Categories: News

PHL Complete Streets Commissioner: Cyclists & Non-Drivers win again

Philadelphia gained its first ever Complete Streets Commissioner this week, which means streets will be considered NOT just for cars, but bikes, pedestrians and public transit users.

According to Randy LoBasso reported in the Bicycle Coalition blog, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has “been advocating, and part of a major priority we put in our Better Mobility 2015 platform.”

LoBasso interviewed Bob Previdi (BCGP Policy Coordinator) about why this position is so important:

“Kenney will be hiring a Complete Streets Commissioner – whose job it will be to look at everything from the point of view of a user. We believe that putting safety first and coordinating investment will ultimately benefit all citizens, businesses and taxpayers alike.

This is what makes the concept of a Complete Streets Commissioner so intriguing. Having someone high enough in the Mayor’s cabinet who is trying to plan by taking the long view is very important—and, as the Philadelphia Magazine article makes clear, cyclists are now an officially recognized and powerful priority for city government.

This person will coordinate work on the street that prioritizes the ability for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transit users to get around. Such a position that makes “sure our streets are as multimodal as possible, including advocating for protected bike lanes,” as Kenney spokeswoman Lauren Hitt notes in the Philadelphia Magazine article is exactly what Philadelphia needs for its growing bicycling community, and for an administration that says it’s interested in Vision Zero.”

Read the full story on the BCGP blog.

Thanks to the Bicycle Coalition for their ongoing work and victories that we can ALL share!

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

9 hours ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

7 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago