NEWSLETTER OF THE BICYCLE COALITION OF THE DELAWARE VALLEY CYCLEGRA | | | Bicycle Coalition Clears Path for Better Access to BF Bridge Walkway S brie ighng fer the Republican Convention. The the Delaware during the six month period of construction So the Bicycle Coalition went into action, ince past January, the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway has been closed in order to upgrade the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) closed the bridge without notice, and without provisions for cyclists and pedestrians to cross ‘The Bicycle Coalition organized a letter writing campaign to DRPA asking that the. walkway be reopened immediately or that other arrangements be made for cyclists and pedestrians. We also ral- lied support from local planning commissions, NIDOT and PennDOT. Due to this organized pres- sure, DRPA agreed to meet with Bicycle Coalition. At the meeting, we discussed access to the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway and other issues relating to DRPA’s properties, including the PATCO highspeed rail line. We also leamed that DRPA was | planning to close the Walkway intermittently over the next seven years while the Bridge undergoes a complete re-painting Asa result of the meeting, DRPA agreed to use NJTransit buses from Bridge Plaza as a “shuttle service” over the bridge. Cruiser buses will accommodate bicycles in the luggage compartment, and conventional buses will be fitted with front mounted bike racks. This shuttle service will remain available even after the walkway re-opens. Schedules for bike-accommodating buses have been posted on the walkway gates Furthermore, it was agreed that future walkway closures will be limited to no more than one day, and always on the weekends when there is unlimited bike access to PATCO. When these closures are required, DRPA will give ample waming by posting signs on the bridge, notice on their web site and notice in the Bicycle Coalition's newsletter and e-mail lists. All closures will also be reviewed with the regional Bike Coordinator to see if they are necessary. Now, with this new agreement in place, bicyclists and pedestrians will not lose access to the bridge during the upcoming repainting project. The Bicycle Coalition also lobbied for ADA com- pliance of the Walkway. We specifically pushed the DRPA to convert the stairs to a ramp on the Camden side, DRPA has since added the ramp pro- ject to its master plan, although DRPA officials say that ADA compliance is not a current priority of the board. They added, however, that with enough pres- sure from citizens groups, it could become a priori- ty. The Bicycle Coalition plans to team up with other interest groups to gather public support for this project. While we were fighting for access to the Bridge Walkway, the Bicycle Coalition managed to address three other important issues for cyclists and pedes- trians. First, we convinced PATCO to review their permit requirements and consider allowing bicycles on reverse commute trains. Secondly, we got PATCO to agree to use their continued on page SPRING 2000 In- this issue: Bicyclists and Pedestrians Get High Marks in the New Vision for Philadelphia Scheduled Bike Projects World Cheers First Union Races Bike Briefs Cyclists Work to Get Shoulders Added to Rt 563 Mayor John F. Street Promotes Bike to Work Day - June 2, 2000 ‘11th Annual ProBike/ProWalk Conference Rolls into Philadelphia!continued from font cover newly available Transit Enhancements funding for bike parking, siting an estimate for bike parking at all PATCO NJ stations that we prepared. The third issue addressed was access for bicycles to the Commodore Barry Bridge. This southern crossing is critical for low-income residents of Chester City and Delaware County who don’t own private automobiles and are seeking employment opportunities in southern New Jersey. DRPA agreed to work with DELCO and the Bicycle Coalition to explore altematives such as on- demand bike ferry service and taxi shuttles. Overall, DRPA has gained a new understanding and appreci- ation of bicycle access issues. Much of this progress is thanks to the many letters, faxes, e-mails and postcards sent by concemed cyclists. (Including the PATCO bike parking action postcards in the Bicycle Coalition's Winter newslet- ter!) DRPA doesn’t get a lot of organized complaints and negative press and clearly, they don’t like it. As one DRPA staffer remarked, “next time we close the walkway, I'm going on vacation!” Bicyclists and Pedestrians Get High Marks in the New Vision for Philadelphia ayor John F, Street's Transition Team has released M its much awaited recommendations for the new administration, We are happy to report that bicy- clists and pedestrians score high in the mix. An entire sec- tion of the Transportation sub-committee report is dedicat- ed to biking and walking as an important element in the city's approach to transportation. Written by transition team member and Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, Sue McNamara, recommendations in the bike/ped report include establishing a Bicycle/ Pedestrian Coordinator's Office with at least one individual for each mode; a citi- zen/government Task Force convened on Bike/Ped issues to help guide the work of this office; completion of the Philadelphia Bike Network by the end of the Mayors first term: use of available federal and state funds to create a Bike Station for commuters at Love Park; a bike/skate rental station for tourists at Schuylkill River Park; and a city-supported Bike to Work Day. The Quality of Life Transition Team also stated that biking and walking can improve the livability of the city's neighborhoods. They called for a “study regarding new approaches for access, circulation and transportation in Philadelphia with special attention given to Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, citywide.” The next step for the Bicycle Coalition is to persuade the Mayor, the Street’s Department, the Mayor’s Office of ‘Transportation and the Planning Commission to implement the suggestions of the Transition Team. The Bicycle Coalition has already made some headway, as evidenced by the city's new support of Bike to Work Day. Given the city’s past resistance, the other recommendations will be harder to accomplish. However, the Bicycle Coalition is confident that with the support of our members, a new Mayor, and new leadership in key city departments, bike and pedestrian ini tiatives will experience a rebirth in Philadelphia! ‘To read the Transition Team documents on line, see www.phila.gov. Cyclists use bike lanes in 4199's Bike To Work Day. For more info on BTW Day, see Page 6.heduled Bike Projects in Suburban PA “he following projects have received funding from PennDOT through the Suburban On-Road Facilities _ project (commonly referred to as the Suburban Bike york), representing the first phase of the Network, The Counties Bicycle Coalition recently requested additional funding from PennDOT and the suburban counties to continue the project. They responded favorably and even gave the pro- ject a higher allocation of funding this round. Project, Funding Description Municipality | County Source stination TE [1.5 mile asphalt sidepath, 6-10'wide, connecting Delaware Valley | Doylestown Twp.) Bucks ylestown ICommurity College, Doylestown Transportation Center, and Boro, existing pathway system. wer Makefield | CMAQ [7.3 mies ofbikeway, design to be determined, throughout LowerMakefied | — Bucks eways township Tw. ester Valley Trail] Local _|Engineeing design for 8rnile asphalt mult-use tral, 10-14' wide ‘muftple Chester lwith 2-4' shoulders, between Exton Park Site Drive, West |Whiteland Twp., and Kardon Park, Downingtown Boro chlan Twp. TE [Smile asphaltsidepath, 6.5'wide, adjacent to Sheree Blvd, Uwetian Twp. | Chester ils, Phase # ermodal TE [Downtown improverient project including bike racks ‘Swarthmore Boro] Delaware ansportation provements ton Bike Loop | CMAQ |Bikelsnes dong Penndd Road, Dutton Mil Road, and Concord | Aston Twa. Delaware Road (2.5 miles). destrianBieycle | TE | Short mulf-use tral connectng Pottstown business Distt, Pattstewn Boro, | Montgomery |watertront, and Montgomery Co. Community College. TE [2.2 rile mutt-use tral parallel to Tookany Creek Parkway Cheltenham Twp.| Montgomery harethe Road” | TE — |Regiomide pubic information campaign targeting bicyclists ang NA NA mpaign _ motorists orld Cheers First Union Races n June 4, 2000 the two most famous cycling events ): ‘North America retum to Philadelphia as the First Union USPRO Championship and First U erty Classic come to town for a bration of one of the world’s t popular sports t Union Cycling Series races are ered live in Germany, Sweden, ,, Spain and many other countries re cycling is a celebrated nation- port. Cycling fans around the 3¢ will gather in front of TV sets heer on their country’s favorite rs and professional teams. May 30—June 4 May 30, 2000 Lancaster, PA ne out to the races and join 1 mil- of your neighbors for the live on in Philadelphia, Manayunk, ston, Wilmington and Lancaster. May 31, 2000 Wilmington, DE First Union Classic June 1, 2000 ‘Trenton, NJ First Union Cycling Series First Union Invitational First Union Cycling Presents The Wilmington Classic ARSON First Union Cycling Presents The Rolling Rock Hill Climb June 2, 2000 Manayunk, (Philadelphia), PA First Union Liberty Classic June 4, 2000 Philadelphia, PA | | First Union USPRO Championship June 4, 2000 Philadelphia, PABike Briefs Philly Bike Map Now Available - Regional Bike Map to Receive Federal Funding t's here= the New Philadelphia Bike Map! Produced as [= of the Philadelphia Bike Network project, the map shows bike trails, bike lanes, bike friendly streets, bike shops, hospitals and SEPTA stops. It also includes a chart | showing mileage and time in minutes between popular des~ tinations, Michael McGettigan, the owner of Old City’s ‘Trophy Bikes, was recently featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about the bike map because his shop gives out more maps than any other. In the article, MeGettigan stressed the maps usefulness to even the most veteran city cyclists; “It can take years for you to discover some of this. ‘And here it is. Most importantly,” MeGettigan notes, “this map legitimizes bike travel. | Maps are available at bike shops, the Bicycle Coalition and | by calling the Streets Department at 215.686.5560. | Bicycle Coalition Awarded PennDOT | Contract for Regional Bike Map | The Bicycle Coalition just received funding to publish a | esional bike map tat wil include al he bells and whis- tles of the instantly popular Philly Map. This map will serve the entire region, allowing cyclists to find the safest | and fastest route from, say Doylestown to Norristown, | Media to West Chester, Swarthmore to the Northeast, | Yardley to Yeadon, Upper Darby to Willingboro, Palmyra | to Haddonfield, Voorhees to Medford and so on. The regional map received 80% funding from PennDOT | through the federal government's Congestion Mitigation | ai Quality program, the same program that funded the city map. The Bicycle Coalition is now seeking the remaining | 20% from local foundations. If all goes according to plan, the regional map will be available by early 2002 | ‘Share The Road” Project Awarded | PennDOT Funding | The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) “Share the Road” project recently received a | Transportation Enhancements grant. Still in the early stages | of development, this project works to educate bicyclists and | motorists about the rules of the road and how to share the road safety. More information about this exciting pro- 272m will appear inthe Cyelegram as it develops New Philadelphia Bike Map Now Available by calling 215-686-5560Neighborhood Bike Works Needs Volunteers jomerly BCDV’s Youth Cycle and Recycle, this West Philadelphia based program is now an independent non-profit organization and has moved to a new loca- tion in St, Mary’s Church at 3916 Locust Walk on Penn’s Campus, Neighborhood Bike Works teaches West Philly neighbor- hood youth ages 8-16 bicycle repair and safety. When youngsters complete the after school and weekend course they eam a bicycle, along with new skills and knowledge ‘that will last them a lifetime To lea how to volunteer or donate a bicycle call 218,386,0316 or send mail to: claudia@voicenet.com, Be Part of The Week That Defines Cycling in America f you have ever attended any of the First Union races, then you've seen the marshals and other staff that line the entire course. This is your chance to be a real part of the eycling action. Octagon Marketing, the company that stages the races, is looking for volunteers to help with pro events, Positions needed are course marshals, security, stage crew, hospitality, office assistants and assistant press personnel. ‘The race dates and locations are Lancaster, May 30%, Wilmington, May 31°; Trenton, June 1*'; and Philadelphia, June 4th For more information or to receive a volunteer application for these events, please contact: Chris Spaeth at Octagon Marketing at 215.641-4648, ext. 6or7. All volunteers receive a free T-shirt and a snack at the events. Join the team and be part of The Week That Defines Cycling in America. Kids Cycling Talent on Display es the talents of cyclists from ages 8 - 18. Participants compete against the clock to win prizes. It doesn’t matter if your child is just beginning to ride or has been cycling for years - these races have something for everyone! Race registration is FREE and all participants receive a race T-shirt and snacks. Bike safety checks are provided for all participants, T: First Union Amateur Bike Challenge showcas- Awards are given to the first five winners in each of four age categories for both girls and boys. In addition, bicy- cles will be randomly awarded to race participants. PeeWee races will also be held for children ages 2-7 and every PeeWee racer gets a prize! Philadelphia, PA: 12th Annual First Union/Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition Amateur Bike Challenge, Saturday, June 34 come out for the time trial that takes place on the actual First Union USPRO Cycling Championship / First Union Liberty Classic race course. Race-side entertainment includes food, clowns and face painting, Junior professional and pro eyclists will be on hand to sign ‘autographs and offer racing tips. Surrounding the race staging area will be the Lifestyle & Fitness Expo, which includes wall climbing for kids as well as other family / fitness activities, WMMR radio will also be there broadcasting live from the Expo On-site registration starts at 8:30 AM- race start time is 10:00 AM. Registration is located across from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Race registration is on a first come, first served basis for the first 400 participants. For pre-registration and information call 215.546.3273. Thanks to all of you who participated in the Freedom Valley Bike Ride! And a special big thanks to our volunteers who went the extra mile to make this year’s ride a huge success! sCyclists Work to Get Shoulders Added to Rt 563 D: in no small part to the efforts of Scott Freeman, )Nockamixon Township Supervisor and owner of Freeman's Bicycle Shop, PennDOT will be paving ‘with macadam, both shoulders of Pennsylvania Route 563 from Route 313 to Route 412 as part of its summer paving program. Route 563 runs through the Nockamixon State Park where it connects with existing park trails, and has for ‘years been on the route of the Central Bucks Bike Club Covered Bridge Century and the Suburban Cyclists’ Nockamixon Century. During the recent resurfacing of Route 563, the existing shoulder was milled but not paved. This left a rough, uneven surface that was virtually impossible to ride on. Investigation by Scott Freeman revealed that the resurfac~ ing project initially called for the paving of the shoulders. However, it appears the shoulder repaving was dropped because of cost. Scott's persistence, along with the support of the Boards of Supervisors of Nockamixon and Haycock Townships, and advice and support from the Bicycle Coalition, convinced PennDOT to revisit the matter of paving the shoulders. PennDOT Regional Director, Andy Warren, and State Representative Chuck Mellhinney, were very cooperative in working out a solution when an explanation was provid- ed concerning the importance of this roadway as an estab- lished bike route in Bucks County. Director, Sue McNamara. Mayor John F. Street Promotes Biking with Support of Bike to Work Day - June 2, 2000 Bicycle Coalition approached the city’s new “Fitness Czarina,” Gwen Foster, and the Director of Social Services, Estelle Richman, with a proposal to sponsor our event. Ms, Foster and Ms. Richman accepted our proposal almost immediately and added, “the Mayor has always been excited about Bike to Work Day and was happy to see all your postcards supporting him and Bike to Work Day.” (Members: thanks for mailing in those postcards and keep it up!). Thanks to the city’s financial support, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever! Bike to Work Day will be part of the Mayor's Fun And Fit Campaign. 6 I: ‘an attempt to re-invigorate Bike to Work Day, the Starting at neighborhood check points throughout the city, convoys of cyclists will “Share the Road” on their moming ‘commute. Mayor John Street and Police Commissioner John Timmoney, both avid cyclists, will ride the convoy leavi- ing from the Art Museum at 7:45AM. At 8:00 AM, all the participants will meet up at City Hall for breakfast, live music, waterbottles, t-shirts and prizes. The Philadelphia Bicycle Police will also be there to entertain the crowd with Bike Cop Stunt Demos Along with the City of Philadelphia, Bike to Work day is also being supported by The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, The Center City District, BikeMap.com and our local district of EPA. For more info call the Bike Coalition at 215.829.4188.th Annual ProBike/ ProWalk Conference Rolls into hiladelphia! eptember 5 - 94 Philadelphia becomes the capital of S= Bicycle / Pedestrian world, as the nation’s top plan- ners, advocates, engineers, health professionals and elorutionaries converge on Philadelphia for the 11th Annual roBike/ ProWalk Conference. Held at the new Loew's Jotel in the former PSFS building on 12% and Market, the “onference is being