Forge TMA  spoke about how they already do more with less and work hard to promote all modes of transportation, especially SEPTA, the region's transit agency.  Given the growth of jobs and housing in the counties, having a strong transit system is critical.  Ms. Charlton urged the committee to look at public transit as an important piece of the new bill.  Mr. Henry echoed Ms. Charlton by saying how they strive to be multi modal, promote cycling and encouraged employers be more involved and integrated in the transportation discussion. Charlton and Henry deserve a shout-out for being the most multi-modal oriented in their remarks among all of the speakers.

Barry Seymour of Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission made three points: that 1) regional planning works, 2) the biggest constraint is funding; only 2/3 is available to meet basic needs and 3) state and localities need more ways to raise funds to supplement federal funding.  "Our challenge is to maintain what we have."  He also said that not only was Valley Forge the first home of the nation, it was home to the country's first traffic jam.

Bob Latham of the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition asked Chairman Mica to set a national vision for transportation in the context of no gas tax.  He said that there is a need to marry transportation policy with the nation's energy policy of becoming less dependent on foreign oil. 

Other speakers spoke about how technology could help improve best practices and reduce project delivery times; how more metrics are needed and how P3s would work, but that government funding is still needed.

Mr. Meehan asked the speakers about what exactly governors and mayors need to make public private partnerships work.  Senator Rafferty asked that for more flexibility to toll; for the Feds "to loosen the leash." 
Senator Rafferty then expounded his support for decking the "Schuylkill" Expressway (I-76) and that many would pay a $5 toll to get "quickly" into Center City Philadelphia.   Mica's response was that he had a problem with tolling existing roadways, "then we no longer have free highways."  He supported tolling for new expansions instead.

Rob Henry was asked how would p3s work on a smaller scale? His answer: its done already; Business Improvement Districtss; shuttle systems; extending High Speed Rail to further reaches of Philadelphia suburbs. 

Breen Goodwin of the BCGP spoke up for TE and SRTS

Chairman Mica took public comments for a few minutes before closing the session. Breen Goodwin and myself of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia made the points that bicycling and walking funding needed to be part of the federal transportation discussion; that it was only 1.2% of the federal transportation budget and shouldn't be cut, and that federal transportation dollars spent on biking and walking is cost effective and leverages other state and private dollars.   Go to the @bcgp twitter account to see the tweets made by John Boyle during the session. #T&Isession

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia organized supporters to attend the session and supplied them with bike and ped pins. Over a dozen in the room wore them.  Mr. Meehan gladly accepted a bike pin at the beginning and wore it throughout the session.  He remarked that he recalled Congressman Blumenaur wearing one regularly.  Mr. Meehan and his office  has met three times with the Bicycle Coalition in the past several weeks to discuss TE and SRTS and about a conceptual multi-use trail through his district that would link up Valley Forge Historic Park to the John Heinz Refuge. His willingness to listen and talk about the importance of trails to link together local communities is encouraging and we welcome his support as the transportation bill takes form.

The record for this meeting will stay open for 10 days and both Chairman Mica and Congressman Meehan and Shuster invited submissions of written ideas for what should be included in the transportation bill.  Seems like an opportunity not to be wasted.

Wear Your Bike Pin to Congressional Listening Session on Transportation

As part of a nationwide tour, House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (FL-07) and Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) are coming to King of Prussia to hold a Listening Session from 3-5pm on Friday, March 25th.

Where: Valley Forge Visitors Center, North Ballroom 

Radisson Valley Forge Hotel

1160 First Avenue

King of Prussia, PA 19406

                 When: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

According to the Committee's announcement there most likely won't be time for public to speak, but written comments are welcome.  Nevertheless, it's still a good opportunity to demonstrate to the attending Members of Congress and guest speakers that there is strong public support for trails and biking/walking projects that are funded by Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School.  If you can spare the time, please come.  Wear your bike pin, or pick one up at the session from one of us from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

RSVP is required as seating is limited.  Please RSVP your attendance to Keenan Lynch 202-225-2011 or at Keenan.Lynch@Mail.House.Gov

Alta Bicycle Share Announces New Positions and Aims for Philly

Alta Bicycle Share a spinoff of Portland's Alta Planning and Design has announced that Philadelphia based Alison Cohen will be assuming responsibilities as President of Alta Bicycle Share, while Eric Gilliland has been named the General Manager of Capital Bikeshare, the nation’s largest bike sharing system in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA.

Alison Cohen has led Alta Bicycle Share from being a startup, to managing the largest bikesharing system in the nation with over 40 people on staff across two continents in one year. She leads all executive functions for Alta Bicycle Share from the office in Philadelphia, where she was born and raised. As a former professional tennis player, Goldman Sachs financial analyst with a Master’s degree from MIT, she started her own business in bike sharing prior to leading Alta Bicycle Share. She graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1992.

Cohen's quote in the press release is intriguing: “I feel privileged to help lead a transportation revolution in the nation and throughout the world. Public bike sharing fundamentally changes the way people get around cities, and is an incredible complement to already existing transit systems. I look forward to bringing our lessons learned in other East Coast cities such as Washington DC and Boston, and helping to implement this system in Philadelphia. I want to continue to help Philadelphia improve the economic vitality and quality of life for all its residents, and be on the cutting edge as a leader in becoming a healthy and environmentally sustainable city.”

Gilliland comes to Capital Bikeshare with a wealth of experience in bicycle transportation and organizational development. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), an organization made up of the transportation departments of 15 major U.S. cities to improve communications between city departments of transportation and facilitate the exchange of best practices across a variety of transportation modes, including cycling.

Prior to NACTO, Gilliland spent ten years with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the last five as the association’s director.

Alta Bicycle Share consults, launches, and operates bike sharing systems globally. Currently, they operate Melbourne Bike Share in Australia and Capital Bikeshare, and will be launching two more systems in the U.S. in 2011. They are working closely with Alta Planning + Design on bike share feasibility studies for Providence, RI, Chicago, IL, and Seattle, WA.

$5000 Reward for Info leading to the SUV Driver who Struck Down a Cyclist in Fairmount Park

An outlaw SUV motorist driving well above the 25 mph speed limit hit a cyclist who was on a training ride near the Please Touch Museum. 33 year old Meurig James was struck down from behind Friday night at 7:05 PM at the roundabout intersection of Lansdowne Dr. and Avenue of the Republic Lansdowne Dr in Fairmount Park, The driver if found is likely to face charges for leaving the scene of a crash and failing to render aid.

Meurig (My-Rig) was lucky enough that after he went flying that he was both wearing a helmet (and didn’t suffer any brain injury) and landed on the grassy median strip. The police have also found some pieces of evidence from the car that hit him.

The incident occurred a day before the Philly Phlyer Race which took place in the Park on Saturday. Meurig is a competitive cyclist who has taken home prize money on several occasions for his cycling. In 2010 James won USA Cycling Federation cat 3 best all rounder for Pennsylvania. He was out on a training run that night with his friend and fellow cyclist Nick Rogers a transportation project associate for the Clean Air Council who witnessed the crash and called 911.

Meurig’s employer Celerant Consulting has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police are looking for a White SUV with front end damage, and anyone with any information should contact 911.



View PA/NJ Bicycle Crashes 2011-2012 in a larger map

News Video -

CBS 3

NBC 10

Thanks to Kimberly Junod and Nick Rogers for contributing to this story

Retraction: It was reported earlier that the crash occured in the roundabout at Avenue of the Republic which was incorrect.

Help plan for Philadelphia's future

Last week, the Mayor's office released the draft of its Philadelphia2035 comprehensive plan, the city's first comprehensive plan in nearly 50 years. The plan is part of an overall "Integrative Planning and Zoning Process" that will look at how the city will grow and develop over the next quarter-century. The process, which began in 2007 following a voter referendum establishing the Zoning Code Commission, seeks to update the city's antiquated zoning laws to better suit the city in the twenty-first century.

Philadelphia2035 supports the construction of Complete Streets

The plan includes a "Connect" chapter that sets goals for transportation and infrastructure planning. It includes a section on Complete Streets that supports bicyclist and pedestrian safety and expands on- and off-street networks serving cyclists and pedestrians.

Last week's draft is the first of a multi-step process that will gather input from community groups and citizens from around the city. After the final citywide plan comes out this coming June, the Commission will turn its focus to eighteen "District Plans" over the next five years. These will coordinate previous neighborhood plans and seek to improve both community health and public services.

The first four district plans, set to be completed in year one of this effort, are West Park, Central, Lower South, and Lower Southwest Philadelphia. You can check out a map and timeline for all districts here.

Philadelphia2035 is closely involved with the Philadelphia Citizen Planning Institute, which hosts courses on community planning. The classes teach the history of the city's growth and development, how land-use and zoning work, what factors influence development, and how to advocate for a safe, sustainable, and prosperous plan for Philadlphia's future. At the end of the course, participants earn a "Citizen Planner" certificate and have the tools and knowledge necessary to help shape the plan for their neighborhood and the city as a whole.

Right now, the Citizen Planning Institute is accepting applications now for their Spring 2011 course.  All you have to do is download the application and return it by April 8 for consideration. The basic course costs just $30, and it will give you the opportunity to take part in planning for Philadelphia's future.

Finally, this Wednesday (March 23rd) the city is hosting an Open House to educate citizens and answer questions about the draft plan. Feel free to stop in to talk to city planners about their goals and find out more about how you can get involved.

Citywide Plan Open House
March 23, 2011, 3:30-7:30pm
Center for Architecture
1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Blog post written by guest blogger Gregory Anderson

Philly Spring Cleanup - Cobbs Creek Park and More

As part of Philly Spring Cleanup on April 2nd, a seven mile stretch of the Cobbs Creek Park and watershed will feature seven project sites from 63rd and Vine to Island Avenue at Cobbs Creek Parkway. 

In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Water Department and the Darby-Cobbs Watershed Partnership, activities will include tree plantings, creekside cleanups, and trail restoration. The morning kick-off will take place at the Laura Sims Skate House at 63rd and Walnut Street at 9AM.

Other locations that may be of interest include the Schuylkill Banks Trail Cleanup, Frankford Avenue with the New Kensington CDC, East Falls Riverfront Cleanup, Delaware River Trail (Washington St to Wal-Mart), Shawmont, Tacony Creek Park, and Pennypack Park.

For volunteer signup go to http://phillyspringcleanup.com

On a related note the Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail will be hosting their monthly cleanup this Saturday March 26th at 8:30 AM and the Cynwyd Train Station.

Delaware Canal Towpath Washes Out Again

Just as things come back to normal on the Delaware Canal a flood comes through and sets things back. This happened in 2004 and 2005 when flood damage closed sections of the canal towpath until June 2010. The 2004 flood came less than a year after the completion of a $5 million dollar upgrade that improved the surface of the towpath from Bristol to Easton.

The latest flood event caused damage between Easton and Bowman's Hill south of New Hope and has resulted in the following restrictions:

• Towpath from Easton to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park posted "Warning- Trail CLOSED due to flooding" and "No Trespassing."
• Towpath from Wy-Hit-Tuk Park to Brown's Terrace posted "Warning - Hazardous Conditions due to flooding. No Bicycles.'"
• Towpath from the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area in Raubsville to Mueller's Stop Gate posted "Warning - Hazardous Conditions due to flooding. No Bicycles."
• Break in towpath south of Mulligan's Bridge in Upper Black Eddy is barricaded.
• Towpath from Lock 13 (Mountainside Inn) in Point Pleasant to the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area north of Centre Bridge posted "Warning - Hazardous Conditions due to flooding. No Bicycles."
• Towpath south of the Water Works in New Hope - a single spot area ( crater 20 ft.) posted "Danger Keep Out" on both the north and south sides.
• Towpath at the Bowman's Hill waste gates south of New Hope - a single spot area (erosion 20 ft.) posted "Danger Keep Out" on both the north and south sides.

The Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area between Raubsville and
Riegelsville under water - 3/11/2011.

Photo by Carol Mebus
From the Friends of the Delaware Canal

DVRPC RCC Listening Session - The Economic Value of Open Space

The DVRPC Regional Citizens Committee periodically holds special evening listening sessions to allow people who normally cannot participate in the planning process during regular business hours. Each session focuses on a different regional land use and transportation planning topic.

The next session will be a presentation and discussion of the economic value of Open Space (including trails, which are often designated as linear parks). It's a relevant topic for the times - Communicating the economic benefits of investments in trails and open space is an important argument to put in front of a Congress and State Government that is focused on budget cuts.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 @ 6PM

Franklin Commons Conference Room

400 Franklin Ave

Phoenixville, PA

Topic: Economic Value of Open Space

6:00 PM - Dinner and Networking

6:45 PM - Welcome and Introductions

7:00 PM - Presentation

7:30 PM - Discussion

The event is free - Please RSVP to Jane Meconi - jmeconi@dvrpc.org


View Larger Map

For those interested in the regional planning process The Regional Citizens Committee is open for anyone to join. They usually meet on the second or third Tuesday of the month at the DVRPC offices. For more info click here.

Bike Parking Scarce at Expanded Convention Center

The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center opened nearly two years after the city's bicycle parking ordinance was adopted. But the bike parking for this enormous facility is scarce, very scarce. Meter poles along Arch Street that could have anchored the circle racks have been extracted. An exhaustive search of every block found only 2 spiral bike racks - one under the cover Convention Center on the 13th Street underpass and a second one tucked behind a corner of the building on Arch just west of 13th. Total capacity = 8 bikes

Philadelphia Code 14-1401 (4) requires 1 bike parking space per every 10,000 square feet or fraction thereof. The expansion at 986,000 square feet should have supplied no less than 99 bike parking spaces.

It is possible that the Convention Center, an independent authority created by the State obtained all of its approvals before the bike parking ordinance took effect. Still installing 50 inverted U bike racks would have only added about $10,000 to the $786,000,000 price tag. Its interesting to note that the Authority is pursuing LEED Certification through its "Green Commitment" program and adding bicycle parking ranks among the most effective LEED Certification point strategies that one can pursue.

RSVP to 3/25 Congressional Listening Session on Transportation

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is coming back to King of Prussia (after being postponed due to budget votes late February) for a "listening session."  It is being hosted by Congressman Pat Meehan and will be held on Friday, March 25th at 3pm.  Details here.

The public is invited to attend and listen, but not to speak. 

These sessions are being held at the initiative of Chairman John Mica (R-FL) and will help formulate the House Committee's thinking behind the Transportation bill that they are likely to be writing this spring/summer.  This summary of a recent speech by Chairman John Mica gives you a flavor what is influencing him. Although the bicycling and walking community generally has been absent from the speakers' lists at these sessions, in many regions, advocates have worked to fill the audience seats and get their message out through.

The Bicycle Coalition will be there to make sure that the congressional representatives understand that trails and bikable/walkable streets are important components of the nation's transportation infrastructure and that Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding are must be retained and not cut back more than other transportation programs. 

We urge those of you who are available to come and show that there is substantial support in the region for active transportation infrastructure.  You must RSVP to attend the Friday session.

What:    U.S. House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Listening Session   

Where:  Valley Forge Convention Center (Radisson Hotel)

When: Friday, March 25, 3:00pm

 

Upcoming Chester County Cycling Coalition Meeting

Chester County Cycling Coalition
Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 21, 2010 7:00 pm
Government Services Building – Room 149
601 Westtown Road, West Chester PA

1. Chester County Planning Commission Transportation Update – Natasha Manbeck

2. Trail Update – Mike Broennle

• Trail Coalition – Valley Forge to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge
• Chester Valley Trail

3. CCCC Status Report – Ellen Zadoff

4. Bike Friendly West Chester Update – Tom Verderame/Fred Rothman

5. National Bike Month Events Planning

• May 1st: Chester County Library Community Health Fair
• May 18th: Ride of Silence
• May 20th: Bike to Work Day

January 2011 Meeting Notes

House Transportation Listening Session Is Re-Scheduled

The Listening Session being hosted by Congressman Pat Meehan for the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has been rescheduled for Friday, March 25th at 3pm

The public is invited to attend, but it is unlikely that there will be an opportunity to speak.  More details will be posted in a future blog post about attending Members of Congress, speakers and whether or not an RSVP is required.  All those who RSVP'd last time will receive an email directly from Congressman Meehan's office.

