Heads Up -- Trail Construction to Start Soon along Kelly Drive

The trail along Kelly Drive b/w Falls Bridge and Ridge Avenue will close during this or next week. Cyclists and pedestrians will have to use a detour along Ridge Avenue.

To help get the word out, the Bicycle Coalition will be handing out flyers to trail users on: 

Tuesday, March 1 (7-8:30am)
Thursday, March 3 (4-5:30pm

Volunteers are welcome! Please contact Caroline if you would like to help hand out flyers. Tuesday, we will be at the Wissahickon Transportation Center.

Chester County Cycling Coalition Seeks Bike Week Volunteers

The TMACC (Transportation Management Association of Chester County), Friends of the Chester Valley Trail and the Chester County Cycling Coalition (CCCC) are partnering this year to organize Bike Week events in Chester County.

TMACC is organizing the kick-off and closing week events on the Chester Valley Trail (CVT),

while the CCCC is planning 2 signature Bike to Work Week events in West Chester and is interested in finding people who want to organize these events in their own municipalities. CCCC will help with efforts elsewhere. Both events are easy to organize and require zero dollars:

• May 18th 7pm - Ride of Silence
• May 20th 8am - Bike to Work Day

A Bike to Work Day ride is also being planned in Downingtown on Friday May 20th.

CCCC is also interested in any ideas you may have to celebrate Bike to Work Week! Some possibilities include:

• Organizing energizer stations along bike routes during Bike to Work Week - For example, Friends of the CVT will have a station at the East Whiteland Township Building.
• Organizing or being a mentors for new bikers (route mapping assistance, offering to lead a group of bikers for a short ride to work)
• If you're a business, providing bike commuting incentives to employees (ex. which employee rode the most miles, etc.)
• Hosting a smart cycling class or a bike rodeo for kids in your neighborhood (CCCC can help you with that).

If you would like to organize an event or become involved in an event already organized, please contact, either Ellen Zadoff, Chester County Cycling Coalition or Molly Duffy and/or Paul DesRocher at TMACC.

SRT path from Falls Bridge to Ridge Avenue to close for reconstruction

Detour Sign

The re-construction of the Schuylkill River Trail along Kelly Drive between the Falls Bridge and Ridge Avenue (where Kelly Drive ends/begins off Ridge Avenue) will begin sometime during the first two weeks of March according to the Philadelphia's Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

The trail will be closed sometime between now and March 14th. It will remain closed until the project is completed, but no later than June 30, 2011. The new trail will be 10 feet wide where there is enough room, and 8 or 9 feet where space is limited. The trail is going to be redirected to go behind the parking lot.

Detour signs are going up today (February 24). Signs will be placed at the Wissahickon Transfer Station, the East Falls Bridge and Lloyd Hall.

The google map below shows the detour that cylists and pedestrians will be asked to take, along Calumet and Ridge Avenue. Existing trail in blue; Detour in yellow/brown.

View Falls Bridge to Ridge Avenue Trail Construction in a larger map

To help get the word out, the Bicycle Coalition will be handing out flyers to trail users on:
Saturday, February 26 (2-4pm),
Tuesday, March 1 (7-8:30am)
Thursday, March 3 (4-5:30pm
Volunteers are welcome! Please contact Caroline if you would like to help hand out flyers during those hours. We will be the East Falls Bridge.

Endurance Sports Expo

Still trying to figure out your weekend plans? Come to the Endurance Sports Expo at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (in Oaks, PA)! ESE provides a venue for athletes to test out the latest products before buying them, attend clinics and seminars to improve their performance, and find great clubs and non-profits (like BCGP!) to get involved with!

If you attend, please be sure and visit the Bicycle Coalition table!

NRDC Recognizes the Philadelphia Region for Transportation Innovation

Philadelphia has been identified as one of the 15 metropolitan regions leading the nation in transportation innovation in a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council's Smarter Cities project.

Philadelphia was selected as one of seven large (>1 million people) metropolitan regions to be profiled in the Smarter Cities transportation study. Selection was based on critical indicators such as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per household, public transit access, use and affordability, as well as implementation of sustainable transit programs.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Bicycle Coalition were cited by the NRDC for identifying target areas that could make getting across town on two wheels or by foot much easier. This work helped Philadelphia (along with Camden) secure millions of dollars for trail construction through the highly competitive (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program

Bicycle Meetings during Week of Feb. 22nd: Manayunk Canal/NJ Bike Walk Summit

Now that you're back from the three day holiday, here's a reminder of what's coming up this week.

