Bicycle Coalition Urges Philadelphia Council to Repeal Bike Lane Ordinance for Safety

The Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services convened on December 5, 2023, to address pressing traffic safety concerns and proposed legislative changes. The meeting highlighted significant issues regarding traffic calming measures and the impact of existing ordinances on the implementation of bike lanes.

During the session, a resident expressed urgent concerns about dangerous traffic conditions in their neighborhood, emphasizing the need for immediate action to enhance safety for local residents. The committee acknowledged the testimony and assured the public that they would continue to advocate for necessary improvements based on community feedback.

Patrick Monahan, a representative from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, presented a compelling case for reforming the current traffic code. He argued that existing administrative barriers significantly delay the initiation of traffic calming projects, particularly those involving bike lanes. Monahan pointed out that the requirement for district council members to introduce ordinances for such changes often leads to unnecessary delays, regardless of community support or funding availability.

He urged the committee to consider repealing the bike lane ordinance established in 2012, citing alarming statistics from 2023, where ten cyclists lost their lives due to traffic incidents—the highest number recorded in Philadelphia's history. Monahan referenced a report indicating that streets with complete streets projects experienced a notable reduction in serious injuries and fatalities, underscoring the urgency of expediting safety measures.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the committee to review the proposed changes and continue discussions on improving traffic safety in Philadelphia. The outcomes of this meeting may influence future legislative actions aimed at enhancing the safety of city streets for all users.