Happy Fernandez to ask City Council to lift Chestnut St. ike Ban — p.2 @*CYCLEGRAM March/April 1997 Newsletter of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley SEPTA To Remove Your postcards made the difference! Not only has SEPTA received a stack of postcards inches high, but several infteidnds inching Sete Repeonet tative Babette Josephs, sent letters in support of eliminating bicycle permits. Thank you! SEPTA has told the Coalition it plans to eliminate bicycle permits within the next two months. This will bea six month trial program, similar to trials at other transit agencies. The date for implementation of the new policy has not yet been set but will be announced through a press release. Aside from eliminating the bicycle permits, SEPTA's bicycle policies will remain unchanged. SEPTA’s current policy: There are no limits to the number rR of bicycles on a train car other than. the conductor's discretion. Bicycles are allowed during off-peak hours or in the reverse-peak direction on the Regional Rail Line and Route 100, Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, and on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Permits! Labor Day and Christmas. Cyclists can even take their bikes on the Subways. Bicycles are permitted on the last car of the Broad Street and ‘Market-Frankford trains, weeknights after 7:00 pm, on all day on weekends. ‘Until SEPTA publishes its improved policy, here are some expectations that SEPTA has of bicyclists: 1. Use stairs or elevators instead of the escalators when accessing platforms. 2. Walk through the train stations. 3. Stay with your bicycle. 4. Board the train after other passengers. 5. Follow the crew's directions. BICYCLE COALITION PLANS PUBLIC OUTREACH PROJECT FOR THE PHILADELPHIA BIKE NETWORK As most Bicycle Coalition members know, the Philadelphia Bike Network will be an on-road system of 300 miles of bike lanes linking residential areas, schools, shopping destinations and workplaces throughout the city. Just as the old cry for the Philadelphia trolley system was “always trolley in sight,” the Bike Network will seek to ensure that bicyclists will never be fur- ther than four blocks from a bike lane that will link them to the entire sys- tem. With over 52% of city residents who own a bike saying they would ride to work if there were safe bike lanes (Harris Poll, 1992), implemen- tation of the Philadelphia Bike Net- work could drastically reduce the city’ automobile congestion and pol- lution. The city of Philadelphia has com- mitted to oing the planning and eng neering required to build the network, swith much of that funding in place as a result of Bicycle Coalition members working with city government and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning [Authority wo secure federal dolas under the first ISTEA. Bat, the Bicycle Coalition has seen a lack in the ability of the planners to adequately understand the need fora public outreach campaign in Philadel- phia. This campaign that would ensure that the construction of the bike network not be met with protests from angry motorists and residents, 35 wwe witnessed in the debate aver the ‘West River Drive auto restrictions. ‘The Bicycle Coalition feels the public needs to be educated about what the network is, why it will make the streets safer and less congested forall users, and how bicyclists, would-be bicyclists and non-bicyclists can take advantage of the benefits the Bike Network has to offer. The Bicycle Coalition has devel- oped a Community Outreach and Education Program for the Bike Net- work. The outreach program visits neighborhood organizations, schools, community centers and businesses to provide the necessary instruction and introduction to the use, purpose and advantages of bike lanes. The Pro- gram also utilizes advertising and press releases in community newspa- pers and community broadcasts to educate about the Bike Network. ‘The Community Outreach and continued on page 2 IsBC Urges Councilwoman Fernandez to Propose Immediate Center City Bike Routes and to Lift the Bike Ban on Chestnut Street Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Sue McNamara and President Dennis Winters ‘met with Councilwoman Happy Femandez last month concerning bicyclists in Center City. The Councilwoman was concerned withthe number of bicyclists riding on the sidewalk. The BCDV representatives insst- ed that some cyclist will continue to ride on the sidewalks until the city jax makes the streetssafer forbikes. J Fernandez has pledged toworkwith thePolice = Departmentona campaign that would SX provide better enforce ment against al traffic vio- Jators~in ears, on bikes or on foot. The Bicyele Coalition supports the enforcement ofall traffic laws, but