No progress for Council's bike lane bill

Earlier. today, the Streets and Services Committee held a bill proposing that City Council ordinances be required before any future bike lanes are created.

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No progress for Council's bike lane bill

POSTED: Thursday, June 2, 2011, 6:06 PM
Filed Under: Bikes | News

Just after 4:30 p.m. today, the Streets and Services Committee held a bill proposing that City Council ordinances be required before any future bike lanes are created.

Councilman William Greenlee, who introduced the bill a week ago, requested that the bill be held for amendment or possible introduction of a different bill. The meeting included testimony from Deputy Mayor of Transportation and Utilities Rina Cutler and significant discussion between Cutler and the committee.

Possible changes to the current bill were suggested including the notification of affected community members before bike lanes are painted and a more regulated process of bike lane development.

“Before things are changed or made to be different, I believe people who will be impacted by it deserved to be heard,” said Councilman Frank DiCicco.

Cutler explained the current process the Streets Department takes to install bike lanes includes extensive studies of traffic flow and safety. It is ultimately up to “engineering judgment” to determine if a bike lane is possible on proposed streets.

Committee members Greenlee and Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez emphasized their support of cyclists in Philadelphia.

“This bill is not intended to be anti-bike lane,” said Greenlee. “It is not directed at specific area or bike lane. It’s about being consistent. “

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia opposed this bill, and many members attended today’s meeting. Two coalition members spoke against the bill, but only after the committee had officially held it.

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