Montgomery Co. Commissioner Candidates Shapiro/Richards's Responses to Our Bicycling Questionnaire

Here are the responses to our bicycling-issues questionnaire from the Josh Shapiro/Leslie Richards campaign for Montgomery County Commissioner. Their answers follow each bolded question.

Montgomery CountyCommissioner Candidate Questionnaire - October 2011

Over the last decade, significant numbers of residents in suburbanPhiladelphia have switched over to using their bike to commute to work. Between 2000 and 2009, the percentage of bikecommuters grew by 488% in Chester County, 126% in Delaware County, 84% inMontgomery County and 67% in Bucks.

Despite this growth, bicycle facilities in these counties havelagged behind Philadelphia. An onerousPennDOT regulation called the Bicycle Occupancy Permit (BOP) causesmunicipalities to be unwilling to agree to allow bike lanes on stateroads. Consequently, there are only 14miles of bike lanes in the four counties, as opposed to over 200 inPhiladelphia. The Bicycle Coalition is working to remove this regulatoryobstacle to help promote the development of more bicycle facilities in suburbancounties.

1. Would you support completing the region’s Trail Network by funding projects that would complete the Schuylkill River Trail and Cross County Trail in Montgomery County?

Absolutely, and we would add the Chester Valley Trail to that list as well. The current budget situation in Montgomery County will present challenges, but one of the most recognizable and most appreciated of county services in Montgomery County is the trail system. As we will with many different issues, we will seek innovative ways to find the dollars necessary to keep these projects moving forward, including public/private partnerships. In Montgomery County the Schuylkill River Trail is nearly complete with two relatively small sections in the Pottstown areas that need to be completed. That together with a path along the Mont Clare Canal will essentially finish the trail in Montgomery County.

We believe the Chester Valley Trail is another important project that due to the high population and commercial areas it traverses. Chester County is making steady progress on its section of the trial, and Montgomery County has acquired much of the right of way necessary to complete the project and design work is underway.

Unfortunately, the Cross County Trail has been hobbled by a series of problems, not the least of which is the lack of cooperation from Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Planners have now identified much of the alternate routing necessary, but a significant amount of money is still needed to complete the infrastructure. Nevertheless, we are committed to finding ways to raise the money necessary to complete this critically important trail.

Many of these projects depend upon cooperation between different levels of government. A Shapiro Richards administration will have one senior level person in the commissioners responsible for improving communications with Members of Congress, county legislators and local municipalities to help ensure that opportunities for legislation and funding are not squandered. Where appropriate, our administration will work with organizations like the Bicycle Coalition to coordinate advocacy efforts.

2. Would you support devoting more federal and state transportation funds to bicycle and pedestrian projects?

Yes.

3. Would you support implementation the 1995 Montgomery County bicycle/pedestrian plan through PennDOT’s resurfacing projects?

Yes, we would. PennDOT has presented major problems in this area due to the BOP. This, as you explain in your letter, has made it very difficult to implement bike lanes throughout the suburbs. We would want to make sure that the 1995 is up-to-date, but we certainly support implementing the plan, and would use our legislative advocacy person in the commissioners’ office to convince PennDOT to revise its BOP policy and be more bicycle-friendly.

NOTE 1: One other point we would like to make is that it is our intention to implement a policy that will make it more attractive for county employees to commute to work by bike.

NOTE 2: Leslie Richards is a senior project manager at a woman-owned civil engineering firm, and she is well aware of the advantages of providing a bicycle-friendly environment. The majority of her bridge projects include pedestrian/bicycle walkways. On one of her projects, bicyclists were provided a shuttle service during construction so that they could safely cross the bridge while the pedestrian/bicycle walkway was being rehabilitated.

Delaware Co. Council Candidate Jayne Young's Responses to Our Bicycling Questionnaire

Here are Jayne Young's responses to our bicycling-issues questionnaire. She is running for Delaware County Council. Her answers are underlined.

Delaware County Council Candidate Questionnaire - October 2011

Over the last decade, significant numbers of residents in suburban Philadelphia have switched over to using their bike to commute to work. Between 2000 and 2009, the percentage of bike commuters grew by 488% in Chester County, 126% in Delaware County, 84% in Montgomery County and 67% in Bucks.

Despite this growth, bicycle facilities in these counties have lagged behind in Philadelphia. An onerous PennDOT regulation called the Bicycle Occupancy Permit (BOP) causes municipalities to be unwilling to agree to allow bike lanes on state roads. Consequently, there are only 14 miles of bike lanes in the four counties, as opposed to over 200 in Philadelphia. The Bicycle Coalition is working to remove this regulatory obstacle to help promote the development of more bicycle facilities in suburban counties.

