MARKED CROSS-STATE BIKE ROUTES COMING TO PAP. 5 | January/February 1998 Newsletter of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley You did it!!! When misguided forces at the top of the City Planning Commis- sion tried to terminate Philadel- phia Bike Network Plan (the biggest in the country) the Bicycle Coalition asked for help. It's mem- bers, bicyclists from all over the Delaware Valley, flooded City Hall with letters, fax and phone calls. Inside city hall, Coalition staff an volunteers were educating council members and the Mayor's Office on the importance of the Bike Network. Their goal- put it back in the budget at the full amount needed for 1998/99 - $80,000 - which will bring in another $320,000 in federal dol- lars. (The city must provide 20% of the $3.7 million project. Failure to provide the match would mean the city would lose it's CMAQ funding for the Bike Network) ‘Council people responded with a resounding’ “Yes!” sending let- ters and phone calls to the Mayor's office asking that the Bike Net- work Project go forward as planned. Support from city coun- cil, hundreds of faxes from Bicycle Coalition members and hard lob- bying saved the day and at 3 pm on ‘Thursday, January 15th, the call came into the BCDV office - 1998/99 funding for the Bike Net- work had been restored as a line item in the city’s capital budget. But the battle is never over. $2,600,000 more of federal fund- ing is still set aside for the project. ‘We will have to work hard next year to make sure the city comes up with the $520,000 match so that we can get those dollars. A huge round of thanks goes out to each & every member who let city hall know that bicycles count. ‘Thanks to you our streets will be safer for cyclists. Thanks to you our air will be cleaner. Thanks to you Philadelphia will be a more livable city. ‘Special thanks also goes out to the following individuals who helped work on this intensive campaign: Sue McNamara, Dennis Winters and the Clean Air Council, Michael McGettigan, Gihon Jordan, Dave Bachman - the PA bike Coordinator, and the following council people Who lent strong support for this project: Happy Fernandez, Frank DiCicco, Jannie Blackwell, Michael Nutter, Rich Mariano, James Ken- ney and John Estey in the Mayor's Office. Please mail the enclosed post- cards thanking the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Transportation for restoring funding to the Bike Network! Also, please thank you city council person and the council people at large. Fax and Room numbers are below. All Addresses are City Hall, Philadelphia, 19107. District 1: Frank Ditieco 686-1931 Rm 332 District 2: Anna Verna 686-1932 Rm. 405 District 3: Jannie Blackwell 686-1933 Rm. 408 Bicycle Coalition Saves Philly Bike Network District 6: Jan Krjewski 686-1935 Rm. 591 District 7: Rick Mariano 686-1995 Rn, $92 District 8: Donna Root Miler 686-1937 Rm. 316 District 9: Marian Tasco 686-1998 Rm. 57 District 10: rian ONeit 686-1939 Rn, 862 At Lage: Happy Fernander 696-1928 Ri. 484 James Kenney 686-2013 Rm 330 Thacher Longstreth 686-1925 Rm 594 Augusta Cark 686-1926 Rm, $80 David Cohen 686-1927 Rm. 588 Frank Rizo 686-1929 Rn 582-8 ‘Angel Ortiz 685-1990 Ri, 590 Ed, note: Please excuse the lateness of this Cyclegram. We were holding it to provide accurate coverage of this impor- tant development for Philly cycling. Streets Department Installs Bike Ban on Hunting Park Ave! Bicyclists who use Hunting Park Ave to travel from North Philly or the Northeast to Fairmount Park and center city will now have to break the law when riding through the under- pass where Hunting Park meets Kelly Drive, thanks to a perception of dan- ger by two people who never ride a bike. Hunting Park Ave is a major bicycle route originating from north Broad Street cutting through the western section of north Philadelphia and ter- minating at Kelly Drive, continues on p. 6ses on Transit. ittee Report: Bikes on Transit update SEPTA Bicycle Coordinator to appear at the January PCC meeting SEPTA Bicycle Coordinator Gerald Kane is scheduled to appear at the Philadelphia County Committee Meeting to answer the BCDV’s ques- tions. All are welcome to attend. Mr Kane has been sent a list of issues by the BCDV in advance in which he plans to address at the meeting. Issues posed to Mr Kane include better access to the subway, the need for more secure bike parking, allowing bicycles on buses, allowing cyclists to AMTRAK to start express bus service between 30th St Station and Allentown beginning this spring. Buses will be coordinated with AMTRAK schedules. Although details on the service are still being worked out, LANTA manager Denis Meyers has assured us that bicy- cles will be welcome on the new buses. ..and speaking of LANTA LANTA, at the suggestion of the Bikes on Transit Committee, has pub- lished its bike policy on the internet and will soon put the policy on their sched- ules. LANTA is one of eight transit agencies in Pennsylvania that allow bicy- cles on board buses. But it is the first one to actually publicize it. LANTA’ posi- tive attitude towards bicycles is reflected use high platforms and posting the rules on schedules. Ifare interested in making an impact in SEPTAS policy and have a concern of your own, this is your chance to make your voice heard, Responses favor Bike Lockers at SEPTA stations Responses from to the BTC’ request in the November issue of the Cyclegram show a need for bieycle lockers at outlying Regional Rail Sta- tions. Some of stations requested already had bike racks but respondents felt that unsupervised racks are inade- quate security for bicycles. Some of the stations that commuters asked for in the first line of the policy "LANTA/Metro encourages you to ride your bike and use the bus!” The bike- policy and LANTA schedules are avail- able online at http://www: lantabus.com. ‘Thanks to LANTA Administrator Denis Meyers, LANTA Executive Direc- tor Armand Greco, Coalition for Alter- native Transportation Executive Director (and BCDV member) Steve Schmitt, and BTC Chairman Steve Spindler for their work on this issue. -John Boyle, john@bikemap.com lockers were at Bethayres, Ambler, Strafford and Wayne. The informa- 1n will be compiled and forwarded to SEPTA. If you want bike parking at your station send an email to Steve Spindler at (Steve@bikemap.com) or call the BCDV office at (215) BICY- CLE Bike Rack Bill Update After sitting in the Senate Trans- portation Committee for over six months, SB 967, which would legalize bike racks on buses in Pennsylvani has been moved over to HB 433 and is now in front of the Senate Appropria- tions Committee. Express Bus to Allentown Coming Lehigh and Northampton Transit ‘Authority (LANTA) which serves the Visit the Bicycle Coalition’s Web| ite at www.bedv.org Other good resources: www.BikeMap.com BikeMap.com is the source for bike-on- transit rules and regulations for most of the US.A. as well as local rides (Delaware Valley region) that combine biking, hiking and transit. www.transact.org Run by the Surface Transportation [Policy Project, transact is a clearinghouse| for alternative transportation informa- tion, including biking,walking and tran- sit, as well as a wealth of information on livable communities. Lehigh Valley, has partnered with SPRAWL A LOSER IN LOCAL NJ VOTES While pundits wallow in the supposed messages sent by the electorate about expensive car insurance and high property taxes, voters across New Jersey regis- tered another major public con- cern. NJ voters approved 85% of county and municipal ballot ques- tions hiking local taxes to pay for ‘open space preservation. 27 sepa- rate open space tax questions were on NJ ballots -- they were approved in Somerset and Ocean Counties, and in 21 towns. The result is similar to votes last year, where the electorate in two other counties and 12 municipalities ‘OK'd tax increases to fund open space preservation. NJ voters have also consistently supported state ‘open space protection bond issues. A national conservation finance expert told the Star Ledger that ‘most similar measure around the country were approved. The results bode well for pro- ponents of overhauling Nj's State Plan, which contains anti-sprawl and urban reinvestment rhetoric but little else. A campaign by the NJ Audubon Society, NJPIRG and the NJ Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs to add enforceable provi- sions to the State Plan won the support of some legislators during the election campaign, and contin- ues to build support as the state ‘moves to update the State Plan during 1998 13,000 open acres per year have been developed in NJ during the past few decades. ~Ti State Transportation Cam- paign [Thanks for your support! A special thanks to all of our members who contributed in