2/22 -- 7pm -- Manayunk Canal and Towpath:  Philly's Dept. of Parks and Recreation is holding a public meeting to discuss upcoming plans to dredge the canal and repair the canal towpath during 2011 and 2012 construction seasons.  These projects will involve periodic closing part of the towpath. @ the Manayunk Brew Pub

2/24 -- 9am -- New Jersey Bike Walk Summit @ Masonic Temple, Trenton NJ

Thursday March 10, 2011 is Bike Summit Lobby Day on Capitol Hill--You Are Invited!

Are you interested in visiting your Congressional representative in Washington DC to ask for their support for bicycle programs?  Consider taking the day off to join fellow cyclists from the Greater Philadelphia region and attend the National Bike Summit's Lobby Day on Thursday, March 10th. 

Pennsylvania bike advocates on Capitol Hill in 2010

We invite you to travel down to DC and pound the pavement on Capitol Hill to visit the offices our congressional representatives and Senators.  You don't have to be attending the National Bike Summit to participate in this Lobby Day, but we do ask that you let us know if you are interested in coming down for the day.  Please fill out this short survey to indicate your interest.  We will send you the schedule and instructions of where to meet us etc.  We cannot provide you with transportation, but we can help you find a car pool. 

Breakfast with Senator Bob Casey

This is a fun experience and we encourage you to come.  We will be asking our Congressional Delegation to support biking and walking programs, funding and trail projects.  Last year, we met personally with Senator Casey and all of our other congressional reps.  We had over 30 people from Pennsylvania.

Now, more than ever, funding for bicycling and walking is vulnerable due to the current budget cutting climate.  Additionally, the federal transportation bill is up for re-authorization and there is a good chance it will be written this summer.  We need to send the message loud and clear that creating better trails and streets for cyclists and pedestrians will help the region be more economically competitive.  Hearing from us directly will help convince our Congressional Delegation to vote for a "green" federal transportation bill in 2011.

Exploring the Stuble, Uwchlan and Chester Valley Trails

Chester County decision makers envision the Chester Valley Trail to cross over or under the Exton Bypass to bring it into Downington. That vision is a long way off. But now new information posted on Google Maps shows an interesting if circuitous route for those who don't mind switching between trails and roads.











The connection is possible via the emerging Uwchlan Trail - currently a somewhat disconnected patchwork of sidepaths that occasionally swing into the woods. Many of the street segments appear to be bikeable, although crossing Route 100 can be difficult. Uwchlan township plans to connect the segments and link up with the Chester Valley Trail via the developing Exton Park Trail network.

The 32 year old Struble Trail is the final leg of the route and is quite scenic. There are future plans to extend the trail along the Brandywine Creek to Honeybrook but the County's priority is completing the Schuylkill River and Chester Valley Trails so we may have to find a champion to really push for the extension.

Betzwood Bridge Path Open House Last Night

Preliminary plans for the $7 Million Dollar Betzwood Bridge Trail Project were revealed at the Valley Forge Education Center on Wednesday. The project replaces a $30 million dollar plan to create a full size bridge that would have been open to motor vehicles.

Plans for the project have been accelerated because PENNDOT plans to rebuild the adjacent Route 422 bridge over the Schuylkill River and needs to remove the boardwalk.

Phase one of the project makes modifications to the Trooper Road Overpass above the Schuylkill River Trail. This would require a detour around the bridge by improving an informal trail that leads to the existing boardwalk entrance.



Open House attendees look over the trail drawings, including PENNDOT District 6 Executive Director Lester Toaso (far right).

More Photos and Video

Perhaps the most difficult challenge will be the design of the intersection with Trooper Rd and the Riverview Landing Development. Up to 4000 vehicles a day pass through here during the week. We propose adding traffic calming measures such as a roundabout or raised crosswalks to reduce the conflict danger with turning vehicles.

Additionally we asked that the consultant look into barricaded pedestrian path at the Riverview Landing entrance from a 5 foot wide corridor to at least an 8 foot wide entrance to accommodate bicycle traffic.

Philly's Adopt-A-Rack Applicants Notified Today

Those of us whose application was accepted for a bike rack to be installed under the Adopt-A-Rack program received an email today from the Mayor's Office of Transportation letting us know which location and how many racks will be installed.  (Applications were received over a three week period ending on April 7, 2010).   The process going forward is that the contract will be submitted for bid in a few weeks, followed by an award in May.  Once the contract is awarded, City staff will mark the spots of where racks are to be installed and a contractor will do the installation.


Under the Adopt-A-Rack program, 270+ racks will be installed using funding that the City received from the Department of Energy through the Recovery Act.  That funding is also helping to pay for the meter conversion program being administered by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, (more to come on the status of that program in a future blog post.)

Thank you Mayor Nutter and the Mayor's Office of Transportation!

Bicycle Coalition Seeks Communications Coordinator

The Bicycle Coalition is looking for an eloquent and creative communicator to bring focus to the many ways we communicate about our varied programs. Our goal is to effectively market our mission of making bicycling better through advocacy and education to the public and membership to bicyclists. In particular, we are launching communications plans for two programs this year: the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail Campaign/TIGER and Safe Routes Philly.

To apply, please visit http://www.bicyclecoalition.org/jobs.

Tonight's Congressional Listening Session Postponed

The House Transportation Committee Listening Session scheduled for tonight in King of Prussia has been postponed. The House is voting on the 600 floor amendments to HR1 which will run late into tonight and possibly tomorrow.

We'll post the new date and time when it is rescheduled.

Bike Programs Dodge House Cuts But Threats Still Loom Ahead

Of the nearly 600 amendments proposed to the 2011 House Budget bill (HR1), biking and walking programs, such as Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School, were not singled out to be cut. It's still possible that in a few weeks, we may face amendments in the Senate that attack biking and walking programs. So stay tuned to this blog for upcoming alerts.

However, other programs that affect trails, transit and public health support for active transportation have been targeted for reduction or zeroed out of the House's budget. You can take action on these items. See below:

• The Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition — of which IMBA is a member — is circulating an alert about Amendment 361. Offered by Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), the amendment would kill the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides public access to public lands, including trails. Ask your Representative to vote NO on Amendment 361. More information on this alert.
• Transportation for America (T4) is concerned about massive cuts to transit and rail. Click here for their alert.

Meanwhile, on the home front, on Thursday, February 17th,  PA 7th District Congressional Rep. Pat Meehan is co-hosting a Transportation Listening Session in King of Prussia with other members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee including Committee Chair: John Micah (Fl), Bill Shuster (PA), Pat Meehan (PA), John Duncan (TN), Pat Gerlach (PA), Rick Crawford (AR).

Invited speakers include individuals representing: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Delaware County Transportation Management Agency, Greater Valley Forge TMA, an engineer from construction firm, Transportation Safety Coalition, someone from P3s (Public, Private Partnerships), State Senator John Raferty, Kevin Johnson from Traffic Plan Design, and the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition.

The public is invited to attend, but it is unlikely that there will be an opportunity to speak.  RSVP is required as seating is limited.  

Federal Transportation Listening Session Details

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

Where:  Valley Forge Convention Center (Radisson Hotel)

When: 7:15pm

RSVP: Anyone seeking to attend the session are asked to contact Keenan Lynch
202-225-2011 or at Keenan.Lynch@Mail.House.Gov 

RSVP for the February 17th Congressional Listening Session in King of Prussia

On Thursday, February 17th, Congressman Meehan (PA-7) is hosting the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in King of Prussia to hear from a selected group of speakers on how to write the next Transportation bill.

The Bicycle Coalition urges supporters of biking and walking programs and projects to attend this session to demonstrate their support for livable communities and to learn more about how the GOP House is approaching writing a new transportation bill.

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

The invitation we received today reads:

Please Join United States House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (FL-07) Along with Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07)

Valley Forge Visitors Center
Radisson Valley Forge Hotel
1160 First Avenue King of Prussia, PA 19406
7:15pm-9:00pm

"The panel discussion will focus on how to consolidate and improve the performance of programs, cut government red tape and streamline the project delivery process, increase private sector investment in our infrastructure, and identify creative financing alternatives.

Due to time constraints, there will be limited opportunity for attendees to make remarks outside of the discussion from the panel members. Attendees with specific concerns or questions are invited to submit comments to be included in the Listening Session record."

Expected Members of Congress are: John Micah (Fl), Bill Shuster (PA), Pat Meehan (PA), John Duncan (TN), Pat Gerlach (PA), Rick Crawford (AR).

Invited speakers include individuals representing: DVRPC, Delco TMA, Greater Valley Forge TMA, an engineer from construction firm, Transportation Safety Coalition, someone from P3s (Public, Private Partnerships), State Senator John Raferty, Traffic Plan Design- Kevin Johnson, Keystone Transportation Coalition.

