Philadelphia Swaps Car Lanes for Bikeways in Unanimous Vote

The project will transform one of the handful of streets responsible for 80% of the city’s major crashes.

1 minute read

June 4, 2025, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People on bike wearing helmets stopped at intersection waiting for passing cars in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philly Bike Coalition / Flickr Commons

The Philadelphia City Council voted to add a bike lane to a mile-long segment of 47th Street, converting the roadway to one-way for vehicles.

As Michaela Althouse reports in Philly Voice, two city bills, which were approved unanimously, authorize the change to a one-way street and the addition of the bike lane. “The proposal is part of a larger repaving and traffic calming project for 47th Street, which is on Vision Zero's High Injury Network — the 12% of Philadelphia's streets where 80% of serious and fatal crashes take place.”

Some residents oppose the plan, voicing concerns that the changes will reroute traffic and its attendant pollution and danger to other local streets. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd), who introduced the bills, says they will improve safety around three local schools and on the road in general.

The bills await a signature from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Philly Voice

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