Philly Bike Action!

Withdraw the Bike Lane Parking Permits on Spruce and Pine Streets

This campaign has been completed.

This Campaign Completed August 2024

Read more about each step of this campaign- from start to finish!


Every Philadelphian, regardless of age or ability, deserves safe, accessible bike lanes to get around. Unfortunately, we find our bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets obstructed by motor vehicles each weekend to accommodate congregants who choose to drive. While everyone has the right to worship as they choose, no one has the right to put others in danger by parking in the bike lane.

The Streets Department authorizes this dangerous practice by issuing “equipment placement” permits. Not only are these permits dangerous, they are also issued illegally under Philadelphia § 11-612 (a) stating "No vehicle may park, stop or stand in any sidewalk or roadway lane that has been closed, other than vehicles in the process of loading or unloading materials, equipment or supplies, or which are otherwise required for the activity for which the permit has been obtained. A vehicle used to transport contractors or their employees or any other persons to or from the location of the closure shall not be considered to be a vehicle required for such activity."

The congregations currently requesting bike lane parking permits on Spruce or Pine streets are:

The congregations who have withdrawn their permits since the start of our campagin are:

To remedy this dangerous situation, we ask that the permits no longer be requested by the listed congregations. We also ask that the city of Philadelphia work with these congregations to find alternatives to bike lane parking.

Get involved and help end this practice by:

If action is delayed, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed. Already we see the red flags. There are many accounts of families and elderly being harassed when sharing the lane with impatient motorists. Now is the time to make things right.

Withdraw the Bike Lane Parking Permits on Spruce and Pine Streets

Petition

Subject:Withdraw the Bike Lane Parking Permits on Spruce and Pine Streets
To:otis@phila.gov
From:Petition Signer <noreply@bikeaction.org>
Reply-To:signer@example.com, info@bikeaction.org

Dear Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability,

I am asking you to withdraw the bike lane parking permits used by congregations on Spruce and Pine Streets. These permits are a risk to people currently biking along these streets and deny a safe place to ride for those who would like to bike here. Alternatives to bike lane parking exist. I encourage you to work with the congregations currently requesting permits to find those alternatives once the permits are withdrawn.


- Petition Signer

2055 Submissions

1000

Comments

Recent comments...

"Restricted bike landes are to prvide a safe space for bike travel, allowing parking in these lanes negate the protected lane status and increase risk to pedestrians, bike riders, and cars."

-Johnathan C. 3 months, 2 weeks ago

"As a former Tenth member, I feel that the church should voluntarily relinquish its permit as a clear demonstration of love for its neighbors in Center city.It is disappointing to me that they have not done so."

-Karen W. 4 months ago

"It’s not fair that our lives are put at risk for someone else’s convenience. We matter too!"

-Alfonsina R. 4 months, 1 week ago

"Safety first and enforce the laws"

-Phil M. 4 months, 1 week ago

"When I bike, I’m terrified I’m going to get hit. When I drive and there’s a cyclist in front of me and a car behind me, 90% of the time, the car behind me will honk at me, tailgate me, and/or speed up and pass us both, even if they’re doing it illegally by passing a double yellow line (this happens a lot on Christian Street). With the way our roads are currently designed, it’s extremely easy for cars to act entitled and wreckless. I urge you to protect every single bike lane in this city, including Spruce, Pine, Allegheny, and Washington Avenue. Cyclists need and deserve protection from cars. Please do this before another person is needlessly killed. Philadelphia, my beloved home, deserves better."

-Monica D. 4 months, 1 week ago

"I ride Spruce and Pine to/from work"

-Adam H. 4 months, 1 week ago

"It's a shame a chief resident at chop was killed in order for this movement to gain so much traction. She should be alive! Give us safe roads and stop the permit parking on bike lanes before more people are killed"

-wesley h. 4 months, 1 week ago

"My family and I use the Spruce and Pine bike lanes daily but are forced to weave and bike into the car lane when cars pull over or park there blocking the lane. This is reckless and unsafe. The city should ticket cars that are blocking the lane and remove the parking permits during the weekend. I don’t see the mayor or city counsel making this a priority."

-Max P. 4 months, 1 week ago

"No more bike deaths! Add concrete barriers to every bike lane."

-Samantha B. 4 months, 1 week ago

"Abolish cars"

-Brennan M. 4 months, 1 week ago

"Park somewhere else"

-Natalie T. 4 months, 1 week ago

"While I do not reside in Philadelphia, my friends and others close to me do. I am considering moving in, but nearly every time I'm there the poor state of transportation — especially the automobile danger to pedestrians and cyclists — is readily apparent. Having dedicated — and better: *protected* — lanes for cyclists will go a long way."

-Dominick G. 4 months, 1 week ago

"Barbara Friedes deserves to be alive. Let's make sure this never happens again!"

-Christian L. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I would very much like not to be afraid for my life every single time I ride my bike in this city that I've learned to call home. Thanks."

-Ariadna G. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Frequent spruce / pine street biker !"

-Francesca S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"This is ridiculous. It’s hard to believe our city is actually letting this continue. Bike lines are not for overflow parking. Withdraw the bike lane parking permits!"

-Matthew C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please, this change can prevent future tragedies."

-Anna S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Parishioner's desires to attend services and park closely to their house of worship should not supersede my right to safety. If we are allowing cars to park in bike lanes, then they are not bike lanes at all."

-Keith E. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Countless deaths and injuries can and should be prevented. Act NOW."

-Alyson A. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I live in Montco now, but spent many years living and cycling in the city. Philly is considered one of the most walkable and bikable cities in the US, and not having the proper cyclist infrastructure in place is holding back one of the best aspects of the city. It is unacceptable to not have road infrastructure in place to keep cyclists safe."

-Sam B. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Everyday I use the Pine and Spruce bike lanes. When they’re completely blocked on Sundays MY LIFE AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER BICYCLISTS are at EXTREME RISK of being KILLED. Is GOD in favor of this?"

-Laura C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Its either a bike lane or a parking lane, it cannot be both. Unexpectedly forcing bicycles into traffic lanes is dangerous and too often fatal."

-John S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Let us live."

-Susan P. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Protect our bikers!"

-Lucas B. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please no more bike deaths on Spruce."

-Michael S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I regularly use Spruce and Pine street to commute by bike and was appalled when I cars were allowed permits to park in the bike lanes. This completely defeats the purpose of the bike lane and will only continue to be a safety hazard for bikers until action is taken to stop cars from parking and stopping in the bike lanes. I do not want to be another statistic of senseless murder."

-Owen S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please invest in critical city infrastructure to deny cars the ability to speed down residential streets and allow for cyclists the ability to travel safely"

-Eric W. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Biking is as much a means of transportation as driving, stop treating it as otherwise."

-Ehab A. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Although I’m not a resident in the area, I strongly support steps to ensure safe biking, especially in light of the tragic death of Dr. Friedes. As well, my son, who lives in Roxborough, bikes to work. Please consider this seriously!"

-Laura K. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Religious institutions enjoy unearned benefits such as tax-exempt status. Allowing members to park in bike lanes not only adds to the list, it also endangers cyclists - people who are doing their part to curb greenhouse gas emissions."

-Jaqueline S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It’s not safe until cyclists AND pedestrians are protected"

-Chris B. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"As a business owner and cyclist in Philadelphia I want to feel safe no matter how I choose to navigate in the city. It shouldn’t be a death sentence crossing the street."

-Zachary R. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"What is the point of a "protected" bike lane if it's obstructed? Please protect bicyclists and prevent further needless tragedies such as Barbara's!"

-Galen X. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bikers deserve to be safe!"

-Flora S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Barb’s death is a tragedy and senseless. Even one death is too many, but this is not a one off. Do something. It’s far past due."

-Michelle R. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Barbara’s death was completely preventable. Her life is worth more than the trouble it takes to change “infrastructure”"

-Maya M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"As a friend and colleague of Barbara, her death was preventable. Please enact change. It can’t wait."

-Natalie L. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Dear Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, I am asking you to withdraw the bike lane parking permits used by congregations on Spruce and Pine Streets. These permits are a risk to people currently biking along these streets and deny a safe place to ride for those who would like to bike here. Alternatives to bike lane parking exist. I encourage you to work with the congregations currently requesting permits to find those alternatives once the permits are withdrawn."

-Mitchell S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Protect the fucking bike lanes and actually take care of your city and its people, you ghouls"

-Caleb F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I think Philadelphia needs to do something about cars taking over bicycle infrastructure! Streets aren’t safe for bikers or pedestrians and a woman was killed this week while riding her bike. Protect Philadelphians, not cars!"

-Patty M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Philly needs to be accessible and kind to all! We must protect our friends who bike."

-Alyce M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Hello there, I live a block away from where someone was murdered in the bike lane 17th and Spruce. The people of the Church at that location are adversarial, aggressive, and cruel about their need to park in the bike lane. They cut down bike safety signs and happily park in the lane. This can cause another disaster. Please ensure we are safe as pedestrians and bikers."

-Kendall F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Allowing people to park in the bike lane on spruce forces me into traffic with 2-ton SUVs that could crush me in an instant!"

-Joshua P. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please don’t kill me with your car."

-Julia S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please prevent senseless deaths from happening in the future."

-Jay Y. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It is hard enough to get a bike lane built at all but what is the point if we just permit parking in them anyway."

-Mitchell S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please !!"

-Romas T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"MAKE PHILLY STREETS SAFER FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS NOW! NO ONE SHOULD FEEL UNSAFE COMMUTING IN THEIR OWN CITY! WE DEMAND ACTION NOW! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"

-Leslie Q. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please prioritize safety for ALL citizens!"

-Emily M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It should not have to take a tragic death to put in place common sense safety measures. Please protect your constituents."

-Kyler M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"As a daily bike commuter, these permits cause great danger, forcing bikers to weave in and out of traffic. The permits suggest that parking is more important than bike safety. In a city that needs to promote more bike and mass transit solutions, it is important to put bike and mass transit safety and upgrades first, rather than congregational parking convenience."

-Kaitlin J. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike riders deserve to be treated with the same regard for well-being as any other user of public or private transportation options, and that means dedicated protected concrete barriers and an end to parking in bike lanes."

-Robert D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please prioritize safety"

-Amy L. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"The bike safety legislature in Philly is appalling. Do better Philly."

-Josiah D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"PHILADELPHIA MUST DO BETTER IN PROTECTING CYCLISTS!!!!!!"

-Katrina R. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am part of the larger urban cycling community that demands safety for all humans to commute by bike without the unnecessarily high and preventable risk of death and injury by traffic violence that is, in real life scenarios, encouraged by poor city infrastructure and unequal protection of lives."

-Shelby S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"SAFE STREETS"

-Kris C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I want to feel safe on the streets.Philadelphia has great potential to get a handle on not only making the city greener but also safer for all of its citzens.Sometimes for my safety I choose the sidewalk.I have no faith in cars.Let alone the respect of bike lanes.Those people who were killed deserve better"

-Alexandria D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bikers in this city deserve to be protected.."

-Kyle B. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I have personally witnessed horrible things happen to bikers due in part to the negligence of the city to protect bike lanes from traffic. I was even more dismayed to late learn just how frequent these events occur. These injuries and deaths are completely preventable, take action to protect the residents of philadelphia."

-Sierra H. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I’m a bike rider in the city. We need to do more to protect our pedestrians and bikers, these tragic deaths are preventable. We should be shown much more respect by choosing a form of transportation that is healthier for the city, not be fearful every time we ride."

-Moriah H. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I would love to be able to bike in the city without risking my life. We need to do more to make Philly more biker and walker friendly!"

-Michael M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please take immediate action to protect Philadlephia cyclists. I have witnessed too many losses in my years in Philly. We can do better to prevent unnecessary losses."

-Morgan G. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Cars do not belong on bike lanes. Please prioritize pedestrians and biker’s safety."

-Seojung N. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I moved to this city to alleviate my anxiety surrounding driving and cars in general.. I was so excited to be able to walk everywhere and to finally be able to safely bike (as well as reduce my carbon footprint). The more I walked, the less safe I felt. I’ve been here since January and have been trying to get over my fear of riding a bike in the city. Now I realize it was not just my anxiety talking but a real threat to my safety. I’m devastated to learn about the young woman who died in my neighborhood in a completely preventable manner. Please do better Philly officials."

-Kayla M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Illegal things are illegal. Support alternative forms of transportation and do not let them park in the bike lane."

-FALLON K. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"You should be ashamed that you’ve allowed these houses of worship to bring death in the bike lane. Religions entities shouldn’t be put before the lives of Philadelphia citizens. I always wonder if my mother is going to be the next person that gets a call from the Philadelphia Police Department to explain that their daughter was killed by a reckless driver while trying to bike to work. I hope you know I have told my whole family if I ever die in this city, there is at 99% chance it will be because of a reckless driver killing me on my bike. I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO TELL MY 75 YEAR OLD MOTHER THIS. DO BETTER, CARE ABOUT YOUR CITIZENS INSTEAD OF CARS AND BUILDINGS."