the Fecent telephone campaign! Thanks to your support we can continue working to make your biking better!City Employees Lead the Way for Bike-to- rk Day As part of the Public Awareness Pro- gram for the Philadelphia Bi work Plan, the Bicycle Coalition plans hold a large event centered around Bike-to-Work Day on Tues- day, May 19th, Bike-to- Work Day will promote the Bike Network and encourage people to use its Facilities for commuting to work and locking up when. they get there The Bike Coalition will be working closely with the Street's Department and the Mayor’ Office of Transportation and is currently funded to focus primarily on the 11,000 City of Philadelphia employees who are located in about 12 buildings in a5 block radius in the center of downtown. The Bike Coali- tion will organize teams in each department, offer a breakfast to those who ride in, give away prizes and have a bike stunt show put on by the downtown bicycle police. We may also include an adult rodeo, During the Bike-to-Work Day events, the Coalition will stress the importance of the Bike Network, dis- tribute safe cycling materials and promote bicycling as clean and effi- cient way to get to work, school or shopping. If you would like to volunteer for Bike- to-Work Day, please contact the Bike Coalition office. If you work for the city, contact us to help us organize a team in your department! If you work near City Hall and ‘would like to involve yout company in Bike-to-Work Day, also give us a call. We will be able to expand Bike- to-Work Day activities to private center city companies if we have coordinators willing to volunteer in those companies. Please contact Sue at 829-4188 or sue@bedv.org for more information New Bicycle Proj Camps Montgomery County Sure it’s cold now, but warm weath- er and spring bicycling isn't too far away. Come hear the latest on new bike trails, bike lanes and other bicycle pro- jects that Montgomery County has planned. Find out about the Plymouth Creek Trail, the Schuylkill Trail exten- sion to Mont Clare, a proposed trail from Plymouth Meeting to Bucks County, and more! John Wood, the county's chief bicy- cle planner, will describe these exciting projects and more. Hot Cider and snacks will be provided. Monday, February 9, 1998 at 7PM at REI in the Plymouth Square Shopping Center, Butler Pike and Ridge Pike, Con- shohocken, Presented in cooperation with the Montgomery County Committee of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley, REI and the Montgomery County Plan- ning Commission. From the President CYCLISTS MUST SET THE EXAMPLE! by Dennis R. Winters ‘These are troubling times for Amer- can society. While the economy Is eported to be humming along better han any time in the last quarter centu- y, people in the United States seem sessed with a distorted fear of crime nd a dwindling regard for other folks. ncivility seems to be the behavior de eur, manifesting itself on the floor of Congress or on the street right in front f us. It doesn't seem to matter whether ou are walking or riding a bicycle or n an automobile, everyone seems to be having as if they were the only ones hat had to get somewhere. Pedestrians re angry at both cars and bicycles ecause they are involved in near miss- s with both every day. Cyclists are endangered by malevo- ent automobile drivers and have to lodge pedestrians crossing in front of them against the red light. No one seems to have heard of the Golden Rule. What ever happened to “per- forming senseless acts of kindness?” Asa car-free citizen of Philadelphia, Thave to deal with surly pedestrians and motorists each day to. But I ride (and walk) defensively, always trying to be prepared for the worse-case behav- {or from those around me. As a cyclist I would be a fool not to! A lapse in attention can come out very badly! And Tam equally vulnerable as a pedestrian. Tam convinced that someone has to break the pattern here, folks. Someone has to start exhibiting the kind of brotherly love Philadelphia is supposed to represent. Why shouldn't it be cyclists? Bicyclists are enjoying a renaissance in Philadelphia today. New bike racks and bike lanes are appearing every- where. The Philadelphia Bike Network promises even more bike-friendly city streets in the next few years. Even the suburban counties will see new bike facilities going in place over the next couple of years. All those