insisted that infrastruc ture must also accommodate all modes. Asan interim solution prior tothe actual Bike Net- work, at the Bicycle Coalition’ request, Coun- cilwoman Femandez requested that the Streets Department: 1. Signs on Market Street and Sansom Street modified, wherever there is already a sign indicating thatthe right lane is reserved for buses and right turn, make sure that it is ler the ane is also to be shared by bicycles. Consider adding a bicycle sym- bolon the pavement as well. 2. Post “Share the Road” signs on Sansom Street from river to rver. (Councilwoman Fernandez also agreed to ‘propose legislation lifting the ban on bikes on (Chestnut Street. The Bicycle Coalition will ‘work diligently with Councilwoman Feman- ded office to make sure that legislation is introduced shorty. Hopefully, cyclists will soon be celebrating the end of the Chestnut Street Bike Ban. Bicyc le Coalition Leaders Travel to D.C. to Educate Local Reps on ISTEA Il Bicycle Coalition President Den- nis Winters and Executive Director Sue McNamara, along with repre- sentative of other local alternative National Ambient Air Quality Stan- dards, the CMAQ category should receive an appropriate increase in level of funding. Non-profit organi- transportation advocacy groups trav- zations should be allowed to directly led to Washington, D.C. to meet _ sponsor and administer projects. with staff members of every Repre- E Gonauen) Sentative from the greater Philadel- ste at ce phia region of Ee Gs joined with the other ‘ennsylvania and the a on staff of both Senators = GA$) _| pratsing the existing aw Santorum and Specter. Pe reallagerieor ‘The group asked the ISTEA to be enacted legislators to hear BIE | with no substantial their concerns about changes, the Intermodal Surface Many of the ‘Transportation Effi- 4 tes socal legi ciency Act of 1991 B fees BCDVwere cst aoa taken directly from the Suriace stand their requests for ISTEA Il. : : . ° “Transportation Policy Project “The Bicycle Coalition called for (TPP) ISTEA II platform. STPP is the legislators united support for the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency ‘Act of 1991 (ISTEA) without signifi- cant changes. However, the Bicycle Coalition asked for expanded plan- ning and funding powers of the municipal planning organization (DVRPC). Also, provisions for meaningful and independent citizens participation should also be strengthened and individually fund- ed categories for Transportation Enhancements and Congestion Mit- igation and Air Quality improve- ment programs should be continued. Tn light of pending revisions of the a Washington, D.C. based non-prof- it organization that works to ensure that transportation policy and invest- ments help conserve energy, protect the environment, promote social equality and make communities more livable. They lobby the federal government for a transportation sys- tem that emphasizes the needs of people rather than vehicles. They produce an informative newsletter, have a great website, publish a num- ber of papers and booklets and offer workshops. For more information, call 202-939-3470. Their website address is http://www.transact.org. ‘The newsletter is free. UPCOMING EVENTS: Dr. Baudewijn Bach, internationally know expert of bieycle facilities planning and visiting Fulbright scholar from Holland, will speak on March 10th at Dalhlak Restaurant, 4708 Baltimore Ave Philadelphia at 7 pm. Dr. Bach will be giving his lecture and slide show, "Sustainable Traffic Solutions." This lecture has received rave reviews from cyclists across the country. Call 215-349-8605 for info. ‘The first annual classic bike swap meet and rally will be on April 20th at Boat House Row in Philadelphia from 10 am - 6 pm, witha bike ride leaving at noon, Call 215-925-2568 for info. Critical Mass meets the last Friday of every month on the westside of City Hall, Philadelphia at 5:30 p.m. Call 719-4669 for info. ‘OUTREACH PROJECT continued from p. 1 Education Program has received some promises of funding and staff plans to seek additional funding for the program, Meanwhile, staff and the ‘Committee are working with the “The final plan must also have enough Streets Departmentand the planners of support across the city the Philadelphia Bike Network to make so when tough decisions must be made sure we come up with a plan that useful- and things like parking or travel lane must be removed for a bike lane, ly serves current cyclists and encourages bicyclists’ rights will prevail. others to take more trips by bicycle. eon Philadelphia CountyFROM THE DIRECTOR 1996 wall be remembered as a ban- ner year for local bicyclists. With the help of postcard campaigns from our members, the work of dedicated coun- ty committees