-Molly K. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"My partner and I routinely walk, run, and bike down Spruce. Cars parked in the bike lane create a safety hazard because they often force cyclists and runners to use the road instead to pass. This is both unsafe for the cyclists/runners and unsafe for drivers. The point of the bike lanes is so that people can ride their bikes safely, and recent tragedies have demonstrated that Philly is not currently a place where people can feel safe. I urge you to push for greater safety measures, and soon. The doctor who was killed on Wednesday night did everything correctly, and it was not enough. It could be me, or you, or one of your loved ones in the future if nothing changes. Withdrawing bike lane parking permits is a tangible task that would improve the safety of others and help prevent further senseless tragedy."

-Angelia W. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Why does it take a life lost to actually make a change?"

-Lara F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"No more preventable deaths."

-Sarah R. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"This past year I was on a group bike ride, there were 11 of, riding in an unprotected bike lane. A rider was struck by a wandering car, this was a completely preventable death, had we had a protected bike lane we would have still had her with us."

-Lian C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"When I moved to Philadelphia I was so excited to get back to riding after hearing how bike friendly the city was. However, in the last 3 years I’ve been more afraid for my safety on my bike than I have been living in other major cities like New York and Nashville. We need to prioritize Vision Zero and make Philadelphia safe for everyone on the road, especially cyclists."

-Emma G. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes! We need to stop prioritizing housing for cars over safety for humans."

-Mandy B. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please consider prioritizing your neighbors and their safety. It doesn't seem like a lot to ask."

-Kellan S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Unprotected and blocked bike lanes are as dangerous as no bike lanes. Blocked bike lanes force cyclists to re-enter the main road"

-Charlie T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"We demand vision Zero."

-Chris H. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Additionally, I am asking that you convert the current bike lanes on Spruce and Vine into protected bike lanes for the safety of all philadelphians."

-Atessa F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes should be for bicylcists. Period. I am a bicycle commuter who lives at 49th and Locust. I use the Pine and Spruce St bike lanes every day when I go to work in Center City. The tragic and preventable death of Barbara Friedes is heartbreaking and highlights the need for better safety for cyclists. I am often riding my bike home on that same block the same time that Ms. Friedes was killed. It could've been me. Bicycling is a fun and great for physical health and the environment. We have to do better as a city to make it as safe as possible."

-Stephen P. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I frequently bike from Manayunk into center city and there are constantly cars parked in the bike lanes which cause me to have to dangerously enter the car lanes to get around them. I have been hit and almost get hit all the time while in dedicated bike lanes by cars swerving into the bike lane to avoid potholes, parking cars, trash trucks, and not using turn signals at intersections. Bike lanes are supposed to be where bikes can travel without worrying about getting hit by cars. Allowing permits to park in the bike lanes defeats that purpose. As shown this week by the tragedy on Spruce Street, the bike lanes as they exist today are not even safe for bicyclists when they are not obstructed. The city needs to create physical barriers that prevent cars driving and parking in bike lanes so that they can protect the lives of everyone."

-Nora S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Philly is destined to be a bike friendly city with the right infrastructure and protections in place!"

-Abby W. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Please commit to making cycling infrastructure safe and accessible to cyclists- NOT accessible to vehicles. The current infrastructure is downright unacceptable; no one should ever, ever have to fear for their life while simply commuting to work or enjoying a bike ride. Being in near-accidents every single day and witnessing absolutely unsafe driving behavior should NOT be the norm. I commute between Queen Village and the Graduate Hospital/Fitler Square areas and cycle within those areas every day for work. I am perpetually subject to unsafe, dangerous conditions. We ALL are. These conditions should not be, and these deaths never should have happened and should never happen again."

-Julie D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"My sister uses these streets all the time. She’s a resident of South Philly and I want her and other bike users to stay safe and stay alive! Please do the right thing. A bike lane is a bike lane."

-Katie S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"In memory of the CHOP Physician and for the safety of my daughter who bikes to work."

-Eileen C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Cyclists deserve biking routes that are safe at all times without fail"

-Rebecca S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I frequently fear for safety while merging into car traffic to avoid cars blocking bike lanes on spruce and pine. Cars do not belong in bike lanes- ever."

-Marissa D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"My brother’s fiancée was struck and killed by a car while safely biking on an organized group trip. Action needs to be taken."

-Olivia M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It’s insane that we are even considering having level headed discourses on a website. People are dy"

-Frederico K. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I’m a nurse at CHOP and I use these bike lanes to get to and from work, and to get around the city. Please make the choice to protect me, and my fellow cyclists so that we can move about the city safely. Cars parked in the bike lane pose a serious threat to our safety as they make use leave our designated lane and enter the lane of cars. Please choose our safety over the connivence of a parked car, so that we can make it home to our friends and families at the end of our bike ride."

-Shannon Claire C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I wish my family and all families were safe in the sidewalks and bike lanes of our city. We all deserve to get to and from school and work and home without fear of being struck by out of control drivers. Please prioritize the safety of the people of this city, rather the convenience of people in cars."

-Aruni J. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"The car centric focus with regart to infrastructure in this city is absurd. Our city leaders need to do much more to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor."

-Christopher S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"THIS IS A NECESSITY. BLOCKING THESE LANES PUTS PEOPLE IN DANGER. I take both spruce and pine to and from work daily, I have been doing this for the past 6 months and finally the dangers of the Philly bike lanes have claimed me a victim. I have lived for 23 years without breaking a bone and on the week of my 24th birthday I broke my wrist on my daily commute all because of a VERY dangerous situation caused by a blocked bike lane. This is something that can be avoided if Philly protected its cyclist commuters. Philly thought it would be nice for the city to have a bike lane, however refuses to enforce and protect it. This needs to change so people no longer get injured or worse."

-Nicholas T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"My boyfriend broke his wrist because of a pulled over truck. City needs to do better!!"

-Paula C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It's not just infrastructure. It's culture. Visitors and residents don't get tickets for obscene traffic violations and there's an accepted culture that efforts that make things safer but more inconvenient for a car are problematic -case in point is Kenyatta Johnson's public comments demonstrating frustration against PPA ticketing people parking in the cross walk. We need infrastructure, policy, and top-down cultural change."

-Nathan F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Keep bike lanes free of cars."

