The Philadelphia Streets Department are in the process of installing a brand new bike lane on 2nd Street from Northern Liberties to Old City, helping to make the commute from the Riverwards to Center City that bit easier. However, there are still some problems along the lane that need resolving.

  Starting at Poplar Street, the 2nd Street bike lane begins with the city’s standardized 5 foot wide format, going a few blocks down towards Fairmount Avenue. After halting at Fairmount, the lane then starts back up again at Spring Garden Street, traveling south to Callowhill. Prior to ending at Wood Street, the lane switches from the east to the west side of the street.

  Although the lane is not complete yet, there have already been various complaints directed at the Philadelphia Streets Department from prospective users of the lane.

  Many people believe the lane is unsafe for cyclists to use because of the way it stops and starts regularly, often switching sides of the road abruptly. Cyclists aren’t the only ones who have been expressing their concerns with the bike lane, drivers also think the lane is potentially dangerous and confusing, putting both parties at risk of injury.

  The Streets Department insists that they are doing everything in their power to make the lane safe, promising to install extra signs upon completion warning both drivers and cyclists of the lane switching from the east to west side.

  However, the city maintains that bike lanes should be located on the left hand side of the street to ensure safety to the cyclists. Not only does this keep cyclists on the other side of the road to bus stops, but additionally it helps the driver as they also drive on the left, giving them a more advantageous sight angle.

  Due to the unusual road layout of the intersection at 2nd and Callowhill Streets, which brings together cars travelling south on 2nd Street and those getting off the I-95 South ramp, it results in difficulties with putting the bike lane on the left hand side. After the repaving of 2nd Street, the Streets Department say they’ll consider moving the bike lane to the left if possible.

  There are also calls for the city to start using bike-friendly grates on the road which have been made available. The current grates are deemed dangerous to the cyclist as the slits are wide enough to fit a bicycle tire through, increasing the injury potential of the cyclist.

  Between Fairmount Avenue and Spring Garden Street, the lane collides with parking spaces, posing a significant danger to those on bicycles.     

  The current situation points towards the elected officials and neighborhood groups prioritizing motor vehicles ability to park without obstruction over the safety of cyclists and the maintenance of bike lanes.

  Although the Streets Department are building this new bike lane, there are still issues that need addressing.

  The complaints have been passed on the the Philadelphia Streets Department. •