Earlier in the spring, we gave you an update on 11 proposed protected bike lane projects that are currently underway or which have ordinances currently working through Council.
We are going to be giving updates about every project mentioned in that March blog post so Bicycle Coalition members and supporters understand when these new projects will begin, and what should be expected when they’re complete.
First up, two of the most important streets in Philadelphia’s bicycle network: 10th and 13th Streets. These streets run the gamut of Greater Center City, and are used by several thousand cyclists every day. These streets are highly-trafficked by all road users and adding protection on these streets will help cut down on injuries on behalf cyclists, pedestrians and motorists in the future. A meeting was held earlier this year to discuss much-needed changes to these streets.
10th Street
As many already know, a protected bike lane was proposed for 10th Street, between Spring Garden and Lombard Streets which, along with 13th Street northbound, will be the furthest protected and partially-protected bicycle facility through Center City.
Here are the updates:
Councilman Mark Squilla recently introduced Bill 190063, which removed parking to allow for a bike lane on 10th Street, between Spring Garden and Buttonwood Streets.
Then, Bill 190363 would continue that bike lane, between Buttonwood and Callowhill Street, on 10th Street.
The current paint buffered bike lane actually begins at Callowhill Street, so no more legislation is needed to add protection to 10th Street.
13th Street
As the northbound pair to 10th Street, 13th Street is one of the most-used bike lanes in the entire city—as well as one of the most-blocked by delivery trucks owned by companies like UPS, FedEx, and Julius Silvert.
It is currently paint buffered on the right-hand side between South and Spring Garden and, like 10th Street, will be re- designed to add a protected bike lane on the left-hand side.
Also written into 190063 was the removal of parking to allow for a bike lane on 13th Street between Spring Garden and Buttonwood Streets.
When the project is complete, 10th and 13th Streets will be protected, or partially-protected (on 10th Street, the protected lane will likely not go through Chinatown due to neighborhood concerns about congestion and loading), between Spring Garden and Lombard/South Streets.
Like 10th Street, there is already a buffered bike lane on 13th Street, so no legislation is needed to add protection.
Additionally, on 13th Street, the majority of parking through Midtown Village will be converted to daytime loading zones, which will help keep delivery truck drivers from parking in the bike lane to load and unload.
These will likely not be repaved, only restriped.
The big question, then, is “when” will this all happen.
That part is not clear. The city has been upping its paving and streetwork mileage, with the goal of hitting about 95 miles of streets during the 2019 paving season. These projects will likely take place in 2020.