Bicycle commuting is recovering from the pandemic—up 29% since 2020, but still not recovered to 2019 levels.
(PHILADELPHIA) – 2022’s Bike to Work & Wherever Day celebration, group ride and press conference is sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, with free coffee at the Energizer Stations generously provided by Rival Bros. Coffee.
“We know a major part of getting more Philadelphians on bikes is creating a high-quality network that connects Philadelphia’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with safe and comfortable bicycle infrastructure. We remain committed to implementing more safe streets to create a transportation system that benefits everyone in our city,” said Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director of Transportation.
Hundreds of Philadelphians are expected to participate in this year’s Bike To Work & Wherever Day along with Philadelphia Council Members Squilla, Green, Gym, Gilmore Richardson, Brooks and State Senator Nikil Saval. Biking for transportation and recreation is an important action people can take to address the climate crisis and traffic congestion.
“The streets belong to the people — today’s ride is a celebration as well as a call to action to prioritize safety for everyone on our roads,” said Councilmember Helen Gym (At-Large). “Philadelphia’s Vision Zero commitments cannot simply exist on paper. I’ll continue to advocate for expanding protected bike lanes and advancing equity and access to the bike share network. I am proud to partner with the Bicycle Coalition and thank them for their leadership in making Philadelphia a safer, more bike-able, and environmentally just city.”
Based on a report released this week by the Bicycle Coalition, bicycle commuting is recovering from the pandemic—up 29% since 2020, but still not recovered to 2019 levels. Indego’s growth in 2021 was largely in e-bike usage.
“Freedom of movement is a right, and events like Bike Month help us celebrate this right while showing the urgent need to increase safety and accessibility,” said State Senator Nikil Saval. “Throughout my adult life, biking has been my primary mode of transportation in every city I’ve lived in, and I know this to be true for many of my neighbors and constituents. When we make our streets safer for cyclists, we’re simultaneously making them safer for drivers and pedestrians, too. Everyone wins.”
South Philadelphia has a bicycle commuting rate that is among the top 10 for neighborhoods throughout the nation. And Philadelphia maintains its position of having the highest bike commuting rate among U.S. cities with a population over 1 million residents. Philadelphia now has 25 miles of protected bike lanes and on its way to reaching Mayor Kenney’s goal of 40 miles.
“Biking is a great activity that offers a variety of health benefits. It’s also eco-friendly and equitable, and it brings people together to share our streets. That’s why Independence is proud to be part of Bike to Work Day and to support the ongoing efforts of the Bicycle Coalition and the City of Philadelphia,” said Dr. Rodrigo Cerdá, Independence Blue Cross SVP, Health Services and Chief Medical Officer.
The Bicycle Coalition hosts Bike to Work & Wherever Day to celebrate bike riders everywhere and to encourage and support people who are interested in increasing their active transportation efforts. Biking saves time, money, lowers stress, is good exercise, good for the earth and—perhaps most importantly—is fun.