Bicyclist Struck By Truck Driver In Towamencin

From the Lansdale Reporter:

A bicyclist was hit by a truck on Welsh Road, near Clearview Street, Towamencin Township, this afternoon. Both were heading eastbound on Welsh Road.


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

The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. (February 14th)

The cyclist was transported from the scene in an ambulance, and taken to a local hospital.

Police are still investigating the accident. Further details will be provided as they become available.

As you can see from the Video below that truck appears to be a Mayflower moving van.



UPDATE - The Bicyclist has been identified as long time bicycle coalition member Bill Cotton. Bill writes extensively about his local and long distance touring adventures at billcotton.com.

He is reported to be alert, sitting up, and appears to not have any broken bones.
We wish our friend Bill a speedy recovery.

Walk Ins Welcome at the "Biking the Suburbs" Conference (But Bring Your Lunch)

Wow! We have more than 100 people registered for tomorrow's conference but if you haven't signed up you're still welcome to attend. We will have some snacks and refreshments but we urge you to bring your own lunch.

When? Saturday February 12 at 9:00 AM
Where? Montgomery County Fire Academy, Conshohocken, PA

Last minute reminders

If you are biking (the trail may still be covered in snow) we will have outdoor bike parking.

If you are driving to the Montgomery County Fire Academy, make sure to remember that Conshohocken Road is CLOSED south of the Academy. Approach from Norristown (Ridge Avenue and Butler Pike).

If you are taking transit to the Norristown Transportation Center, use this link to plan your trip (put in your origin in the "A" box). We will shuttle you to the Fire Academy in a red Toyota Sienna minivan from Zipcar. Meet it at the Lafayette Street passenger loading/drop off are at 8:10am or 9:10am. The van will meet the regional rail and high speed line trains that arrive in that window.

Lost? Please call Caroline at 412-401-7785

February 17th Congressional Hearing on Transportation set for King of Prussia

The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee is coming King of Prussia, PA on Thursday, February 17th to hold a "listening session" as part of a nationwide series of field hearings and public forums on "pending major surface transportation legislation."

When: Thursday, February 17th at 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Radisson Hotel Valley Forge

Congressman Pat Meehan (R, PA-7) is hosting this session.  We learned that the format is that invited speakers will give short remarks to the attending Members of Congress.  The list of speakers has not yet been released, nor who from Congress besides Congressman Meehan will be attending.  An audience of 200 can attend the session to listen, but not speak.  

We've been told that a RSVP will be required, although there is not a link available yet.  We will post it as soon as we get it.

This is an opportunity to demonstrate to Congressman Meehan and other elected officials that there is broad support for federal transportation policies that promotes bicycling, walking and livable communities.  Such programs are at risk of being cut by the House.   Please come to this hearing to help demonstrate your support for dedicated funding and programs that support bicycling and walking.  As soon as the RSVP is made available, please sign up.

Philadelphia City Cycling Committee Meeting This Tuesday

The Philadelphia City Cycling Committee will be meeting on Tuesday February 15th at the Bicycle Coalition Education Office, 1500 Walnut Street Suite 305 at 6:30 PM with invited Guest: Charles Denny, Chief Traffic Engineer

Agenda

1. 6:00 Pizza –Refreshments
2. 6:30 Introductions
3. 6:35 Discussion: Schuylkill River Trail detour on city streets from Falls Bridge to Ridge Ave. For access to the Wissahickon Trail, Manayunk and Roxborough during bike path reconstruction
4. 6:50 Discussion - Bicycle safety issues on Main St/Ridge Ave from Wissahickon Transit Center to Main St Manayunk
5. 7:05 Discussion of the 30th Street marked bike lanes between Chestnut and Market Streets.
6. 7:20 Discussion of the Parking Authority’s Bike Rack Meter Rings:
7. 7:30 Follow up: Bicycle/Pedestrian Issue on Cottman Ave. Near the Ryers SEPTA Regional Rail
8. Station between Rockwell Ave north side and Hasbrook Ave. south side.
9. 7:45 Bike Coalition Update for Philadelphia
10. 7:50 Old/New Business
11. 8:00 Adjourn

View Larger Map

Lunch Reservations For "Biking The Suburbs" Ends Tonight

You have until midnight tonight (Wednesday) to reserve lunch for Saturday's "BIKING THE SUBURBS: SOUTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES' BICYCLE CONFERENCE" at the Montgomery County Fire Academy, Conshohocken. Electronic registration for the conference will continue until 12PM on Friday.

