City announces move to make MLK Drive more dangerous for biking, jogging and walking

Philadelphia announces plan to reopen MLK Drive to vehicular traffic, despite the road having on average one death per year and more than 20 serious crashes.

Despite nearly 6000 Philadelphians asking Mayor Kenney and the City to reimagine MLK Drive, the government has succumbed to car culture and announced that MLK Drive will be open to vehicles on August 4th at 5 PM.

The city IS going to reduce the number of lanes from four to two, although the “bike lane” will be delineated by a yellow line instead of a protected bike lane. The City will close MLK Drive on weekends from 5 AM to 5 PM to motor vehicles, ending in October.

The City of Philadelphia shut down MLK Drive 24/7 to vehicles on March 20, 2020 after a petition by the  Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. According to the Bicycle Coalition, the road has become popular and one of the most-used outdoor spaces in the city, even as many people as using the Schuylkill Banks trails.

MLK Drive is a part of Philadelphia’s High Injury Network, which is 12% of the streets that has 80% of all traffic deaths and serious injuries, according to Billy Penn.

The City did repave the drive last week, and also painted a rat with the striping machine.

For more information about the Bicycle Coalition’s response, visit their website.

Cover Photo: Poster in MLK Drive in July 2020. Sign reads: Having it all is a distinct possibility. (Except in the City of Philadelphia…)

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