What:    U.S. House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Listening Session   

Where:  Valley Forge Convention Center (Radisson Hotel)

When: Friday, March 25, 3:00pm

 

 

Bicyling is the topic for 3/17 edition of Phila U's Ecoman and the Skeptic radio show

Tune in to Ecoman and the Skeptic
Thursday, March 17 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Listen live at www.PhilaU.edu/EcomanandtheSkeptic

This week’s topic:  On the Road: Biking Toward a More Sustainable Future
On episode 3, season four of Ecoman and the Skeptic, the bantering bards will broach the benefits of biking. Our guest this week will be Sarah Clark Stuart, campaign director who works on bicycle and trail issues for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Can you improve your health, bottom line and the environment on a two-wheeler? What are U.S. cities doing to encourage biking? Want to join the commuter challenge during national bike month in May? Tune in March 17 for another exciting episode of Ecoman and the Skeptic, including regular features Green News and the Green Wash quiz with Professor Rob Fryer.

Listeners can email questions to the hosts at ecoman@philau.edu or theskeptic@philau.edu, or call in during the broadcast to 1-888-346-9141.

Listen live at www.PhilaU.edu/EcomanandtheSkeptic

Comment on Improving Walking and Bicycling in Collegeville

DVRPC is conducting a planning study centered on Collegeville Borough and its surrounding area. The purpose of this project is to enhance the area for bicyclists and pedestrians by addressing transportation issues and concerns. This site is a resource for people who live, work, and frequent the area to help identify transportation-related needs to be considered by this study.













Please comment on locations that are deficient or need improvement in the areas of transportation, particularly related to bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility. In particular, DVRPC would like your opinions about walkability, bikeability, streetscapes, safety, and livability.

Your comments will help DVRPC develop effective improvement strategies for the Collegeville area by targeting potential problem areas.

Comments and suggestions will be accepted through March 31st, 2011.

Go to the Comments Map

Philadelphia City Cycling Committee Meeting on Tuesday

The Philadelphia City Cycling Committee will be meeting on Tuesday March 15th at the Bicycle Coalition Education Office, 1500 Walnut Street Suite 305 at 6:30 PM.

Guests: Alan Urek and Debby Schaaf of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to speak about bicycling in "Philadelphia 2035" the new 25 year plan for the City. The plan is currently in draft form. This could be a good opportunity to have more input into this guide for the
City's future

Tentative Agenda:

1. 6:00 Pizza –Refreshments
2. 6:30 Introductions
3. 6:35 Presentation and Discussion: Philadelphia 2035
   
4. 7:10 Discussion - Ridge Avenue Detour Feedback/conditions
   
5. 7:20 NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide Intro
6. 7:30 Bike Coalition Update for Philadelphia
7. 7:35 Open Forum - Addressing neighborhood bicycle issues
   
8. 7:45 Old/New Business
   
9. 8:00 Adjourn

View Larger Map

MacDade Boulevard Crash - Bad Driver and Bad Intersection

From a traffic justice perspective it's a no brainer.

NBC Philadelphia reports that 4 teenagers were struck by a driver who tried to "beat the light" as they were crossing MacDade Boulevard at Morton Avenue and Haverford Rd at 10PM on Friday Night. Two of the teens were released but two remain in the hospital with an eighth grader fighting for his life in intensive care.

"Mr. Williams should not have been driving. He did not have a valid driver's license. PennDot recalled it because he has a medical condition," Sgt. Charles Palo said.

And this was what the 11PM Report on NBC 10 news stated:

"Friends of the victims were wearing red to remind people to stop at red lights"

Besides the alleged driver negligence and time of day, the design of MacDade Boulevard cannot be ignored as a possible contributory factor. This road is posted at 35mph but the 4 lane configuration encourages speeding and "beating" the traffic light. In addition the Morton Avenue intersection is a skewed 5 way intersection and Ridley Park wisely puts a crossing guard there during school hours.

Our verdict, we hope that justice prevails and the driver is handed more than the routine slap on the wrist, and that the road itself can be made much safer for bicyclists and pedestrians at a relatively modest cost.