This free conference is for cyclists who reside, work in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties and want to be better informed on how to advocate for improved bicycling facilities and policies in their boroughs, towns or at the county level.

More information | Go directly to registration | Get directions

FYI - the latest reports from cyclists who live near the Schuylkill River Trail is that it is currently unplowed and snow covered. If you have an update on trail conditions please put your note in the comments section below.

View Schuylkill River Trail in a larger map

Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway Reopened

For the first time since January 5th the Ben Franklin Bridge South Walkway is open for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Walkway Hours are from 6am to 8pm.

East Coast Greenway Planning in Bensalem Moving Forward

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), in collaboration with Bensalem Township, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consulting firm to perform master planning, conceptual design and cost estimate services for the Bensalem Greenway – Delaware River Trail. The goal of the project is to bridge a key gap in the East Coast Greenway in Pennsylvania, by developing a Master Plan/Conceptual Design for implementation of a six mile pedestrian and bicycle trail along State Road in Bensalem, PA.

For details on the RFP go to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Website

View East Coast Greenway Proposed Routes in a larger map

DRPA Names Members of its Citizens Advisory Committee

The DRPA Board has approved a recommended list of candidates for its first DRPA/PATCO Citizen Advisory Committee. Pennsylvania Auditor General, Jack Wagner, who serves as an Ex-Officio Commissioner on the Board, first introduced the Resolution that created the Committee on September 15, 2010. In the Resolution, Auditor General Wagner urged the Board to create the Committee to provide the Board with direct input from citizens who live within the DRPA Port District and who use DRPA and PATCO facilities. The Committee was created as a result of DRPA’s increasing efforts for transparency and community participation.

The Bicycle Coalition's Research Director John Boyle was named as one of the 12 New Jersey Representatives. We suspect that John may be the only representative on the board who uses the full spectrum of DRPA services including Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway, PATCO, the Betsy Ross Bridge and the RiverLink ferry.

Full press release from the Delaware River Port Authority.

Transportation Funding Looking Grim in DC

Excuse the wonkiness of this post, but in the interest of keeping folks as updated as possible, here is a summary of what is going on in DC since the new Congress started in January.

On day 1 of the new session, the House passed new rules requiring that transportation spending levels not to exceed what is in the Highway Trust Fund.  In the past, if the Fund was short, Congress borrowed from general funds to make up the difference to meet agreed upon spending levels.  Now, there will be uncertainty from year to year because the Highway Trust Fund fluctuates with the economy.  When uncertainty prevails, biking and walking programs take the hit.   The new rules also gave more power to the budget committee to set spending ceilings without a vote of the full house. 

Shortly after Day 1, the GOP House announced its intent to roll back the budget to 2008 spending levels (cut the budget by $100 billion.)  The first salvo came in late January when a GOP "Study Group" issued its proposal recommending how to make those cuts, such as eliminating all funding for Amtrak and other transit programs.  Yesterday,  the House Appropriations Committee handed out spending ceilings to its 12 subcommittees.  It targeted the transportation & housing subcommittee for the largest cut, 17% or $11.6 billion.  Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Senate got on the ban earmark bandwagon and committed to a two year moratorium. 

The Transportation & House Budget Subcommittee will decide how to allocate its much smaller amount of dollars, and there is considerable fear that programs that have improved biking and walking will get cut. In particular, the Transportation Enhancement (TE) and Safe Routes to School programs are prime targets because they are discrete programs that have dedicated funding.  Regionally, TE has paid for the Bicycle Ambassador program, Schuylkill River and Chester Valley Trails and numerous other bike/ped and streetscape projects.

The current federal transportation bill (called SAFETEA-LU) expired in 2009 and has been extended periodically since then.  The current extension runs out within a month, so it is likely that a vote to extend it again will come up by March 4th.   Drastic changes could be in store for transportation programs to meet the spending ceilings.

Meanwhile, John Mica, the new House Chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, has to write a new federal transportation bill.  He has decided to hold "listening sessions" around the country and learn more about what the public wants out of a new bill.  He is coming to Philadelphia (Feb. 17th) and Scranton, but no information has been provided yet where, what time or the format.

