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Philadelphia is the #1 Large City for Biking

motuphila215's avatarPhiladelphia Mayor's Office of Transportation & Utilities

Walkscore, the company that measures the walkability and bikeability of neighborhoods nationwide has just released a list of the Most Bikeable Cities in the country.  Philadelphia is the #1 Large City for biking in the United States.

The Bike Score methodology examines the number and length of bike lanes, the amount of hills, the level of bicycle and road network connectivity, the number of destinations that can be reached by bicycle, and the mode share of bike commuters in each city.

The city has worked hard to make bicycling in Philadelphia a safe and convenient mode of transportation.  Recently, the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Streets Department have installed eight new bike corrals and over 500 new bike parking spaces across the city.  Additionally, there are over 200 miles of bikes lanes in Philadelphia.

Even though Philadelphia is ranked first for large cities, there is still room…

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Responses

  1. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    I rode in Philly over the summer and was appalled by the lack of consideration for traffic laws, i.e. everyone blowing stop signs. I felt unsafe and rather at risk surrounded by bikes that weren’t obeying the rules of the road. What do you say about it? Do you follow traffic laws in the city?

    Cheers! Meg

    Reply
    1. Laura Avatar
      Laura

      I am (playfully) mocked by my urban-riding friends for generally being a law-abiding cyclist in the city. I stop for stop lights and wait for green. I’m more likely to slow significantly and roll through a stop sign if I deem the road to be clear. I don’t weave in traffic – I focus on being visible and predictable. I’m going to work or riding home to my family so I want to be sure to get there safely.

      My bike commute is 16 miles each way and comprises mostly of low-traffic side streets and multi-use trails. The places I feel least safe are the multi-use trails – runners and pedestrians do not always act predictably and have their headphones on. Many times my commuting friend and I alert a runner to our presence only to have them so engrossed in their music they literally turn around into us. Not good for anyone!

      That being said, I would not allow my kids to cycle in the city. The older two are comfortable in and around our neighborhood and I’m working with my youngest to build her riding skills so she can be a confident cyclist as she gets older.

      Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  2. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    I’m so glad to hear this – other than the runners, of course. Do you have a horn or bell that would alert them to that you’re not just a person trying to get by? I love living in the LV because it IS such a great place to ride and teach my kids the skills they’ll need. Are you an LCI?

    Reply
    1. Laura Avatar
      Laura

      My friend has a distinctive bell; I recently got a “new” commuter bike so no bell just yet (still on the other bike). I’m a big fan of “ON YOUR LEFT” and “COMING UP ON YOUR LEFT” as well as “HELLO!” and “GOOD MORNING/AFTERNOON/EVENING.”

      Another friend of mine was in a serious bike crash this past summer when another user on the trail stopped suddenly in front of her – so I tend to slow down if I don’t think they heard me.

      I am not an LCI but I am a member of LAB and use their site to guide my instruction with my older two (they are teens). Lots of emphasis on safety and visibility. The older two are great cycling companions for up to 25 miles.

      For my youngest, we are working on predictability and stability. She “graduated” to a geared mountain bike with hand brakes last year so we are working on confidence with those changes (as opposed to pedal-brakes and no gears). She’s good for up to 16 (relatively flat) miles – although after about 10 she’s ready to call it a day.

      Reply
  3. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    Yeah, I say hello to just about everyone I see, though I don’t currently do much trail riding so my main riding interaction is with motored vehicles. Usually, if I have to use my voice to alert a driver to my presence it’s with a resounding, “HEY!!!” 🙂

    We have two Delta horns and will be adding another; they’re incredibly loud.

    I’m going to be leading a ride on trails starting this spring so I’m looking forward to getting used to talking my way through a ride.

    I’m glad you found my blog 🙂 I’m really enjoying yours.

    Reply
    1. Laura Avatar
      Laura

      Indeed! Looking forward to reading more of your car-free lifestyle. 🙂

      Reply

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