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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

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.

July 17, 2025 - San José Spotlight

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

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.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Downtown Portland, Oregon with convention center in foreground with green glass spires and rooftop solar panels visible.

Oregon Approves Ambitious Framework for ’Microgrids’

Local energy “islands” within the larger power system ensure key facilities can remain online during emergencies and power outages.

5 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Downtown Los Angeles viewed from Echo Park with lake with artesian fountain in foreground.

A Historic Investment in LA County’s Parks and Open Spaces

Los Angeles County has launched its largest-ever competitive grant program, investing $58 million to expand park access, enhance climate resilience, and support community-driven projects in the areas that need them most.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

Dense high- and mid-rise buildings in San Diego, California on a sunny day.

San Diego Wins $14M for Affordable Housing

The funding comes via the state’s Regional Early Action Planning program and will help create close to 1,000 new housing units.

7 hours ago - Fox 5 San Diego