Earlier this week, members of the Bicycle Coalition and others visited Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6) to ask him if he would support keeping Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School as dedicated funding programs.  The meeting in his Exton office was attended by Chris Williams, constituent who works for McMahon Associations, Kyle Guie, constituent and member of Phoenixville planning board, Shayne Trimball, staff member at Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, Ray McGlew, David Broida and Steve Warren, constituents and longtime cyclists and members of the Bicycle Coalition and other friends organizations, Spencer Finch, Pennsylvania Env. Council, Alex Doty and myself from the Bicycle Coalition.   Congressman Gerlach said he supported the programs and yes, he supported keeping them as dedicated sources of funding for biking and walking projects.  However, he said repeatedly that it was important to find new and creative ways to raise transportation dollars without touching the gas tax.

Keep on the lookout for more developments through February and March.....

Intermodalism Comes To Harrisburg

Bikes on buses have reached the Capital Region! Although there is no information on the Capital Area Transit website, a trip to Harrisburg yesterday confirmed that most if not all CAT buses now have bike racks. Other commuter bus services that serve Harrisburg such as Rabbit Transit (York County) and Lebanon Transit also have bike racks on their buses. Alas, you can only take a folding bike on Amtrak to Harrisburg.

Lebanon Transit Express Bus with a bike rack, these high tech commuter buses also have Wifi and reclining seats. Ahhhh!

New Location and More Space for Biking The Suburbs Conference

If you are a cyclist who lives or works in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery or Bucks counties and wants to become more involved in advocating for improved roads and other facilities that accommodate bicyclists, this conference is for you!

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is sponsoring a one day conference on Saturday, February 12th for cyclists to learn more about how to make biking better in the suburbs of Philadelphia. This conference (9am to 3:30pm) will be held at the Montgomery County Fire Academy in Conshohocken. State Representative Greg Vitale (Delco) and Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel will welcome attendees and make the keynote speech, respectively.

The conference will feature sessions with county planners from each of the four counties and issue briefings on topics ranging from chip and tar, the future of the region's trail network to the National Bike Summit. The agenda is here. This conference is being generously sponsored by the William Penn Foundation and the Central Bucks Cycling Club. A full agenda is here.

We changed the meeting location to accommodate the large number of people who initially responded.
There is plenty of room now!

The Montgomery County Fire Academy is near the Schuylkill River Trail and valet bike parking will be available. Transit riders should get off at the Norristown stop and shuttle service will be provided.   If traveling by car, turn onto Conshohocken Road from Ridge Pike, i.e. don't take Conshohocken Road from Conshohocken; the bridge is out.

Lunch will be provided for a donation of $10. Please sign up today!

If you already signed up previously, please sign up one more time to help us know your county of residence and lunch choice.

National Bike Summit Early Bird Registration Closes Tomorrow

The annual National Bike Summit sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists will be held this year in Washington DC from March 8-11.  It's a great opportunity to network, learn about advocacy efforts around the country at the state and local level and get updated on the ongoing efforts to make federal policy and investments that will improve physical activity, safety and livability in the U.S. 

The League secured a wicked line of up of star speakers: U.S. Secretary Ray LaHood, former Congressman Jim Oberstar, Representative Earl Blumenaur and NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. 

The early bird rate closes tomorrow (February 3rd), so register now to get the discounted rate!

Even if you can't come to the Tue/Wed portion of the Summit, it costs a mere bus ticket and lunch to join us for Lobby Day on Thursday, March 10th.  Let us know if you would like to come to DC on Thursday and join us for a round of visits to congressional offices. 

SEPTA's Sustainability Plan Supports Bike Sharing

Last week the SEPTA Board approved the Transit Authorities first Sustainability Plan, "SEPTAinable The Route to Regional Sustainability " In the Social Element of the plan, is the goal to make more livable communities. SEPTA wants to achieve this with the community building targets of these initiatives:

• Integrate with bike-sharing programs,
• Increase bike-and-ride visibility and
• Support the City of Philadelphia and county bicycle goals.

The Bicycle Coalition and Bike Share Philadelphia congratulate SEPTA for its understanding that bicycles are an integral part of our region's transportation system. Bike-sharing is a solution for fixed route transit systems to complete the "first and last mile" of its traveler's trips. We look forward to SEPTAinable implementation.

Public Meeting scheduled for Manayunk Canal Towpath

MANAYUNK CANAL & TOWPATH IMPROVEMENTS

PUBLIC MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011

7 P.M.

MANAYUNK BREWERY & RESTAURANT

4120 MAIN STREET

Philadelphia's Department of Parks and Recreation will begin soon the Manayunk canal dredging improvement project.  They will be holding a public meeting to discuss how the project will improve the canal and the towpath.  The construction project will involve closing the towpath periodically.  Come to the meeting to learn more details.