• A roundabout - the friendly, modern cousin of the Jersey traffic circle has been proven to reduce speeds and intersection conflicts without increasing traffic delays.
• Pedestrian countdown signals
• Replacing the old school two line crosswalk with the "Abbey Road" zebra crosswalks
• Red light cameras, to reduce red light running
• Restriping the road to slightly narrow the traffic lanes to create bike lanes.

We wish a speedy recovery for all the crash victims.


View Larger Map

A crossing guard gives the indication of the danger of crossing MacDade Boulevard.

Commuter Challenge

Have you heard? The Bicycle Coalition will be celebrating Bike Month 2011 with a month long Commuter Challenge! Our Commuter Challenge will allow individuals to create teams for their workplaces or organizations. Participants will log their daily, active commute distance (the distance biked or walked), and at the end of May, the workplaces with the highest percentage of participation will be crowned the winners!

Want to learn more? Visit our event website or fill out this short survey to be added to our email list!

Kensington Kinetic Meet and Greet

Want to participate or learn more about the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby, happening May 21? New Kensington CDC will be holding a Meet and Greet on March 26 from 12:00-1:00 at the Philadelphia Brewing Company (2439 Amber St). Come learn more about the Derby and find others who are interested in getting involved! For more information, visit the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby's website!

SRT Groundbreaking on Monday, March 14

At 10am on  Monday, March 14th, Mayor Michael Nutter and Park & Rec Commissioner Mike DiBerardinis will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction project that will repair and reconstruct the sidepath along Kelly Drive between Falls Bridge and Ridge Avenue.  All are invited.  This long awaited project is the first among several that will break ground during 2011 to improve or build new sections of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia.  Come and partake in this event and learn more about how Philadelphia is marching toward Completing the Trail.

New Bikeway Design Guide Aims to "Copenhagenize" US Streets

Yesterday at the National Bike Summit NACTO President, Janette Sadik-Khan announced the launching of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide.



The publication goes beyond the conservative AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, which is the bikeway design standard bearer for most local and State Departments of Transportation.

By providing guidance for the design of bicycle facilities that have applied for use in Northern Europe for many years, the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide is an online easy to read resource that will give progressive urban communities the tools to "Copenhagenize" their streets.

But the challenge in many locations will be directing the "old school" engineers to incorporate these street treatments, many of whom are not comfortable putting anything that resembles a bike lane on the street. There is an old joke among bike planners saying that the DOT's are waiting for "people to retire", which suggests that the tail is wagging the dog.

We expect that Philadelphia which is a member of NACTO will work towards full implementation,

Ray LaHood Speaks At The National Bike Summit (Again)

US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was the Keynote Speaker at the National Bike Summit's opening dinner and reception.

Gas Shock Mania - Has "Drill Baby Drill" bored common sense out of our heads?

As we head to the National Bike Summit going face to face with a new Congress one would think that we were going in with the wind at our backs. Unrest in the Middle East has caused Gas prices to spike to near June 2008 levels. The largest oil spill in history has left unknown damage in the Gulf of Mexico and Shale Gas fracking has been linked to tainted water supplies in Northeast Pennsylvania and earthquakes in Arkansas. Encouraging people to Bike, walk or take public transportation for some of their trips is common sense, like investing in savings instead of of over-extending your credit card.

Yet some of our lawmakers - Democrat, Republican, National, State and Local and most of the media seem to have no appetite to encourage bicycling. In fact the news this year has been bikelash. Political football? Hah! How about political dodgeball. Bike Bashing seems to a bi-partisan issue:

• AAA didn't successfully get rid of the Pennsylvania Avenue bike lane but it was able to pare down it's buffer and possibly contributed to a defeat of a pro bicycling Mayor.
• The success of the cycle track on the West side of Prospect Park in Brooklyn has raised the ire of Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer and former bike supporter Rep. Anthony Weiner who declared that if elected Mayor he would have a ribbon cutting for tearing out the (f-ing) bike lanes.
• In Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has proposed cutting bikeway funding in a state where the bicycle industry (tourism, manufacturing, sales etc.) supports 3400 jobs and has an economic impact of $556 million annually.
• And can anyone forget the Bike Share UN Conspiracy of failed Colorado Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Maes.

The noise of the drilling seems to have drowned out the voices of reason. Perhaps we should recruit Charlie Sheen as a spokesperson to help get our message out. But in the end some people will choose to bike, walk or take public transportation simply because it makes good sense.

Ride your bike - for your economic and physical well being and for your country.

Neighbors of Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk, East Falls and Wissahickon... please review

In an effort to gather information concerning perceptions of the neighborhood and physical activity, Drexel School of Public Health and Philadelphia University are conducting a research study with the residents of Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk, East Falls and Wissahickon neighborhoods to assess the impact of the multi-use Cynwyd Heritage Trail.

If you live in one of these neighborhoods, please click on the link below or copy and paste the entire URL into your browser to access the survey.Survey Link: https://surveys.drexel.edu/surveylogin.asp?k=129865240248

Please forward this email to other neighbors and contacts that live in Bala Cynwyd, Manayunk, East Falls and Wissahickon neighborhoods.

If you have any questions about the survey please contact at neighborhoodstudy@drexel.edu.

Manayunk Tow Path to Be Repaired Summer 2011

At a recent public meeting held at the Manayunk Brew Pub on February 22nd, Rob Armstrong of Philadelphia's Park and Rec. Dept briefed the overflow crowd on the Department's plans to repair the Tow Path along the Manayunk Canal.

Here are the particulars:

• The construction will occur from late summer to the end of 2011.
• The area will be from Lock Street to Shawmont.
• The path will be resurfaced with 2" stone screening. The path will be between 8-10 feet wide.  
• Bridges will get porous asphalt surfacing.
• There will be a new block wall south of Leverington Avenue.
• Contractor will work on the bridges first.
• Cobblestones will remain at Shawmont, but a Phila Water Department access road built last year alongside the cobblestones will be paved, providing a safer way to bike up the hill to Nixon Street.
• When the path/trail has to be closed, signs will be posted on Main Street, Locke Street and Shawmont Avenue.

Bike Commuting - How Does Your County Compare to the Rest of the Nation

The American Community Survey is an annual count that replaced the Census Long Form, the results of which were released in 2001. The ACS became official in 2005 and thus 2009 was the first year that they were able to release 5 year data set. The five year report is a sample that is large enough to drill down the commute to work data to the Census Tract level as well as every county in the US.




View Full Size Map (Recommended)

The interactive map above of the all the US Counties is color coded by the percentage of bicycle commuters with the lightest number representing less the 0.1 percent and the darkest representing 10% plus. You can also click on a county to find out the number of people who walk, take transit or drive alone.

The County with the highest percentage of bicycle commuters was Gunnison County CO. Where 10.2% of all commuters travel to work by bicycle. Philadelphia registers at 1.5% however year to year data indicates that the latest commute estimate to be 2.2% the 2005 bicycle commuter mode share was at 0.9% which helps explain the 1.5% mid point number.


View Larger Map

Postcard Perfect Crested Butte, Gunnison County, CO

Data Source - http://factfinder.census.gov

5 Presentations From the New Jersey Bike And Walk Summit

The New Jersey Bike and Walk Summit was a big success this year with 140 attendees at the Masonic Temple in Trenton.

Five of these presentations were partially recorded and are showcased on this YouTube Playlist.

Kendra Arnold - Bike Morristown
Laura Torchio - Bike and Walk Montclair
Jeff Peel - League of American Bicyclists
Sheree Davis - NJ Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Professor John Pucher - Rutgers Bloustein School

For a complete wrap up of the Summit go to this post on the WalkBikeJersey blog.

SRT on Kelly Drive Closed for Construction -- Groundbreaking Scheduled

The trail between Falls Bridge and Ridge Avenue is now closed for re-construction.  This stretch of multi-use trail will be widened, resurfaced and moved behind the parking lot.  The Bicycle Coalition went out with flyers on Saturday, February 26, Tuesday, March 1 and will go out again tomorrow on March 3rd to let cyclists and runners know about the project and detour.  The project is expected to finish by the end of June 2011. 

The construction company put barrels out on the path at the turn from Kelly to Ridge on Tuesday afternoon.  Those travelling between East Falls and Manayunk should use the signed detour along Calumet and Ridge Avenues.

A formal groundbreaking with Mayor Nutter is scheduled for Monday, March 14th at 10am at Falls Bridge.  All are welcome.  Keep safe on the trail and detour!