Public meetings set to address bike lane safety upgrades in Philadelphia

City officials are planning several public meetings to address bike safety concerns, specifically for cyclists along Spruce and Pine streets, following a rash of recent deaths and injures along the corridors.

The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), alongside City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Mark Squilla, will begin a community engagement process to present recommendations for bike lane safety infrastructure and policy upgrades.

A public open house will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Jefferson University Bluemle Life Sciences Building (located at 233 South 10th Street).

“The public meetings about proposed bike lane safety upgrades on Spruce and Pine Streets continues my commitment to work with the Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems and Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration to explore what additional safety measures can be installed for cyclists throughout the Second Council District and citywide,” said Johnson. “OTIS and my office want to hear from all residents living on Spruce and Pine streets in order to create the best solution possible.”

The city has recommended concrete curb sections be installed along each block, and potential planters at intersections to help keep cyclists safe. Officials have also suggested curbside regulations along the bike lanes designated as No Stopping Anytime.

In addition, the Department of Streets has worked with community partners to relocate relaxed parking areas away from the Spruce and Pine bike lanes during religious services and events. As a result, all houses of worship along this corridor have agreed to relocate their relaxed parking permits off Spruce and Pine streets.

“In August, we held a press conference and bike ride with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to signify this Administration’s commitment to real change for improving traffic safety in our city,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “We presented advocates with a letter of response to their petition, which included more than 6,000 signatures. In the letter, the City outlined a call for community engagement to gain feedback on proposals for fully protecting the Spruce and Pine bike lanes. Now, we are coming to you, Philadelphia, to move this project forward.”

At the October public open house, city staff will share more details about the infrastructure and policy plans and gather feedback on the location recommended curbside regulations on each block of Spruce and Pine streets.

To get involved, contact your registered community organization if you live in a neighborhood bordering the Spruce and Pine corridor. Visit the Spruce/Pine Bike Lane Safety Upgrade program page for more information.