Ashley Hahn from PlanPhilly has published a nice two part article this week about the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities and the future of Philadelphia bicycling. We highly recommend reading the articles for a good understanding of the operating principles governing when and how MOTU improves the city's bicycling infrastructure.
One highlight of the article is the mention of renovations to Gray's Ferry Bridge. That bridge is currently a poor cycling option for crossing the Schuylkill, but has potential. Modifications to the Bridge and Paschall Avenue would help link the Gray's Ferry Crescent with Bartram's Gardens, and make Gray's Ferry a better cross-river bicycle route from South Philly to West Philly until a new bike/ped bridge is built.
To get an idea of what a revamped Gray's Ferry Bridge lane configuration might look like, here are the designs from our 2010 proposal to the Streets Dept. The Bicycle Coalition recommended putting the bridge on a "travel lane diet" and creating more space for bikes and walkers. The bridge is wide enough to accommodate a two way, multi-use (bikes and peds) cycle track protected by jersey barriers, two travel lanes going both directions, shoulders, and a westbound bike lane next to the north walkway. We are excited that MOTU, the Streets Dept, and PennDOT are seriously considering this proposal.
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| Existing roadbed and proposal (click for larger view) |