1. Would you support completing the region’s Trail Network by funding projects that would complete the East Coast Greenway and the Chester Creek Trail in Delaware County and study the Valley Forge to Heinz Refuge Trail?

Yes. I am a proponent of bicycle trails and have participated in the planning and development of recreational bike and pedestrian trails. We have added sharrows to some roads to show this support of biking. I come from a place where pedestrian and bike travel are encouraged. Lansdowne is committed to improving these forms of transportation. Our part of the county is dense and car travel often results in traffic congestion. Encouraging bike travel with appropriate street markings and handy bike racks could have a positive impact not only on the environment and health of participants but on the economic revitalization effort as well. When people bicycle or walk throughout the county they actually see things motorists miss. Businesses would benefit from increased bike and pedestrian travel through increased visibility. I would support duplicating Lansdowne’s effort throughout the county where ever appropriate. The value of multi modal travel much exceeds any potential liability foreshadowed by the Bicycle Occupancy Permit.( a frivolous piece of legislation)

2. Would you support devoting more federal and state transportation funds to bicycle and pedestrian projects?

Absolutely, pedestrian and bike travel improvements will positively impact the environment and the economy. I believe in the concept of “Complete the Streets”. All forms of transportation should be able to share our streets. Every effort should be made to offer alternatives where appropriate and where it can be done in a safe manner. Supporting multi modal transportation takes into account the variety of transportation methods available and encourages better use of resources. PennDot administers the federal funding for the “Safe Routes to Schools” program. Any infrastructure improvement that makes it safer for children to walk or bike to school improves conditions for all citizens. As a member of County Council I would encourage our many school districts to explore this funding source to make bike and pedestrian travel safer for all.

3. Would you support implementing the Delaware County bicycle plan through PennDOT’s resurfacing projects?

Yes. When projects from the Transportation Improvement Plan come to the shovel ready stage is the time to step in and include bicycle traffic. Transportation Enhancement funding should sought for bicycle/ pedestrian projects Bicycle and pedestrian travel should be encouraged through the creation of safe trails. The Delco Bicycle Plan is an achievable project with the support of municipal and county decision makers committed to this vision. The visual promotion of bike and pedestrian travel will do much to encourage others to adopt those means of travel when ever they can. Reduced car congestion is just one outcome; overall improvement of public health would also be a benefit. County Council is in a position to encourage municipal partnerships with PennDot. Any resurfacing projects scheduled in the county should factor in the bicycle plan to make the best use of resources.

Delaware Co. Council Candidate Keith Collins's Responses to Our Bicycling Questionnaire

Here are Keith Collins's responses to our bicycling-issues questionnaire. He is running for Delaware County Council. His answers are underlined.

Delaware County CouncilCandidate Questionnaire - October 2011

Over the last decade, significant numbers of residents in suburbanPhiladelphia have switched over to using their bike to commute to work. Between 2000 and 2009, the percentage of bikecommuters grew by 488% in Chester County, 126% in Delaware County, 84% inMontgomery County and 67% in Bucks.

Despite this growth, bicycle facilities in these counties havelagged behind in Philadelphia. Anonerous PennDOT regulation called the Bicycle Occupancy Permit (BOP) causesmunicipalities to be unwilling to agree to allow bike lanes on stateroads. Consequently, there are only 14miles of bike lanes in the four counties, as opposed to over 200 inPhiladelphia. The Bicycle Coalition isworking to remove this regulatory obstacle to help promote the development ofmore bicycle facilities in suburban counties.

1. Would you support completing the region’s Trail Network by funding projects that would complete the East Coast Greenway and the Chester Creek Trail in Delaware County and study the Valley Forge to Heinz Refuge Trail?

As a marathon runner and cyclist I know the value both personally and environmentally to expanding efforts to produce more bike friendly roads and trails. As a candidate for Delaware County Council I can state without reservation that I support these efforts.

2. Would you support devoting more federal and state transportation funds to bicycle and pedestrian projects?

Without question I support this initiative.

3. Would you support implementing the Delaware County bicycle plan through PennDOT’s resurfacing projects?

Without question yes I support this proposal.

Chester Co. Commissioner Terence Farrell's Responses to Our Bicycling Questionnaire

Below is Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell's response to our questionnaire about bicycling-related issues. He is running for re-election. His answers are underlined below.

Chester CountyCommissioner Candidate Questionnaire - October 2011

Over the last decade, significant numbers of residents in suburbanPhiladelphia have switched over to using their bike to commute to work. Between 2000 and 2009, the percentage of bikecommuters grew by 488% in Chester County, 126% in Delaware County, 84% inMontgomery County and 67% in Bucks.

Despite this growth, bicycle facilities in these counties havelagged behind in Philadelphia. Anonerous PennDOT regulation called the Bicycle Occupancy Permit (BOP) causesmunicipalities to be unwilling to agree to allow bike lanes on stateroads. Consequently, there are only 14miles of bike lanes in the four counties, as opposed to over 200 inPhiladelphia. The Bicycle Coalition isworking to remove this regulatory obstacle to help promote the development ofmore bicycle facilities in suburban counties.

1. Would you support completing the region's Trail Network by funding projects that would complete the Chester Valley Trail and Schuylkill River Trail in Chester County?

As a Chester County Commissioner, I have supported funding for the Chester Valley and Schuylkill River Trails, even when PennDOT did not. Going forward, I plan to continue to support funding for these trails to the best of the county's financial ability.

2. Would you support devoting more federal and state transportation funds to bicycle and pedestrian projects?

If Washington and Harrisburg are able to forward more funding for these projects, I would be supportive of it.

3. Would you support funding a Countywidebicycle plan and its implementation through PennDOT resurfacing projects?

I would consider such a plan, and I would like to hear more details.

Philadelphia Councilman Bill Greenlee's Response to Our Bicycling Questionnaire

Here are Philadelphia City Councilman Bill Greenlee's responses to our bicycling-issues questionnaire. His answers are underlined.

1. Would you supportthe installation of innovative infrastructure such as buffered bike lanes, likethose on Spruce and Pine, on a select number of streets to create a citywidebicycle network that is safe and inviting to ride for those from age 8 to 80?

The Bicycle Coalition has documentedincreases in bicycling significantly when buffered bike lanes were installed onSpruce, Pine, 13^th and 10^th Streets. In addition, sidewalk riding and wrong wayriding decreased. Buffered bike lanes onSpruce and Pine have also calmed traffic, reducing significant crashes by 45%.

I support bike lanes when they are safe and where communities are directly involved in the process. I believe there are streets where bike lanes are not safe for bikers, pedestrians and drivers. For example, at least part of 10th Street (in Chinatown) would appear not to be safe for such lanes.

2. Would you support reforming theCity's Traffic code to make it conform with state traffic laws and nationalbest practices regarding bicyclists?

Several sections of the City’sTraffic Code are out of date and do not comply with state traffic laws. Theyinclude a prohibition of bicycles in the street if there is a sidepathavailable, a prohibition of two people riding abreast, and no languageprotecting cyclists if hit by a car door that is opened in the travel lane.

I would be willing to discuss the changes in the traffic code to conform to state law where necessary.

3. Would you support the City ofPhiladelphia issuing a Request for Proposals for a Public Bike Share systemwithin the first year of your term?

Many other east coast cities haveeither started, signed contracts or issued Request for Proposals (RFPs) forpublic bike share programs, including New York City, Washington DC, Baltimoreand Boston. The City of Philadelphia could issue a RFP to invite bikeshare operators to propose how they would finance and operate a bike sharesystem in Philly.

I support the bike share program and would support the city issuing an RFP for a bike operator for a bike share program in Philadelphia.

4. Would you support creating a Task Force to review theCity's annual resurfacing and paving plans to identify opportunities to makeimprovements for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders?

The City’s annual resurfacingprogram is the best opportunity to install new bike lanes and other treatmentsto make streets complete and safer for all users. The Pedestrian/Bicycle Plan recommends reconveningthe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Task Force to monitor progress on theimplementation of physical improvements to city streets and sidewalks.

I would support the creation of a task force where affected communities members would serve and be engaged in the process In addition to the “experts” to determine the safety of such resurfacing and paving plans.

5. Would you support increasing the Streets Department’sbudget in order to add engineering staff to make our streets safer for allusers and more convenient for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders?

The Transportation EngineeringDivision of the Streets Department has suffered considerable budget cuts andloss of staff over the past fifteen years. Additional engineering resources are needed to develop plans to conducttraffic studies and design innovative bicycle and pedestrian facilities forPhiladelphia’s streets.

I would not commit to supporting increased funding for any departmental budget under the present economic climate until we look at the city budget as a whole.

6. Would you support installation of more red light cameras to increasesafety at more intersections in Philadelphia?

I support more red light camera where appropriate and if the funding is available. I believe bicyclist should also abide by red light regulations.

