Philadelphia City Council’s Streets and Services Committee met for the first time since April of this year. The committee, led by Council member Isaiah Thomas, discussed 36 bills. We joined in the public testimony to support 6 of the bills presented. And we’re happy to report the passage of the following bills: 220420, 220453, 220495, 220505, 220518, 220523.
Three of these bills (220420,220453, and 220495) will add protected bike lanes to a set of blocks which help to increase ridership and create a safe designated space for cyclists. Two of the bills (220505 and 220518) will authorize the use of Automated Red Light Enforcement cameras at a set of intersections which will help to enforce speed limits and slow down traffic in the area. The final bill we supported (220523) is Council Member Squilla’s parking and loading ordinance for his side of Washington avenue, allowing for the configuration of oTIS’s Mixed Lane Plan.
More information about the bills can be found below, or by searching City Council’s website.
We are excited about these bills because the City can now begin repaving roads and all projects will increase the overall safety of our streets for pedestrians, bicyclists and car users. However we are not surprisingly disappointed that Council Member Johnson refused to amend Council Member Squilla’s bill 220523 to include the 2nd District (from 11th to Grays Ferry on Washington ave). This decision has the potential to make Washington Ave even more dangerous to pedestrians, cyclists and car users. It’s now up to Mayor Kenney to move forward and implement the Mixed Lane configuration on ALL of Washington Avenue.
Email Mayor Kenney and ask him to approve the Mixed Lane Configuration of Washington Avenue.
PHL City Council Bills supported by BCGP on June 7th
220420 – An Ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize bicycle lanes on Lindbergh boulevard between 58th street and 65th street; and making associated changes to lanes of travel within the same limits; all under certain terms and conditions.
220453 – An Ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane on West Market street from 20th street to 23rd street; and making associated changes to travel lanes and parking regulations within the same limits; all under certain terms and conditions.
220495 – An Ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane on Grays Ferry avenue from 34th street to Washington avenue, and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
220505 – An Ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Front Street and Hunting Park Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions
220518 – An Ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
220523 – An Ordinance amending Section 12-903 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited at Certain Times,” to provide for regulation of such activity along Washington Avenue in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.