-Alicia S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"By allowing parishioners to park in the bike lane, you prioritize a religious belief over the safety of the citizens of the city. You effectively say that the comfort of parking close to a place of worship is of greater importance than the safety of someone biking in the bike lane. This is a gross abuse of public space and is counter to the mission of government. Please stop granting special permissions on religious grounds and prioritize the safety of your citizens."

-Olivia O. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Philadelphia must take action to ensure the safety of all who use its roads. Alll options must be exhausted, from the creation of protected bike lanes to the installation of speed bumps and traffic calming infrastructure like roundabouts. It is no longer debatable that the car-centric model of city design isn’t working."

-Emmanuel J. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"PLEASE PROTECT BIKERS AND PEDESTRIANS FROM CARS"

-arin c. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"The city needs to prioritize safer infrastructure. These deaths are preventable!"

-Maria T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Cyclists need safe bike lanes!"

-Samantha C. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"While the city laments that there are not enough physicians, nurses, retail workers, staff etc. in our city to meet our needs; these are the people that are being actively harmed in their attempts to get to and from work and home safely utilizing bicycle lanes. Philadelphia will continue to lose valuable citizens if their contempt in relation to these individual's lives continues."

-Peggy P. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Especially with the unnecessary heinous crash that killed another person riding a bike, Philadelphia MUST act and make this city safe for cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic violence wreaks havoc here and it makes it hard for those of us just trying to move around not in a car. Every pedestrian and cyclist death is a policy FAILURE that the mayor and city council are responsible for. Fund Vision Zero, repeal bike lane permits, give us actually safe infrastructure like cities that care (I.e. Minneapolis), and stop the status quo. This city has such potential to have safe streets and to stop letting cars rule. Have a spine and do something about it."

-Abigail M. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It’s simple. Bike lanes were created for bikes. The city has so few actual bike lanes that allowing cars to park in them is absolutely absurd."

-Robert W. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I witnessed the horrific scene that led to Barbara Friedas’ untimely death, a death that could have (and should have) been prevented if bike lanes were separated and protected from cars."

-Brittany T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Permitting cars to park in bike lanes is a blatant disregard for people's lives. Unprotected bike lines are a blatant disregard for people's lives. Bike lanes are bike lanes for a reason. Stop forcing cyclists into the street and into dangerous situations. Be accountable and provide safe, protected infrastructure for cyclists."

-Stephanie D. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"No one should be scared to die from going to point A to point B. Protection for riders are needed."

-Vivian H. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bicyclist deaths like Barbara Friedes are entirely preventable. The city needs to stop catering to aggressive, reckless drivers and support infrastructure to protect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians."

-Lauren S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I as someone who bikes this area regularly, I have been a part of and witnessed many close-calls due to the lack of a bike lane. I am also heartbroken to hear of the tragic and unnecessary loss Dr. Barbara Friedes, and know that we need to do better as a collective when it comes to bike and pedestrian safety. Thank you for your time and consideration. Aubrie"

-Aubrie W. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"A CHOP physician died while biking and this city should be done with accommodating dangerous car habits."

-Maria A. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"It is so outrageous that we’re allowing pedestrian and cyclist safety to be sidelined for the sake of parking. In light of the tragic death of a cyclist in a bike lane we need to create protections for the bike lanes and support a culture that prioritizes safety. We should not be compromising when it comes to saving lives!!!"

-Sophie N. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"F*****g ridiculous that we even have to petition for this. There is blood in the streets because of this crap. A young woman with her entire future ahead of her has been taken from this world because of this."

-Anthony F. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am incredibly sad for the woman who lost her life tragically while biking in the bike lane. She was doing everything right and was still killed. We need protection from reckless and careless drivers everywhere. And we especially should not allow cars to park in the bike lane, as this increases our risk as bikers. Please, for the safety of bikers everywhere, REMOVE the bike lane parking permits."

-Emily S. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I became sick to my stomach upon hearing of the tragic and preventable death of Dr. Barbara Friedes, who was killed by a speeding car on Wednesday, July 17 at the intersection of 18th and Spruce Streets. Philadelphia's bike lane infrastructure is sorely lacking, and cyclists are paying the price with their lives. Allowing cars to park in the bike lanes, such as during worship ours, further puts cyclists' lives at risk. I enjoy cycling around the city within bike lanes, but I will not continue doing so if cyclists' safety is not prioritized."

-Lauren T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Permits for parked cars in the bike lane force bikers into unsafe situations."

-Caroline T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"Parking in those locations is such a danger to bikers and a danger to those constituents. Please revoke those permits before more people are hurt or killed."

-Alexander T. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"I have been feeling increasingly unsafe biking on spruce and pine streets as of late and the recent deadly accident has shaken me deeply. I use this way to get to my gym daily and have had several close calls myself lately. I was bit at a slow speed by a careless driver on their phone who then only cared about their car. We need PROTECTED bike lanes EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK."

-Taylor H. 4 months, 2 weeks ago

"The accident at 18th and Spruce on July 17th is heartbreaking. That woman should’ve been able to commute safely. I bike Spruce Street often. That could’ve been me, or any of the other thousands of people who cycle. We need safer bike lanes. Keeping bike lanes usable for cyclists and free of parked cars on weekend mornings is the least you could do."

-Jenna B. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"I am appalled by the death of the cyclist today at 18th and Spruce. This could have been prevented if this petition was listed to years ago. I am deeply upset and unsettled by an unnecessary death of someone in my neighborhood. I am now afraid for my husband to go out and bike on our own street. I live at 15th and Spruce and this is now the second time in a year that there has been a drunk driver on the street that has caused destruction, as one almost hit my husband, dog, and his friend. My dog will now walk down 15th at the corner of that and Spruce. I pay city taxes and they should go towards promoting the safety of me and other citizens."

-Jessica G. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"Revoke the permit."

-William E. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes NEED to be accessible for the safety of bikers and pedestrians. Use a park garage if you want to drive to church."

-Amelia W. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"I ride bikes with my children from Wash West to the Schuykill River Trail on a regular basis. Parking in the bike lane causes us to ride in the car traffic lane, which is detrimental to my children’s and my safety. The congregations should find off street parking similar to residents and other businesses in the area."

-Pete S. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"It’s very dangerous to bike and find cars parked in the bike lane."

-Massimo G. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"I use these lanes for a weekly ride to my sanctuary for prayer. I would like to do this in a safe manner unobstructed by vehicles that can easily be parked in a parking lot."

-Steve S. 4 months, 3 weeks ago

"I ride the Spruce and Pine Streets every day. I love that there are bike lanes but find that many times they are blocked during the week with Uber, Lyft, and delivery vans and during the weekend with cars for church. It means that there really aren't dedicated bike lanes. We have the APPEARANCE of dedicated bike lanes. Please, please restore the integrity of these lanes."

-John S. 5 months ago

"On the record, your police could give two shits because they do it too. No one is a above the law."

-Josh N. 5 months ago

"There should be access to a safe bike lane in such a busy area! Don’t accommodate others at the cost of bikers’ safety"

-Mia D. 5 months ago

"Going around parked cars into traffic puts me in danger when I’m riding my bike to the point where it doesn’t even make sense to ride in the bike lane anymore. I would ride my bike more often if there were protected bike lanes that I knew were safe and free of cars."

-Kristen S. 5 months ago

"This is needed to keep Philadelphia a great city for people!"

-Thom F. 5 months, 1 week ago

"I wanna skate in the bikelane in peace! Cars also damage the ground and make the bikelane filled with debris."

-Summer J. 5 months, 1 week ago

"My friend and colleague died on Ridge Ave in 2020 because of reckless drivers. Not only should there be bike lanes but they should be protected so that cars cannot enter them."

-Mandi S. 5 months, 1 week ago

"A bike line is a bike line not a parking spot!"

-Loreilys M. 5 months, 1 week ago

"I guess people’s life are more important than a parking place"

-Irina Z. 5 months, 1 week ago

"For many decades, cars RULED the road with impunity. Now they must SHARE the road and this has NOT been an easy or welcoming change for the car lovers!"

-TONY DPHAX K. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!"

-Lori S. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes, not cars!"

-Melanie B. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am a bike commuter and rely on bike lanes to travel safely around the city. Cars parked in the bike lane put me and everyone around me in danger. By me leaving the bike lane, I endanger the other cars and pedestrians on the street, not to mention myself."

-Rachael J. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"OH YEAH !!!!"

-Anthony C. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"Should be part of better bike lane enforcement."

-Glenn S. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"Why block the bike lanes on weekends? Madness!"

-David C. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"Spruce and pine are vital roads for bikes to get to and from the schuylkill especially on the weekends"

-Hiroto W. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am so tired of cars blocking the bike lane. It is so dangerous and makes me very anxious when I have to merge into traffic."

-Heidi Z. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"Forcing people on bikes into the street every weekend is dangerous for driver and bikers. There are numerous parking lots and public transit options that can accommodate those coming from outside the neighborhood to worship without endangering people on bikes."

-Jacob R. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"I bike up 22nd, head east on Pine, and bike through Center City on 13th to get to get to my climbing gym regularly. There are at least 2 dozen vehicles parked or stopped in the bike lane every single time. It is SO dangerous. Might as well not even have bike lanes, because weaving in and out of them is unsafe. Please do something about it."

-Noa E. 5 months, 2 weeks ago

"The city made a huge step forward installing bike lanes but fails to prevent them from being blocked. The PPA made a tiny and pathetic effort to enforce bike lane safety. It is not enough. Please protect bike lanes. Less cars is the only solution for safer streets."

-Aaron W. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"I get that parking is important for people coming into Center City for religious services, but surely there are alternatives that don't put cyclists at risk by using the bike lanes. Also, I work at 8th and Spruce and there are still some cars with the religious services placard on the dashboard left parked along Spruce Street when I'm going home to West Philadelphia at 8:30 at night. Clearly an abuse of the system."

-Pamela K. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"I bike with my 1 year old daughter in a bike trailer and the cars parked in the bike lane force us out into the street. Revoking or discontinuing bike lane parking would make the community safer. A slight parking inconvenience seems worth the trade off . Thanks for your consideration."

-David L. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"Churchgoers’ ability to park conveniently is not more important than cyclists’ safety!!!"

-Eleanor C. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"Additionally allowing special rules to exist for these institutions that contribute zero tax revenue to the local economy is heinous."

-Roger V. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"I ride west on Spruce and east on Pine every weekend and both bike lanes are consistently filled with cars. It's not just frustrating, it's dangerous."

-Daniel R. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"How incredibly unfair and DANGEROUS is it to allow church goers to block traffic and park in the bike lane. It literally doesn't make any sense to me. Like go to church in your own neighborhood, walk, or take public transportation. If you live in the city like there shouldn't be religious exemptions to block a bike lane like bike lines are paramount for people to safely use their own transportation to get to and from places it's already bad enough without that. There are signs that say NO PARKING ANY TIME. Why are church goers exempt from this?? I have had too many close calls and potentially life threatening incidents for this to continue."

-Ian W. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"I often bike down these lanes on Saturday and Sunday. There is no reason for people who live in the city to park there. Numerous other transportation options or they can pay for parking like everyone else. Thanks."

-Daniel M. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lane integrity is flaunted or ignored in every part of the city! The City should encourage and protect bike ridership and safety."

-Antony B. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"There not enough safe spaces for bikes and cars blow past them we deserve this small sliver of space"

-Karoline R. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"It’s highly regrettable to have to ask your city to prioritize public safety."

-John Y. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please protect our lives rather than cowing to wealthy rittenhouse residents. We can use existing parking for their reserved use on days or worship. Thank you for protecting us."

-Dr. Holleh H. 5 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please protect the bike riders of Philadelphia. We need drivers consideration to be enforced. I often ride my bike for up to 18-60 miles and when in the city after a long run I want to be able to ride safely back home while riding in the lanes. Double parking causes more risk for me to ride with motor vehicles or on the sidewalk in the way of walking pedestrians. Let’s bring more order to assure everyone’s safety."

-Dax M. 5 months, 4 weeks ago

"How does this help Vision Zero? Are the lives of cyclists worth less than people who drive car? We are a joke. Do better."

-Harry L. 5 months, 4 weeks ago

"Pay to park like residents do"

-Bruce Y. 5 months, 4 weeks ago

"This “privilege “ for cars is abused and actually results in more grave endangerment of lives by a sudden forcing of bikers into the ongoing flow of car traffic where the majority of cars can or do not accommodate their sudden merge into car traffic. Also, every Sunday, the bike lane is used as unmitigated free parking by cars. Please help keep us safe!"

-Holleh H. 6 months ago

"I am 82 years of age. I am a slow peddler so going out in traffic is more dangerous for me when I have to pass around parked cars."

-Mary Lou G. 6 months ago

"Please keep the bike lanes free and clear of parked cars."

-Jeff R. 6 months ago

"Unless this changes, it is a matter of time before someone gets injured. There are parking lots all over where these people can park. If you look at their license plates few are from PA. Let’s put our residents first!"

-Emilia Z. 6 months ago

"Bikers rule!"

