When Bicycling Magazine ranked the 50 most bike-friendly cities in the United States earlier this year, Philadelphia was middle-of-the-road, ranking only number 27.
Continually improving the experience of biking in the city has been one of Mayor Michael Nutter’s priorities. It is a part of his campaign to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the United States.
For many Penn students, biking is an essential way to move around campus and to travel to different areas of the city in a quick and cost-effective manner.
Increasing cycling in an urban environment has other benefits as well. It reduces congestion and emissions from other forms of transportation. It leads to better health and savings in cost. It is a great way to explore the city.
But the bike networks of Philadelphia need to be updated for their connectivity, safety, convenience and attractiveness.
We are therefore pleased that Nutter is trying to make good on his promise to fix these problems. The Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan recently moved into its second phase, which will improve the biking experience in west and southwest Philadelphia, something long overdue that will help students immensely.
We appreciate that this initiative is moving forward and hope that similar improvements happen more regularly.
