Bicycle Projects at the Bottom of PennDOT Wish List

Many thanks to Representative Babette Josephs who sent a letter to PennDOT Secretary Biehler asking him to release the list to the public. On January 16th, PennDOT issued its "Candidate Highway and Bridge Project for Expanded Federal Funding through Stimulus Legislation" list. Unfortunately, PennDOT does not make bicycle or pedestrian projects a priority. Its vision is limited to resurfacing roads and repairing bridges.


Out of 200+ projects, PennDOT recommends only one (1) bicycle project--the Chester Valley Trail for $18 million. Out of a set of projects that adds up to $1.5 Billion, PennDOT is proposing to spend 1.2% on enhancing one path for bicycling.


Only three Philadelphia projects are proposed: Platt Bridge ($18 M), ADA Ramps ($12M), Girard Point Bridge ($66M) totalling $96M; which is 6.4% of PennDOT's proposed projects. How is it that the state's largest city only warrants 6.4% of the state's spending on infrastructure? This proposal lacks creativity and vision of a green transportation infrastructure.


How will Pennsylvania ever reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles if it only rebuilds roads and doesn't build and extend new bike paths? How will Pennsylvania encourage more people to bike or walk to work or for short trips? It is deplorable that Pennsylvania is not taking advantage of this great opportunity.