-Hans B. 6 months ago

"Bike lanes are for bikers!!!"

-Catherine B. 6 months ago

"keep bike lanes clear and safe!!!"

-c c. 6 months ago

"Please keep our bike lines safe!!"

-Robert D. 6 months ago

"my husband bikes around the city multiple times a week and I’m worried for his safety every time"

-Allie H. 6 months ago

"Bike lanes should be full protected. For pedestrians, bikers, and even automobile drivers, I believe that having increased fully protected bike lanes would lead to better safety and increased quality of life for Philadelphians!!"

-Daniel M. 6 months ago

"Well, literally these people are parking on bike side and it’s annoying. Cannot they use patco ? Ohh well do they city tax as well for Philly, let me guess No."

-Adam C. 6 months ago

"I use these bike lanes regularly and the parking in/very close to bike lanes is dangerous for everyone."

-David W. 6 months, 1 week ago

"All residents of Philly deserve to have access to safe bike lanes throughout our city. The use of our bike lanes as parking priorities those who don't want to pay to park over citizens lives. We deserve to exercise and commute in safety"

-Naoki Y. 6 months, 1 week ago

"Hello, the vehicles parking around the places of worship in downtown Philadelphia make it very dangerous for pedestrians who can't be seen behind cars. It also forces bikers to compete with cars on the road and shows a disregard for the residents who have limited parking and who pay taxes to the city and pay ppa permit fees."

-River V. 6 months, 1 week ago

"What the hell is the point of a bike lane if it’s a parking lot 99% of the time?"

-Mike B. 6 months, 1 week ago

"My partner lives in the neighborhood and we frequently bike. It's dangerous to maneuver around cars parked in the bike lane with oncoming traffic in the primary road. We have very few decent bike lanes in this city - we should not turn the few we have into more parking."

-Colleen P. 6 months, 1 week ago

"I used to work for Old St. Joseph's Church, which had special permits to close a lane on 4th Street for Sunday services. While they didn't block bike lines, I still thought it was unfair. People should utilize public transportation or carpooling if they have to drive to their places of worship. Their faith practice should not trump the safety of Philadelphia bikers and citizens."

-Eleanor B. 6 months, 1 week ago

"The existence of the permits leads to widespread abuse by people that a neighbor has termed "worshoppers", who know that permits aren't checked and just take the opportunity for free parking in the lanes on Sunddays. There must be some better way to provide for the small number of people who actually need to be driven to the door of the church/synagogue."

-Stephen I. 6 months, 1 week ago

"Parking in bike lanes is unsafe for all road users."

-Brian S. 6 months, 1 week ago

"It’s dangerous"

-Amber T. 6 months, 1 week ago

"An inconvenience for the elderly and young families is not an excuse to put other people in danger. One persons privilege should not create another persons hardship or even death. Stop this practice already and use your power and money to create positive change rather than perpetuating the same problems that are putting people in danger. How can you not see your actions as a major problem?"

-Greg L. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"I bike daily to work and often have my kids in tow. Keeping bike lanes clear keeps kids safe."

-andrea h. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am a regular user of Spruce and Pine bike lanes. They are frequently used as parking lanes at the best of times but the lanes are nearly unusable on weekends due to religious permits. Legitimizing parking in bike lanes some times only encourages inappropriate use the rest of the time. Please stop this practice!"

-Matthew C. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"My daughter, Emily Fredricks, was killed at the corner of Spruce and 11th Streets on 11/28/17. We advocate for Safe Streets as members of Families for Safe Streets. Please stop this practice of bike lane parking. Parked vehicles should not be prioritized over cyclists. Remember Philadelphia is a Vision Zero City and this practice goes against everything Zero Traffic Deaths stand for."

-Laura F. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"The houses of worship don't pay taxes so why not have them pay for parking? That's a rhetorical question. #thebikelaneisforbicycles"

-Fernando S. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"Allowing the continued use of improper permits that are actively putting us at risk of getting into an accident is incomprehensible."

-Victoria L. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"There is plenty of parking that is a short walk away from the churches and if people need to park directly in front of a church, they should take an Uber instead"

-Justin N. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"My safety is more important than churchgoers convenience!"

-Tim L. 6 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes deserve the same protection as the lanes for cars."

-Rich R. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please make our city safe for cyclists."

-Julian S. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Why have a bike lane if you're going to let cars park in it? Make the streets safe for bikes."

-Johnny M. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"I am a biker, a car owner and a Spruce Street resident. As one who personally balances the needs of all of these groups, I say this is a no-brainer. Get cars out of the bike lanes, please! Philadelphia must come around to the fact that other major cities have embraced long ago- that we need to put pedestrians, bikes and mass transit first."

-Susan K. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Putting vehicles in bike lanes endangers both cyclists and pedestrians and degrades the quality of life for everyone. I am so sick of dodging oncoming traffic because vehicles are obstructing safe paths."

-Charlie G. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"I send this as a parishioner of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, who recently withdrew their request for a permit to park in the bike lane!"

-Naomi W. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"I regularly bike through Philadelphia as my main mode of transportation and have had many close calls and even collisions due to cars driving or stopping in bike lanes."

-Sam W. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Keep the bike lanes open for bikes and free of cars not just on Sunday, but everyday!!"

-Mo S. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"I commute to work often using the Spruce and Pine bike lanes. Cars parked in the bike lane make the street more dangerous for everyone and the practice should be stopped. Allowing cars to take over one of the only east/west bike routes through center city communicates that the city is not serious about providing a safe route for cyclists and encourages misuse of the bike lane at other times."

-Michael M. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"It's an annoyance to everyone using those roads, and is outright dangerous for bikers. I don't understand why this is allowed"

-Rutwik K. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"This is unsafe for bikers for a day each week, and I disagree with the granting of these permits. Biking is a sustainable alternative to driving and should be supported in our city."

-Leslie B. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Stop parking in the biking lane please!! It is a health & safety hazard and horrible for the neighborhood. Please choose to make our city a safer and better place to live."

-Marta M. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please also stop people from parking/double parking where there aren't bike lanes."

-Robin S. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"I own a car in the city, and I manage to get around without parking it in dangerous ways that could harm others."

-Elizabeth D. 6 months, 3 weeks ago

"Forcing bikes into traffic is dangerous. Making the bike lanes dangerous to use, even "just" some of the time, will make it harder to people to bike as their full time transportation because we can't trust that we'll be just as safe on a Sunday morning as any other day"

-Marie L. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"I use these street frequently BECAUSE of the bike lanes, having a car parked in the bike lane is more dangerous than not having a bike lane at all as it causes me to be forced to merge into and out of moving traffic."

-Austin I. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"It's absurd to legally allow parking in bike lanes. Plenty of large gatherings make do with the existing parking infrastructure in our large city, and these can too."

-Alex M. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Super dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians alike. No permit parking in the bike lanes!"

-Edward L. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Also, start taxing religions like the corporations they act like."

-Alexander L. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"I use the Spruce and Pine street bike lanes multiple times a week. And every single time there are cars parked in the lane. Having these permits is dangerous during the days AND encourages those to park in them on days off. Please get rid of the permits"

-Sam B. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Biked in city bike infrastructure all over the country and the world. Philly bike lane parking is the worst I’ve encountered. So, so dangerous. Clear the bike lanes!"

-Isabel C. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Ride your bike to church."

-Jason K. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Have been hit by a car coming into the bike lane before"

-Ascher T. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"Violation of bike lanes by parked vehicles is rampant, not just on sundays by these congegations, although those are the worst times for the bike lanes. The city should institute a system whereby if a car is photographed parked or stopped in a bike lane, a citation and fine will be issued to the car. Thank you."

-Lazlo B. 6 months, 4 weeks ago

"There are already infringements on the few bike lanes that exist on just a few streets in Philly. Riders need assurances that those corridors will be patrolled and kept safe at all times. They add a good deal to the city’s perception as friendly to transport methods other than motor-driven. In northern Europe, bike lanes are everywhere and highly respected, such that injuries to bikers are nearly non-existent."

-Warren G. 7 months ago

"I am a little surprised this is even being considered. Better bike lines is a must."

-Stephen J. 7 months ago

"I'm a big fan of your city, even though I live in California. But even from 3000 miles away I find this utterly outrageous. It's a bike lane. It's so people who choose to get around by bike can do so safely. Allowing people to park cars on it, for any reason, creates a hazardous situation and is unacceptable. Withdraw these permits immediately."

-Roger R. 7 months ago

"As a Philly resident and bicycle commuter, it's important the City shows it sticks to its values and shows it cares about accessibility for all commuters. I've ridden through Spruce & Pine Streets when they've been blocked by cars for services and it forces us to ride into the main thoroughfare, where cars are not expecting cyclists, are often speeding, and thereby causing further frustration that motorists have for cyclists - all in all, a dangerous situation. Why do some motorists get special treatment being allowed to park illegally in bike lanes and don't have to park in garages or lots like other folks coming into the City for tourism and other reasons? Why can't they be encouraged to ride SEPTA - wouldn't that be a win/win/win?"

-Holly L. 7 months ago

"These congregations have had long enough to figure out alternate solutions and have not made any effort to do so. Their current practices also encourage individuals to park in the bike lanes that aren't part of the congregation."

-Aaron R. 7 months ago

"Please put safety first! Keep cars out of bike lanes!"

-Jillian A. 7 months ago

"Also increase fines for parking in the bike lane…that would wake these illegal parkers up. This stretch of bike lanes is insanely dangerous."

-Brian D. 7 months ago

"Please protect bikers and all street users by protecting bike lanes for bikes only! Thank you!"

-Jamie B. 7 months ago

"I'd like to add that more white poles should be out up"

-William G. 7 months ago

"Philly has a huge population of those who bike every day. This would grow even more if potential bikers felt safe. We have the right to access bike lane infrastructure safely and consistently."

-Savannah S. 7 months ago

"I ride along Spruce and Pine frequently and honestly I would feel safer riding in the street than veering out into traffic so frequently with the cars parked in the bike lane, but the cars would get mad. It’s scary to merge into traffic and completely unnecessary as the bike lanes were built for bikes, not for parking."

-Beth P. 7 months ago

"Continuous bike lines are rare and important for safety of the general public. Cars should not have more rights."

-Matthew C. 7 months ago

"Parking in bike lanes seems all too common in Philly, increasing danger for cyclists. Let’s keep Philly bike lanes clear and safe."

-Christopher K. 7 months ago

"The congregants can use public transportation. These bike lanes were established for bikers, no other vehicles should block access to the bike lane."

-Diane A. 7 months ago

"Having cars park in the bike lane puts bicyclists in immediate danger, forcing them to merge directly into car traffic."

-Meg L. 7 months ago

"Bike lanes should be accessible to all riders at all times."

-Craig D. 7 months ago

"South Silladelphian here (formerly of Wash. Sq) who, despite frequently not being able to find parking on the rare occasion I drive, absolutely thinks no parking should be allowed in the bike lanes, ever. In fact, I think you should hike prices for parking permits in the city and improve public transit and bike lanes. I’m also a nurse, improving bike transit is public health. We are never going to be a bike friendly city until we stop catering to cars. Please take action. Thank you."

-Claire S. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I work in center city on the weekend, as do many others, and the cars parked in the bike lane on Sundays make my commute less safe. Families are often biking on Sunday and deserve a safe ride as well."

-Marie D. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Please have drivers respect bike lanes!"

-Diego M. 7 months, 1 week ago

"These are important routes and cyclist and pedestrian safety needs to be prioritized over congregant convenience. Please remember your Vision Zero commitment and revoke these permits."

-Natasha T. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Please take bike lane safety seriously!"

-Harrison S. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I live near these bike lanes and have seen first-hand how church attendees leave their cars in the lanes for hours, forcing bicyclists dangerously into traffic. There is no reason why church members cannot pay for parking in nearby parking places (lots, garages) like other members of the public."

-Robert D. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Philadelphia street-side basketball lanes are an active safety issue that prevents cyclists from feeling safe enough to use them. The regular use of bike lanes as legal parking not only forces cyclists into vehicle traffic once a week, it sends a message to drivers to not take the lanes seriously and to use them for parking throughout the week. It also demonstrates to cyclists that they cannot be assured of of safe infrastructure to ride, suppressing bike transit that would reduce noise, congestion, and parking strain."

-John K. 7 months, 1 week ago

"And repaint faded bike lane lines!"

-David W. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I'm forced to walk my child's stroller in the street every Sunday and put him in unnecessary danger just to get around these inappropriately parked cars."

-Zachary B. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Clearing bike lanes and adding more PROTECTED bike lanes is essential for safety, not to mention a necessity for any city to be competitive, attractive, offer high quality-of-life, and become a more environmentally healthy city. Please add more protected lanes and enforcement to keep these lanes safe and open. Thank you."

-Paul L. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I often use the Spruce and Pine Street bike lanes on weekends and really annoyed that worshipers are allowed to park in these lanes - potentially dangerous, could be lethal to bikers."

