Current state law prohibits cars from parking more than 12 inches away from a curb, but does not take into account bike lanes or pedestrian spaces placed between the curb and parking lanes.

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to advance a bill that would advance bike safety, according to a report by John Cole in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. “House Bill 291, sponsored by state Reps. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) and David Maloney (R-Berks), would allow municipalities to create parking-protected bicycle lanes between curbs and parked vehicles, allowing bicyclists to ride separated from vehicular traffic.“
As Cole explains, this would give local jurisdictions the ability to install pedestrian plazas and protected bike lanes. The bill would not mandate any new bike lanes, but would eliminate the current requirement that vehicles park within 12 inches of a curb.
According to Cole, “In the previous session, the bill was also unanimously approved by the House Transportation Committee and was passed by the full state House by a 198-5 vote, however it was not approved by the Senate.”
The committee also advanced House Bill 257, which would require driving tests to include questions about safe driving in work zones.
FULL STORY: Pa. House committee unanimously backs bike lane legislation

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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