Philly Council Wants to Crack Down on Bike Lane Parking

A new Philadelphia bill passed by the City Council would raise penalties for drivers who park or stop in bike lanes. If signed by the mayor, the law would increase fines to $125 in Center City and University City and $75 in other neighborhoods and remove a 25-minute grace period, reports Michaela Althouse for Philly Voice.

The law is part of the city’s effort to increase safety for cyclists. “Those who support the stricter laws say when a vehicle is stopped in a bike lane, it forces cyclists to swerve into traffic, endangering them. They also argued that being able to temporarily park directly in front of a home is a luxury that doesn't exist for many residents. ”

According to Althouse, “The bill notably does not include installing concrete barriers, another proposed bike safety solution that's been hotly contested. But the city's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems has said it plans to add them at Spruce and Pine streets, subject to community approval.”