potential cyclists that have indicated they would ride if the streets were made safer will soon be on two wheels much more often. I think cyclists should take the lead in showing civility on the streets of Philadelphia. If you are over 12 years of age...get off the sidewalk, it happens to be against the law to be there! And, when you are in the street, travel only in the legal direction of traffic. No more going against the flow on a one- way street, please. You are vehicle under the laws of Pennsylvania and you're supposed to obey all the laws pertaining to vehicles. Cyclists can fight Road Rage by modeling better behavior themselves. Give that pedestrian the right-of-way, he’s even more vulnerable than you are Rather that giving that thoughtless lout behind the wheel of that car the finger, how about a little forgiveness...and a friendly wave instead? Someone has to set a good example, why shouldn't it be cyclists?Meet The Region's Two ‘Thanks to hard work by the Bicycle Coalition, two new Bicycle staff people have been added to our area govern- ments. Mike Farrell has just joined the Delaware County Planning Commis- sion, coming to us from Portland, OR. Mike's position is greatly a result of the hard work of the Delaware County Committee. Thanks to the DCCs constant lobbying, the Planning Com- mission saw the necessity of adding a person with bicycle expertise to their staff. Way to go DCC! Citizen action works! John Devine is the City of Philadel- phia's new bike coordinator. Due to his position in the Street's Department, [John will be able to devote more time Job title: Highway Planner Previous experience: Chair of Neighborhood Association, mem- ber of Bicycle Transportation Alliance in Portland, OR Vision of what you would like to do for biking in Delco: Get a minimal network of bike lanes built, help get the Chester Creek Rail-Trail John Devine: Street’s Dept. Job Title: Architectural Project Coordinator ‘Years with Streets: 2 Vision for Bike Coordina- tor: The Bike Coordinator must help develop and advocate the bicycle policies formulated by the Streets Dept. The Coordina- tor should also take into account the needs of the biking commu- nity and discuss those needs with policy makers when appropriate. Iwould like to see a reduction in automobile use in the City and an increase in other forms of transporta- tion. I would also like to see the safest and most courteous use of the city streets by ALL vehicles. To these ends, I New Bicycle Staffe: to bikes than his predecessor, Tom Branigan. (Though we'd like to thank ‘Tom, who has done an excel- lent job for bicyclists in the past few years!) Not only will Philadelphia bicy- clists now have more support in government, but the placement of the bike coordinator in the Street's Department represents another vic~ tory for the Bicycle Coalition. The Bicycle Coalition has been working for a greater role for the bike coor dinator, but it was very important that the position be in the Street's Department, rather than the Office of Transportation. We are pleased the Street's Department understood this necessity. built, raise awareness of the possibil- ities of bicycle transportation Everyday tasks Doing user surveys, meeting with communi- ty activists, writing a bicycle plan for the County. Problems indi vidual cyclists should come to you with? People wanting to get involved with a bicycle group can call me for information. ‘would personally encourage a strong, effective program in the schools dealing with bike usage and safety, as well as required state driv- er’s exam questions dealing with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. How much weight my desires might carry is, of course, open to debate Everyday tasks: Liaison between bicy. clists and policy makers. Oversee the develop- ment of the bicycle infrastructure in Phila. Review all projects which have the potential to benefit cyclists. Rep: resent bike issues to other depart- ments and agencies. Problems individual cyclists icycle Coalition members will be receiving a special mailing about the Delaware Valley Regional Panning Com- mission’ Suburban Bike Network public ‘meetings. BCDV members will be asked to comment on their favorite route for bicycle imporements. Watch your mail! County Committee Meetings: Delco: Next meetings; Jan 20, Feb 17 March17, 7 pm at the Helen Kate Furness Library, Rt. 252 in