Primary Elections, Bike to Work Day, and TWO New Arboretums

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Pennsylvania’s primary election is this upcoming Tuesday, May 20th. Key positions up for election include District Attorney and City Controller. The ballot also asks for input on how the city should address homelessness and the prison system. Read the Inquirer’s guide to the primary for more background. Check your registration status here and get a sample ballot by putting in your address here (then scroll down to “Voting”).

“Bike to Work & Wherever Day” celebrated urban cycling and highlighted the need for safe, protected bike lanes. The Bicycle Coalition with Independence Blue Cross hosted a group bicycle ride starting in five different neighborhoods and all ending in a press conference at City Hall. Philadelphia reportedly has one of the highest rates of bicycle commuters in the country. “Bicycling is a core component of Philly’s transportation ecosystem,” said Senator Nikil Saval.

Not one, but TWO new arboretums in Philadelphia. McMichael Park (East Falls) and Historic Rittenhouse Town (Germantown) have successfully become Level I arboretums. This status means that the trees and shrubs in the parks can have better protection and opportunities for funding because they are being grown for educational and research purposes. Check out these parks and more during Love Your Park Week happening now through Sunday, May 18.

Philly partners with Québec on sustainable mobility showcase. The city held its third annual Smart and Sustainable Mobility Showcase at the Navy Yard along with SEPTA and Canadian partners from the Québec Government Office in New York to highlight the “latest innovations in transportation, mobility and climate-friendly technologies.” (Reminder: Public hearings regarding SEPTA’s funding crisis begin Monday, May 19th.)

EcoFair is THIS SATURDAY. Don’t miss out on this FREE family-friendly event showcasing the region’s eco-resources and initiatives driving positive change. Whether you’re passionate about making a positive impact on the planet or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, EcoFair has something for everyone. Get your tickets here!

Cover Photo: Bicycle advocates on Bike to Work & Wherever Day posing in front of City Hall. Credit: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor.