Philadelphia cyclists and community members are looking towards a safer future as the City's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), alongside City Council members, initiates a comprehensive plan to enhance bike lane safety on Spruce and Pine Streets. This initiative comes in response to a string of accidents involving cyclists, culminating in the tragic loss of Dr. Barbara Friedes in July. The City is now dedicating its efforts to prevent further casualties through infrastructure and policy enhancements, as highlighted in an announcement released by Phila.gov.
Beginning this month, OTIS seeks to involve the community within the decision-making process via stakeholder group meetings, and an upcoming public open house. The event, co-hosted with Washington West Civic Association and Society Hill Civic Association, is scheduled for October 17 at Jefferson University Bluemle Life Sciences Building. This outreach effort stands as part of the City's drive to collate feedback on proposed bike lane safety measures. In a statement obtained by Phila.gov, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker highlighted the administration's dedication to "real change for improving traffic safety in our city."
Proposed upgrades include the addition of concrete curbs along the current painted buffer zones, and potential planters at intersections provided there's support for their maintenance and requisite funding. The overarching objective of these improvements, with an estimated cost of $4.8 million, is the bolstering of cyclist safety.
Not limited to physical alterations, policy changes are also on the table - including the introduction of additional daytime loading zones, amending curbside regulations to "No Stopping Anytime," relocation of parking spaces for religious institutions, and increased enforcement by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) along the bike lanes. Council President Kenyatta Johnson underscored the importance of these meetings for gathering resident input to shape "the best solution possible," according to an interview with Phila.gov.
Council President Johnson has also been proactive legislatively, with Bill #240657 poised to establish hefty fines for obstructing bike lanes. Scheduled for a public hearing on October 15, the bill could soon become law, imposing fines of $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 elsewhere, as part of a concerted effort to make these corridors safer for cyclists.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of this process. Residents living in the Spruce and Pine corridor are being encouraged to engage with their registered community organization (RCO) for a voice in the undertakings. Those interested can find more on the proposed safety upgrades and how to participate on the City's website dedicated to the Spruce/Pine Bike Lane Safety Upgrade program.
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