7. Wouldyou support all-day closures of Martin Luther King Drive to through traffic,while continuing to allow auto access to the upper drive parking areas?
Theopening of the Schuylkill Trail from Locust Street to Martin Luther King(formerly West River) Drive has created a new and unique opportunity to makethe west bank of the Schuylkill River a six-mile recreation corridor onweekends between April and October. Tragically, the decision made in 1997 tore-open the lower half of the road to automotive traffic after Noon hasresulted in a number of crashes at Sweet Briar Road. A five-year-old child waskilled in 2006 when a reckless driver sped through the gate at Sweet Briar.Closing the gate at the Art Museum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. would ensure that atleast one portion of the park’s road system is reserved for recreation onweekends.

I am open to discussing the pros and cons of extending MLK Drive closures.

Political Candidates' Answers to Our Bicycling Survey

Ahead of next week's elections, we mailed candidates a questionnaire asking them about their position on various bicycling-related issues (relevant to their region). We sent surveys to all candidates entered in the following races:

• Philadelphia Mayor
• Philadelphia City Council
• Bucks County Commissioner
• Chester County Commissioner
• Delaware County Council
• Montgomery County Commissioner

Over the next few days, we will post the responses we've received. First off is Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's response to our questionnaire (his responses are underlined):

Mayor Nutter's Response to Our Candidate Questionnaire

Philadelphia Mayoral and City Council Candidate Questionnaire - October 2011

1. Would you support the installation of innovative infrastructure such as buffered bike lanes, like those on Spruce and Pine, on a select number of streets to create a citywidebicycle network that is safe and inviting to ride for those from age 8 to 80?

The Bicycle Coalition has documented increases in bicycling significantly when buffered bike lanes were installed on Spruce, Pine, 13^th and 10^th Streets. In addition, sidewalk riding and wrong way riding decreased. Buffered bike lanes on Spruce and Pine have also calmed traffic, reducing significant crashes by 45%.

Yes.

2. Would you support reforming the City's Traffic code to make it conform with state traffic laws and national best practices regarding bicyclists?

Several sections of the City’s Traffic Code are out of date and do not comply with state traffic laws. They include a prohibition of bicycles in the street if there is a sidepath available, a prohibition of two people riding abreast, and no language protecting cyclists if hit by a car door that is opened in the travel lane.

Yes.

3. Would you support the City of Philadelphia issuing a Request for Proposals for a Public Bike Share system within the first year of your term?

Many other east coast cities have either started, signed contracts or issued Request for Proposals (RFPs) for public bike share programs, including New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore and Boston. The City of Philadelphia could issue a RFP to invite bike share operators to propose how they would finance and operate a bike share system in Philly.

I support Bike Share. We haveexplored this issue, and I very mindful of initial or start-up costs and wouldbe interested in proposals that minimize City costs.

4. Would you support creating a Task Force to review theCity's annual resurfacing and paving plans to identify opportunities to makeimprovements for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders?

The City’s annual resurfacingprogram is the best opportunity to install new bike lanes and other treatmentsto make streets complete and safer for all users. The Pedestrian/Bicycle Plan recommends reconveningthe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Task Force to monitor progress on theimplementation of physical improvements to city streets and sidewalks.

Iam more than willing to consider this. I would like to receive more informationon how it could operate. But citizen input is important.

5. Would you support increasing the Streets Department’s budget in order to add engineering staff to make our streets safer for allu sers and more convenient for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders?The Transportation Engineering Division of the Streets Department has suffered considerable budget cuts and loss of staff over the past fifteen years. Additional engineering resources are needed to develop plans to conducttraffic studies and design innovative bicycle and pedestrian facilities forPhiladelphia’s streets.

This is very likely a budgetary question. I would have to speak with the Streets Commissioner about staffing priorities.

6. Would you support installation of more red light cameras to increase safety at more intersections in Philadelphia?

Yes

7. Wouldyou support all-day closures of Martin Luther King Drive to through traffic,while continuing to allow auto access to the upper drive parking areas?
The opening of the Schuylkill Trail from Locust Street to Martin Luther King(formerly West River) Drive has created a new and unique opportunity to makethe west bank of the Schuylkill River a six-mile recreation corridor on weekends between April and October. Tragically, the decision made in 1997 tore-open the lower half of the road to automotive traffic after Noon has resulted in a number of crashes at Sweet Briar Road. A five-year-old child was killed in 2006 when a reckless driver sped through the gate at Sweet Briar.Closing the gate at the Art Museum from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. would ensure that at least one portion of the park’s road system is reserved for recreation on weekends.

I think it may be time to re-examine and re-study the MLK Drive closure system on its own and in conjunction with Kelly Drive regular closures.