More than 28 miles of bike lanes were added or restriped in 2023, including 10 miles of separated lanes 

PHILADELPHIA – Each May, the City and its partners celebrate Bicycle Safety Month – an initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) aiming to educate the public about the importance of bicycle safety. This year, the City is launching a visual storyboard website – “Philadelphia’s Bicycle Network Changes in 2023” – to highlight projects that expanded our bicycle infrastructure over the past year. Along with the webpage, the City is proud to announce several events for veteran cyclists and new riders to celebrate the month. 

In 2023, the City of Philadelphia – Department of Streets and Water Department – and PennDOT restriped or added more than 28 miles of bike lanes, including 10 miles of separated bike lanes with another 4.3 miles under construction. To date, Philadelphia has 29.8 miles of constructed separated bike lanes. Many of the new bikeways built in 2023 are on the city’s High Quality Bike Network, a network of trails and bikeways designed for the comfort and safety of people of all ages and abilities. 

Some key project highlights include the Walnut Street separated bike lane between 33rd and 63rd Streets in West Philadelphia, the Lindbergh Boulevard side path, part of the Cobbs Creek Trail in Southwest Philadelphia, and Germantown Avenue two-way raised bikeway from American to Stiles Streets in Northern Liberties. 

“In March, I signed my fourth executive order recommitting the City to Vision Zero with the goal of reaching zero traffic deaths – a safer Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We know that Philadelphia has one of highest percentage of people who commute by bicycle of any large city in the country. Reports by the U.S. Census, among others, have shown that people in low-income, marginalized communities and communities of color often rely on walking and biking as their main sources of transportation. This means safer bicycling is critical in addressing transportation and economic inequities.” 

Several corridors with new or upgraded bikeways are on the City’s Vision Zero High Injury Network (HIN), where 80% of serious traffic crashes occur on 12% of Philadelphia streets. In addition, the 2023 Vision Zero Annual Report found that where separated bike lanes were installed, there were 17% fewer total injury crashes and twice as many bike riders. 

Growing the bike network creates new opportunities for people to plan their bike route and navigate the city safely. The network also adds resiliency, with safe alternate routes in the event of a street closure or detour. In short, the bike network allows for us to reach Mayor Parker’s vision of a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia, with economic opportunities for all. 

“During National Bicycle Safety Month, the City is inviting Philadelphians to join us in enjoying the nice weather and exploring our city by biking on our streets and trails. This is a great time of year for curious and prospective cyclists to find an event, dust off your bike or rent an Indego, and join in the cycling experience,” said Kelley Yemen, Director of Multimodal Planning, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS). “There are more safe bike routes completed each year that allow for people to commute, run errands, or leisurely enjoy al the city has to offer. No matter how a person chooses to travel, they deserve to reach their destination safely.” 

OTIS leads the Indego bike share, Safe Routes Philly, and Vision Zero PHL programs, which are organizing multiple events throughout the month. In May, the City and its partners will host the following events: 

Indego’s 9th Birthday — $5 Off First 30 Days Promotion
Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, May 31

• To celebrate 9 years of Indego, the bike share program is offering $5 off your first 30 days with the code INDEPRO24. Indego is frequently adding new stations so download the app and find the location closest to you to get started! More information available at www.rideindego.com. 

Bike & Roll to School Day 
Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 a.m.  

• City officials will join William M. Meredith School students, families, and staff in Queen Village to celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day. Details will be issued in a separate media advisory, media RSVP is required. 

Ride of Silence
Wednesday, May 15, 6:45 p.m. – 8 p.m., City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art  

• City officials will join the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s Ride of Silence. The annual bike ride honors bicyclists who have been killed or injured by motor vehicles. For more information and to register, visit bicyclecoalition.org. 

Bike to Work & Wherever Day 
Friday, May 17, 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Multiple Locations (West, South, and North Philadelphia) 

• City officials will join the Bike to Work & Wherever Day. The event is led by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and supported by Independence Blue Cross. From West Philly, led by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier; from South Philly, led by State Senator Nikil Saval and Councilmember Mark Squilla; from North Philly, led by State Representatives Donna Bullock and Ben Waxman. For more information and to register, visit bicyclecoalition.org.