and the continued sup- port from cyclists across the region, program to PHAS north Ith Street corridor in the coming years. * The Bicycle Coalition won the US. Environmental Protection Agency firstever Earth Day Award for Bicy- cle Advocacy. + NJ Transit eliminated the need for separate passes on its NE Corridor ‘the 1st some of tlantic Cit the victors won tis rnc fties past year E HI KS a * The 900 bike racksin POEM MA MET EIE fom the Bicycle Center City and the RIGHTS! Coalition, 1600 “Share the SEPTA began, Road” with bicycles signs were final- asa pilot project, to installed ly installed in Philadelphia + The SE Pennsylvania counties were originally given as few as five (Le. Bucks Co,) share the roads signs for entire county. Working with the county committees and the Bicycle Coalition staff, PennDOT District 6-0 isnow filling all requests for signs across SE PA. * The Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Valley Forge was finally completed in 1995. Plans are now underway and funding is almost in place to extend to tral to Bartum’s Gardens in the south and Phoenixville on the NW end. The Schuylkill River Trail is proving to bea backbone for the region’ trail lockers at 3 stations and racks at all stations on the RS line and the Norristown Transportation Center. The Bikes-on-Transit ‘committee is currently cataloguing bicycle parking facilities at all SEPTA stations and plans to edu- cate SEPTA officials about those conditions. The Committee will work with SEPTA to ensure there is adequate and secure bike parking atall transit stations. * After pressure from Bicycle Coali- tion members and the bikes-on- transit committee, SEPTA entered into a six-moth trial period to drop the bicycle permit requirement. * At the Bicycle Coalition’ request, as ee ae poeenea many plans for other City Council- SE eae Dy. MES ce Tout Eatsad he PURO LA RTM Soi Perkiomen Trail, that will link to the River CYCLISTS, ANOTHER ELT aes introduce legisla- tion removing pal : BICYCLING! the Chestnut * The Chester Creek Street Bike Ban. Branch in Delco is likely to be fund- “There are many other opportuni- ed and enjoys popular support. ties and challenges ahead E * Planning for the Philadelphia Bike Re-authorization of ISTEA, the con- Network is underway, with the pub- _ struction of the Philadelphia Bike lic getting the opportunity to view ‘Network, the Montco Trail network, the first plans in April. Engineering the upgrading of regional roads to for the Bike Network in set to begin in November, 1997. The Bicycle Coalition is planning a Community Outreach Program to gain wide sup- port for the network (see p. 1). * The Bicycle Coalition opened it’s West Philadelphia Youth Cycle and Recycle Program in May, giving kids the opportunity to leam bicycle mechanics, take home a bike they re- built and even serve as interns in bike shops. There are plans to extend the accommodate cyclists, the New Jersey Bicycle Plan - all require a strong presence from the bicycle community to help bring these projects off the shelves and onto the streets. The bicy- cle movement in Philadelphia has ‘come so far and continues to gather speed. To fuel the movement we will need the hard work and support of every cyclist. Cyelists like you. = Sue McNamara Public Meeting for the Phila Bike Network “The second round of public meet- ings for the Philadelphia Bike Network are scheduled for April. Atthese meet- ings the Preliminary Bio Rout Plan well be presented for public comment. Please plan to attend one of the fol- k ‘meetings- your input is needed in order to establish the best possible network plan for Philadelphia! ‘Tues. April 1Sth 7-9 pm Jefferson University Alumni Hall 1020 Locust Street, first fl. Rm 145 Wednesday, April 16th 7-9 pm ‘Central United Methodist Church 4622 Griscom Street (2 blocks from ‘Margaret-Orthodox El stop) ‘Wednesday, April 23rd 7-9 pm. Chestnut Hill Library 8711 Germantown Ave ‘Thursday, April 24th 7-9 pm University of Pennsylvania Houston Hall - Room 121 3417 Spruce St Donations needed for Youth Cycle and Recycle ‘The following things are needed for the YCR program. Please contact Claudia at 763-5214 or cdaudia-@voicenetcom. Many thanks! ‘TV~at east 15" sereen ‘Two VCR'S od area raga-at east x9 Shop Vac Biles~-BMX or mountain only coffee cans small boxes stable for storing pars 24/20" ubes 20" tres, med and ig width 126" reg and schwinn (S-6) tres 2x4" tres axle nus or axle nut kit 5 and 6 speed fcewheels (Third Hand or Haley) rear derailer (Gunrace steal orally is suificient) Brake cables “The following wolsequipment, in particular ‘Zeal Hosky hose and ead, with press adaper sharpie markers shop file socket wrench set for seat bolts, ete Sachs se 40 chain brake/shifter housing