Wallingford, Cll Ira Josephs at 610-565-4058 for more info. Montco: Next meetings; Monday, Jan 19,Feb 16, March 16, 7 pm. at REL. Rdge & But ler Pikes in Conshohocken. Call Joe Castora at 610-337-2997 for more info, Philadelphia: Fourth Monday of the month at BODV office 252 S. 11th St. Tpam. Next meetings Jan 26, Feb 23, March 16. Call Ann at 215-349-8605 for more info. South Jersey: Next meetings aro Jan 20, Feb 11, Marah 17 at the Evesham Library in Merton, Call Bill OBrien at 609-728-4699 for more info Chester: for next nesting atthe Chester County Government Complex on Westtown Road, call (610) 269-6976 Bicycle Coalition Meetings Coalition meetings are held at the BCDV offices ‘on the second cof each month at 6:30pm and focus on internal business. The public is welcome, The nest meetings are Feb 9 and March 9, should come to me with: Those problems within the Streets Depart ment's jurisdiction having to do with bicycles afety and security. Trophy Bikes New, used & classe Beyces oveseores Ciaceoe Repars Poseot Red tine Eecira Cowfer 625-7999 757 S. 8th StreetComing soon to Pennsylvania: Signed Long-distance Bicycle louring Routes By Jobm Schubert When I moved to Pennsylvania 27 years ago, I discovered its two biggest features: great riding and complex nav- ‘gating. Unmarked lightly-traveled roads could take me anywhere in the state, but first I had to find those roads. And once I was on them, there were lots of turns to keep track of. My inter- city routes average a bit more than one turn per mile, and that’ a big naviga- tional workload ‘To make this easier, I thought, what if these roads were signed? What if Icould tell a bike rider to take "Route B-7” to go from Allentown to Philadel- phia, or “Route B-8" to go from Erie to Philadelphia? The rider would follow the signs the whole way, without navigational headache. There would even be informational signs for services, such as food and lodging. We would all enjoy more of the wonderful cycletouring this state has to offer. AA few years ago, this idea would have been only a pipe dream, But times change, and so does PennDOT, and PennDOT has asked me to lead a task force to sign @ demonstration route. PennDOT sees this as something they ‘would like to support The demonstration route we've pro- posed is a beauty: it leads from Elmira, New York to Cumberland, Maryland, cleverly following the states valleys and not its hills. It's a non-mountainous cross-state route. You get to see the Alleghenies without climbing them. Much, (Credit for this particular route goes to Bill Metzger of Pittsburgh.) There are many bugs yet to be worked ut, and this is not yet a done deal, but we're excited by the prospect and we expect it to succeed. Once the demonstration route is a bit further under way, the route system can grow. The second route to be developed will be a cross-state route across Pennsylvania's northern tier, on or parallel to U.S. Route 6. Much of Route 6 is being upgraded with shoulders, and we're looking forward to showcasing this beautiful part of the state with a newly upgraded road that's friendly to touring cyclists We envision, at a minimum, two cross-state and three north-south routes, with some spurs, loops and alternates. Some of our state’s longer rail-trails will be incorporat- ed into long-distance touring routes, and I have a bucolic route from Allentown to the Delaware border that is just a gem. People who think that area is one big traffic jam are in for a treat. The key to success in designing the routes is widespread participa- tion. When this program is ready to expand to include more routes, we'll need help from local bike clubs and route experts. Our most urgent need is for a small number of people with lots of free time who want to volunteer to be the coordinator of each route. This position has you coordinating the efforts of PennDOT mainte- nance managers, bike clubs, and allegedly helpful guys like myself who show up with their favorite routes highlighted on the map. Our coordinator for the north/south route, Patricia Meek, is a planner from State College, and her contri- bution to this effort has been terrific. We also need ideas from all you expert navigators out there. If you have a favorite inter-city route that you'd like to see signed someday, send me a brief note describing it. Road Report: Road Report is a new feature to the Cyclegram. Each