How Philly Officials Plan To Improve The Roads For Cyclists And Drivers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia has earned a 'silver-level' status from the League of American Bicyclists, thanks in part to the Indego bike sharing program and additional bike lanes lining the streets.
The City of Brotherly Love was named 'silver-level' in 2012, a boost from 'bronze-level' status in 2009.
"Philly has great biking along the trails and along the Schulykill," says Kelly Yemen, the city's first Complete Streets Director, a new office set up by Mayor Kenney to help make roads more managable for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.
But Yemen says more can be done.
"We are going to go for gold."
Recently, the office developed a safety task force, which Yemen explains is "committed to a short & long-term action plan for how the city can move toward zero fatalities on the roadway network by 2030."
"It's a cross-colloborated group that will work on both the action planning, and the implementation of policies, programs, projects that will move the city towards creating a safer roadway network for all users."
To attain the gold-level status, the office says they have to add more 'protected' bike lanes, which separate roadways with physical barriers like planters or flexible posts.
Yemen says it can be a tough task when keeping motorists in mind.
"We also hear a lot of concerns about putting in those physical barriers and what that will mean for people to have access to their curbs, for unloading their car with groceries. It's kind of a give and take there."
They also want to work with Philadelphia police to better enforce rules on the road for both cyclists and drivers.
With more people on two-wheels, the city implented 'Free Streets' weekend, inspired by a car-free weekend during Pope Francis visit to Philadelphia.
Yemen says to expect three different 'Free Streets' weekends next year.
Another factor to help biking on city streets: The Reading Viaduct Rail Park. Similar to the Schulykill River Trail, the Rail Park will cross Philadelphia in three separate parts of the park.
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