The proposed Lombard-South-27th Street safety project was rejected by apparent “near neighbor” concerns late last month, but the Bicycle Coalition has continued working with cyclists, neighbors, neighborhood organizations, and the city, to figure out a compromise and make the streets as safe as possible for cyclists and pedestrians.
That’s why, in the wake of the South of South Neighbors Association voting in favor of a protected bike lane on South Street, we wrote a letter to Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and Philadelphia’s Director of Complete Streets Kelley Yemen, explaining what we’d like to see happen on those West Center streets.
Among the changes we’re recommending: we’d like to see new loading zones installed on Lombard Street, raised crosswalks, a ‘Tuff Curb’ protected bike lane along 27th Street, a protected bike lane on South Street, and newly-timed traffic signals. Check out our full recommendation letter below the fold.
Bicycle Coalition letter re: South/Lombard/27th Street by Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on Scribd
Traffic signals should ALWAYS be timed for the actual 85th percentile speed of vehicles when traffic is free flowing under good conditions. Anything else violates the known principles of traffic safety engineering.
James C. Walker, National Motorists Association
Let’s focus on safety for all users of the street, not just motorist’s speeds. And let’s get rid of the 85th percentile rule, which is just plain BS.
http://usa.streetsblog.org/2017/08/11/the-85th-percentile-rule-is-killing-us/