issue we will report on road improvements cyclists might want to take advantage of, or road problems ‘you might want to avoid. Readers are ‘encouraged to submit brief entries to this column = be our eyes and ears, tell other about your favorite finds, complain about something you'd like to see fixed, Tacony - Palmyra Bridge Sidewalk Improvements ‘The Tacony - Palmyra is the only bridge from Philly to New Jersey .with 24 hour bike access. Until recently, it was a pretty scary ride. Big holes allowing you to look straight down to the river, metal plates with jagged edges, road sign that hung over the walkway, all made riding or walking on the sidewalk a dangerous and unpleasant experi- But the DRPA has almost complet- ed it's work on the Tacony and both the north and south sidewalks have been vastly improved. Though the walkway is still narrow (4ft) in points, the sidewalk is new and smooth. On the part of the bridge that opens, a new, wide wooden deck has been ‘These touring routes have the enthu- siastic support of Gov. Tom Ridge and ‘Transportation Secretary Brad Mallory. Deputy Secretary Mike Ryan doesn’t merely support the routes; he keeps bugging me to get them done faster! My experience working on these routes has convinced me that bicycling has lots of friends in PennDOT. ‘To volunteer your services, describe your favorite route, or otherwise join the fray, send your information to Schubley@aoi.com, or (if you MUST use the slow method) to 5996 Beverly Hills Road, Coopersburg, 18036 Joln Schubert is secretary of the Penn- syloania Pedaleycle and Pedestrian Adviso- 1y Committee; vice president of the League of American Bicyclists; technical editor of Adventure Cycling magazine, and author of two books on cycling. 6, yYouth Cycle and Recycle is the Coali- tion’s bicycle repair program for kids ages 8 to 15, located at 42nd & Spruce Streets in West Philadelphia. In addition to learning bike repair, students also have an opportunity to earn bicycles they fix. On December 16, the YCR students from the Overbrook PAL (amid fanfare and holiday cookies!), were awarded diplomas by instructor Marlon Solar for successfully completing the eight-week basic course. ‘The Overbrook PAL graduates will continue with Earn-A-Bike in January, then a new group of PAL students will begin the course. Some of the graduates are expected to continue as assistants ‘One 1996 YCR gradu- ate, Donald Kennel, providedvaluable expertise as an assistant. Some acknowledg- | ments are in order: Byron Arzam, Robert Ryan and Chuck Kul- biska assisted with classes this fall as vol- unteers. Byron, a junior at West Catholic High School, chooses to fulfill his | school’s community service requirement ‘through working at YCR. Via Bicycle, Julia Jackson, Herbert Kurtz, Doug Cowiey, Ted Goldsboro, Jim Hansgate and Steve Holmes have all recently donated bikes, parts or tools. Also Via Bicycle and Trophy Bikes have provided valuable advice on the best places to pur- chase bike parts. Thank you all! YCR students earned 38 bicycles in Big thanks go out to Suburban Cyclists Unlimited and Bicycle Club of Philadelphia for giving substantial dona~ tion from their recent century rides, Lake Noxamixion and Scenic Scyulkill Century to help support the Bicycle Coalition. Both SCU and BCP are members of the Bicycle Coalition's Bike Club Coun- cil. The BCC works on issues concern- ing local clubs and cyclists. Thanks to BCP & SCU Youth Cycle & Recycle Wraps Up 1997 By Putting More Kids on More Bikes! 1997. Also in 1997, 24 bikes were donated to Sea Change, an eco- nomic development organization in North Philadelphia A few more bikes are now ready for sale or donation to the commu- nity. Call Claudia Crane, Program Director at 763-5214 if you would like to make a donation to YCR in exchange for a bicycle, or if you ‘would like to suggest a non-profit organization in need of bicycles for basic transportation. Plans for Spring ‘98 include developing Saturday rides in con- nection with the Sierra Clubs Inner City Outings program. Watch this, space for developments on that, including ‘opportunities to volun- teer on those rides! YCR always needs more mountain or hybrid bikes and BMX bikes. Also, 20” coaster brake rear wheels and tires to fit. ‘Donations of materials or bikes are ‘TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! For bikes and all other donations, including