sponsored by the National Center for 3icycling and Walking (formally the Bicycle Federation of \ merica), the National Cleafinghouse for Biking and Walking, the Federation Highway Administration. According to Peter Moe, who will again manage the confer- nce program for NCBW, the emphasis will be on the bottom ine: getting more people walking and bicycling, “We want to ‘cus on how people are really creating change, and how we -an transmit those successes from community to communi- y,” says Moe. Practically every issue surrounding bicycling Cyelegram is published bimonthly by the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley, PO, Box 8194, Philadelphia PA 19101. The Coalition is a non-profit organization working to improve conditions for bicycling throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, promoting bicyeling for trans- | vartte and rereton Coverage ofan cre! not sponsored by BCDV | {oes not constitute en endorsement. Cyelegram may be reproduced in| ‘whole or in part provided prominent credit is given tothe Bicycle | cae rece le Cylon epnedon eed oe BY Boar of Manages tavern, Mee Peden Gulipapl co] Jeff Friedman, President [215.686.1835] | Sore Nr, arate Derr (ert oa | Chins Roger Sey [157357809] Eli Masser, Treasurer [215.686.2679] | Sue Ellen Klein [215 386.6785] | ‘eit appcans (218627529 ese 2386597 | BCoV Sut | Se Neva, xecutive Direct 28 £29 4188] ‘Mente nen, Avatar Dever (18829937 | ake Meche et Pogsaning [219585583] | Bit Bev, CPA, Boker 0.623218 Cycle Gram Publication Sue MeNamara, Editor Dana Leight, Graphic Design (215.545.5043 jezebel@flashcom.net] BCDV is afiliated with the League of American Bicyelists, BCDV street address: 22S, Llth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 tel: 215.829.4188 fax: 215:829,0426 e-mail: info@bedv.org and walking will be addressed at the conference Presentations will include: facilities for biking and walk- ing; improved safety and education for cyclists; building better communities through altemative transportation; sprawl containment and smart development; and models of bike/ped facilities around the world. Seminars will be given by the leaders in the field. ‘There will be numerous opportunities for Delaware Valley residents to attend and participate in ProBike/ProWalk activities. To find out more about ProBike/ProWalk and to view proceedings from past conferences, please visit the NCBW web site at www.bikefed.org. Bike Clubs Call these local bike clubs for information on upcoming rides or to join. Main Line Cycling Club 1044 Lancaster Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610.525.8442 Bicycle Club of Philadelphia PO, Box 30235 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-PDL-BIKE (215.735.2453) Brandywine Bike Club Suburban Cyclists Unlimited PO, Box 3162 P.O, Box 401 ‘West Chester, PA 19382 Horsham, PA 19044 610.458.8153, 610.272.6201 Delaware Valley Bicycle Club South Jersey Wheelmen P.O. Box 156 PO. Box 2705 ‘Woodlyn, PA 19094-0156 South Vineland, NJ 08360 610,565.4058 609.848.6123 >BCDV MEMBERSHIP | want fo help make bicycling better -- sign me up! oe ------------- Name. Address City State Zip. Telephone (H) ww) My favorite bike shorts): 1am voluntarily setting my membership dues atthe following level: $100* __$75* _$50* __$35 __ $10 (limited income) ___other * includes free t-shirt Pd also like: Bike Coalition t-shirt M, L, XL ‘wineat design on front & “One Less Car” on back $15 ——— BCDV Commuter Map 85 { Cycle & Recycle Calendar S10 | Urban Bikers Tricks & Tips SIS + 2 /h ! Total Amount Enclosed: ‘end to: BCDV P.O. Box 8194 Phila PA 19101 ee ee eee Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley P.O. Box 819: Philadelphia PA 19101 215-BICYCLE FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED ‘Address Correction Requested Printed on 100% a3 Recyeled Paper e 2 é 2 3 5 , g 2 5 > 3 a > 4 a 3 g g 5 2 . * 4y "Don't miss an issue! If you're not already a member, join now and put your money to work improving bicycling in the Delaware ‘Valley! Your membership includes a ‘one-year subscription to Cyclegram, discounts at most bike shops in the Delaware Valley, invitations to Coalition special events, expert help from the Coalition's touring, racing and commuting advisors as well as the chance to tum your love for cycling into positive action. Join us! Coalition members are ‘commuters, recreational riders, mes- sengers, touring cyclists and others ‘who support clean air and a healthier urban environment. Help us win safer roads and respect from motorists NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHILADELPHIA, PA PERMIT NO 2683