Philadelphia streets are set to become more bike-friendly as the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) roll out the first phase of a much-awaited bike lane safety upgrade along Spruce and Pine streets. As per city officials, the installation of new loading zones and "No Stopping Anytime" signs began on June 5, a move aligned with the 'Get Out the Bike Lane' ordinance passed last year. The ordinance calls for a fine of $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 elsewhere, penalizing vehicles in bike lanes, as per the City of Philadelphia.
Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure for the City, emphasized the changes aim to balance safety with practical needs for loading. "This addresses the need for resident motorists, ride hailing services, and delivery vehicles to make short-term pick-ups and drop-offs, which formerly may have taken place in the designated bike lanes," Carroll said in a statement obtained by City of Philadelphia. This initial project phase seeks to reduce bike lane blockages and encourage the use of designated loading zones.
The urgency of the upgrades was highlighted by recent traffic incidents, including a fatality last July. In response, the City's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) worked with local council members and over 400 residents at a public open house to devise a plan. The plan was shaped with the help of feedback from nearly 370 exit surveys, which contributed to a set of detailed recommendations to enhance cyclist safety on these central city thoroughfares.
The cross-collaboration extending beyond government entities, as a stakeholder working group involving representatives from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Center City Residents Association, and other civic and advocacy groups, have been meeting monthly since January. The group has been active in sharing information and feedback, discussing phase 2 possibilities, and addressing other issues along the corridor. Following the implementation of the first phase, measurements of driver compliance and loading zone usage will guide future adjustments.
Looking forward, the City and PPA are already brewing plans for the second phase of the project. It is slated to include more robust traffic safety treatments, improved bike lane infrastructure, and further educational and enforcement strategies.