volunteer time (no expe- rience necessary!) or money, call Claudia, or E-mail her at claudia@voicenet.com, Bike Ban on Hunting Park continued from p. 1 “My co-workers and I use Hunt- ing Park Ave to get back and forth to work everyday,” explains Simon Firth who commutes to Bilenky Cycle Works in Onley with about eight other riders from his home in South Philly, " we don't want to break the law, but there is simply no other safe route for us to take Acting on a memo from council- man Frank Rizzo which stated that a few of Rizzo's motoring constituents were nervous about the idea of shar- ing the underpass with bicyclists, Streets Department Traffic Engi- ner Charlie Trainer determined that bikes should not be permitted in the underpass during rush hours. According to Streets Department poli- Cy, requests such as these from council or citizens should be “studied” before action is taken, but what constitutes a study is unclear. According to research done by the Daily News, 42 accidents occurred on Hunting Park just east of Kelly Drive from 1991- 1996. None of those acci- dents involved bicycles. Just why the Streets Department has determined this| is a dangerous place for bicycles, given the lack of accidents, remains under question. The Bicycle Coalition spoke with both Frank Rizzo’ office and Charlie ‘Trainer at the Streets Department. At first Rizzo's office admitted to request- ing the bike ban, but then after further consideration, backpedaled on the mat- ter, saying they merely told Charlie ‘Trainer that, “some of Frank's con- stituents had concerns about bicyclists in the underpass and Charlie should look into it. It was Charlie's idea to install the bike ban.” Charlie Trainer said yes he did receive a letter from Frank Rizzo about the underpass and he investigated the matter, as he does all requests from city council. When asked about the number of accidents or other information that ‘might have lead him to feel a bike ban was the best course of action in this sit~ uation, Trainer replied, “no comment” Members of city council have been very supportive of the coalitions efforts to reverse this bike ban, particularly councilman Frank DiCicco, who chairs the city’s Streets and Services Commit- tee. “What?,” replied DiCicco when informed about the bike ban by BCDV E.D. Sue McNamara, “I was having a good day until I heard this one.” ‘The Bicycle Coalition intends to get the support needed to reverse the bike ban in the Hunting Park underpass. To do so may require a council hearing, although it could be overturned quicker if there is significant political support to| repeal the ban. ‘To overturn the Hunting Park Bike Ban, please mail the enclosed postcard today to councilman Frank Rizzo and Streets Commissioner Larry Moy. WYNJ Family Gives Up Car In Favor of Fitness, Frugality & Fun! by Tims Scblitzer Ed. Note: I recently beard on NPR that American women spend more time driving their children to various activites than Rus- sian women spent standing in bread lines uring communi. Cyelegram would like to expolr other, mare sane, transportation options for femiles. ‘The Audubon New Jersey commu- nity [live in is thriving with exquisite sidewalks, dependable mass trans- portation, and convenient shopping. Our schools and library, as well as recreation centers for seniors and youth, are all in walking distance of the entire population. Our communi- ty is a short bike ride away from Had- donfield’ shopping or PATCO’s ride to the city, which open up endless possibilities. And yet everyone drives a car everywhere! ‘My family of four has been living in Audubon for the past eleven years. This past summer our car resolved to die a slow and painful death that was to cost us well over $2,000 to repair. We decided as a family to see how long we could survive without a car. The choice was not easy, I grew up Sy yt atte Seta tr TSC Rane atin {a mn ost tig toe et baa Sra e Gee Pps epoca fr fro et nti op a oat a ‘emt cst eae Ogegan yt eed see opt go oe StF ee Bg Tati at arty Gan & fed tg Sp ra fn li ee ca fe Ec Dc Wlrre enon a re Pei De ners (552406) ke Prt pn: D ek S077 ey, Drs Ws 71567400) fuare: Aetna (19759), Ds G th G&Rge 21521 alates BD ees a men j4 pet, Dt Ci) an fx.) ho Mig Net dn Be (intel) Da, Meret amit) Shes acy ae ee en ep ee olin set ies 2 Ta ot sna 7 SAE fu) 58.005 fa) eng in Tabernacle New Jersey, where it was socially