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.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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