Wednesday, May 18th the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) announced the new Bicycle Lane Enforcement Initiative. As part of Mayor Kenney’s Vision Zero Program, the initiative calls for the targeted assignment of 8 new Bike Lane Enforcement Officers who will focus exclusively on patrolling and issuing tickets for any illegally parked vehicles that block bike lanes in Center City, University City and South Philly.
The initiative is set to begin in fall of 2022 with hopes to enhance enforcement efforts and compliance with Philadelphia’s parking regulations to keep bike lanes clear and free of parked cars.
“We are very excited and relieved to see the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s program get underway,” said BCGP Executive Director, Sarah Clark Stuart. “Many of Philadelphia’s unprotected bike lanes are chronically encroached upon by drivers who park or stand with impunity. A team of enforcement officers on bikes will be able to efficiently and sustainably keep bike lanes clear and safe for the bicyclists they were designed and built for.”
“Blocking a bike lane with a parked car is dangerous and the PPA will issue tickets to vehicles that illegally park in bike lanes,” said Corrine O’Connor, Deputy Executive Director for PPA. “Biking is integral to our city.”