unacceptable if you didn't have an automobile by age fifteen Usually it was expected that you that you would have a 4X4 with huge tires and mud covering it from hear tread. So giving up my sport utili truck was not easy to digest. The decision came after two years of survival with just one automobile. After our Bronco II was side-swiped in 1995 we determined not to replace it and see how long we could live with Just auto, At the time my wife Jackie }was working in Princeton Hospital Jand commuting three per day. I work in Philadelphia and have been able to walk or ride my bike to the Speedline. After a year of one car ownership, ‘we found it very rewarding. We paid less in car insurance, less in repair bills, and spent less overall in gas and {general upkeep. We also found that driving over three hours per day was absurd. Not only were we spending less time together as a family, but we ‘were also asking a loved one to put herself in danger everyday. I'm not [sure of the exact statistics but it was recently published that next to cancer and heart conditions, automobile acci- [dents are one of the biggest causes of Jdeath in the United States. Last year my wife decided to take [substantial pay cut and take on the role of the director of the Audubon "Youth Recreation Center. The de sion was well worth the financial loss- Jes. We spend much more time {together as family and we feel much ‘more connected to our community. Each week, we attend community meetings such as back to school night, soccer and softball games and PTA meetings. Almost everyone drives and parking is at a premium. Some people park further away from the activity than they live. In addition we have been increasingly stressed by high speeds traveled on our little town roads. Years ago before automobiles seamed to take over our lives, we walked every- where and children were able to ride their bike visit with their friends. Com- munities like Audubon, Haddonfield and Collingswood were built with the pedestrian and community living in mind, Newer towns such as Voorhees and even my hometown of Tabernacle are developing not communities, but homes that must remain dependent on their cars. Since we have been without four wheels we have found numerous advantages. We have saved well over $600 per month on car payments, insurance and maintenance. We are far less stressed by traffic and commuting. I have found mass transit is not nearly as scary as I thought it to be. When we are deep in need of an auto, we rent a car. ‘We have noticed an increase in our health and weight control. This alone can save countless dollars on gyms and diets. In addition, we feel we are doing something positive for our environment. Most importantly we have found that as. a family we can achieve anything, Rushing to town meetings, soccer games and bas- ketball practice has only taken proper planning and communication, Because of this, we are becoming a much stronger family. And we hope our efforts will help to make for a stronger community, Our decision to be without a car is not to advocate to our neighbors to do the same. We are not being radical about our choice. We only hope that people can see the value of leaving the car at home once in a while, and enjoy this wonderful community for what it was meant to be. We hope that our efforts will prove that it can be done with one less car. Timm Schlitzer is the Executive Director of the Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia. He lives with bis ‘wife Jackie and children Erin, 10, and Amanda,12 , in Audubon, Nj. 1Si BCDV MEMBERSHIP “T INSIDE 1 Hi! | want to help make [| Bicycle Coalition Saves Philly Bike Network - ee 1 ike Ban on Hunting Park Ave. . | _ bicycling better--sign me up! flan e on Transit Update, p2 p Name. I]NJ Voters Reject Sprawl. ' ves 2 Address, J] From the Prez: Cyclists Must Set Good Examplel..p.3 {ci State 1 Mises New Bike Staffers in Local Govemment...uP 4 i ike Routes Across : Pp 1 || Jacony Bridge Now Better for Bikes... nunonn ps ‘My favorite bike shop (s) Youth Cycle & Recycle Wraps Up 1997. pé T ; HNJ Family Gives Up Car in Favor of Biking, I os poy setting my membership dues at | Walking & Togetherness. Sereep T the following level: 1 + §50° I $100" _ $75* _ $50" _ $35 _ $10 pimiced income) _ other ! ‘includes free t-shirt V Don’t miss an issue. 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