-Bob P. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Yes enforce no parking in bike lanes and withdraw permit parking on Sunday also slow down traffic on roads throughout PHL henry avenue Kelly drive MLK drive Thank yiu"

-Terri C. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Cars parked on bike lanes make it very dangerous"

-Filippo B. 7 months, 1 week ago

"We need to be bold and encourage alternative mobility while disincentivizing car use."

-Alfonso B. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I ride these lanes almost every day, carrying my 3 year old and 11 month old kids to daycare, parks, and recreation. These permits make these routes dangerous for people and families using bicycles to travel across the city, and I strongly encourage you to consider loading zones, special parking permits, or other solutions that do not involve parking in bike lanes. Thanks for your hard work to make Philadelphia safer, cleaner, and greener!"

-Michelle L. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Please help keep motor vehicles out of the bike lanes. It is dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers because it forces cyclists onto the sidewalk or into a lane of moving car traffic. jim"

-James H. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I agree!"

-Fred A. 7 months, 1 week ago

"The cars obliterate the bike lanes when I want a safe ride down to the Schuykill river trail. Stop cars on bike lanes between the Delaware and the Schuylkill rivers now!"

-Carl B. 7 months, 1 week ago

"I am a long-time Center City resident and a cyclist. 10th Presbyterian especially has abused a courtesy.i have witnessed cyclists getting “doored” and injured by churchgoers. Please do not renew permits."

-Mark G. 7 months, 1 week ago

"There’s no parking in bike lanes when attending other activities in the city. The church should subsidize alternative parking for its members."

-Andrea H. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Our bike infrastructure appears to become secondary to cars. That is not how progressive cities behave. We can do much, much better."

-Todd S. 7 months, 1 week ago

"This issue should have been addressed forever ago. Let’s do the right thing so we can focus our energy on other ways to improve bicycle infrastructure throughout the city."

-Stanislas D. 7 months, 1 week ago

"To illuminate this further: if parking in car transit lanes were proposed, it would be laughed out of the room. Kindly ensure the work you put into providing safe lanes of travel for folks outside of cars continue to be accessible."

-Peter D. 7 months, 1 week ago

"As a Jewish woman who regularly attends synagogue myself and commutes via bicycle, I do not believe members of any establishment—religious, civic, or otherwise—should be allowed to block bike lanes. This does a disservice not only to local residents but also to other congregants who, like me, depend on bike lanes to safely commute to services."

-Emily F. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Pedestrian lives are Human Lives, but I thought that was obvious!"

-Scott F. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Protect bikers in Philly. No parking in bike lanes!"

-Herb V. 7 months, 1 week ago

"This city could be so great with proper bike safety lanes. Please work to protect cyclists from car traffic and give Philadelphia more of a reason to get cars off the road in the city. Please help keep cyclists safe!"

-Taia C. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Cars do not belong in bike lanes. Keep people safe and alive!"

-Ben T. 7 months, 1 week ago

"Last fall, I got hit by a car while biking to work in the pine street bike lane… on a Wednesday! The driver was very apologetic and tried to explain that they were “just trying to park.” (Then they were so embarrassed that they drove off, apparently to park elsewhere?!) The parking permits, even on weekends, send the message to drivers that the bike lane is a space for parking. This endangers cyclists when we see a car parked in front of us and have to signal and take the car lane, or in my case when I’m merrily biking along in the bike lane and a car merges into me without looking. I 5 months pregnant and still commute by bike. These days, I try and take bike lanes and quiet streets. Still, I know cars when cars make mistake, those mistakes can be deadly. And driving cars make people feel entitled to all pavement, which makes fewer people confident enough to ride bikes, which makes more people drive, which traffic congestion and air quality and noise pollution worse for everyone. Please. Make biking a viable alternative in the city and live out the city’s vision zero commitment in action! Take away these permits and work with congregations to find other alternatives that don’t endanger cyclists."

-Allison S. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"I have to ride in the street while biking to my church (from Rittenhouse to Society Hill) because other church-goers don’t want the inconvenience or expense of parking in a remote lot and instead park their cars in the bike lane. Please choose safety over convenience: stop allowing this."

-Amy J. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Now if we could also prevent the delivery companies, contractors and entitled residents from blocking the bike lanes, our daily lives would be much less harrowing. Please keep fighting to give cyclists equal legal stature to drivers."

-Karen M. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Also on 18th. People often block residents from being able to turn left out of Panama st. Thank you!"

-Laura S. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"The practice of using bike lanes as parking spaces greatly reduces the efficiency of our bike lane network and discourages its use. This increases the amount of cars on the road. The network is clogged by non locals at the expense of locals. Additionally, it is dangerous causing de facto mixed traffic. If we, as a city, want to increase traffic efficiency, bike lane use, and overall health, if we want to reduce traffic related accidents, bicyclist injuries and deaths, and reliance on cars, we should end this practice."

-Matthew K. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bikes lanes make cities better, healthier and more beautiful. I love that Philadelphia has adopted some changes over the past year and hope the city administration will keep up the efforts to make the city pedestrian, bike and public transport friendly enough so everyone feels safe about using those infrastructures and can leave their car at home (or don't even need a car!)"

-Sascha E. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"We ride these streets every Sunday morning. We are constantly forced to merge with traffic, which can be heavy and in a rush. We ask that the bike lanes be kept clear for bikes!"

-Paul G. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"I ride on these bike lanes with my kids every weekend. It's demoralizing and unsafe."

-Patrick S. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Why create bike lanes if you allow them to be occupied by anything that is not a cyclist? This is a danger to cyclists lives that people in cars do not care about."

-anthony f. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Cars parked in bike lanes place my life at risk."

-Albert M. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes should never be parking spaces."

-Bart E. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes!"

-Robert M. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Jesus would ride public transit to church."

-Everett W. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Bike lanes were not built for Sunday church parking."

-Theo A. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"These permits make biking in the city even more difficult than it already it."

-Natalie L. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"I'm a member of Tenth Presbyterian Church. Church leadership needs to figure out some better alternatives."

-George M. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"Pine street , particularly on Sunday is more dangerous for cyclists as the randomly parked, force bus into the only lane !! As we are trying to move forward , stoping at every car is ridiculous to look for traffic , and looking can be useless , as the cars are moving quite fast!!! Result in ride on any other street, which of course is more dangerous and annoying to motorists I’m sure !!!!! These permits are ridiculous!!!!"

-john d. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"My daughter rides on these streets all the time. She is doing her part for climate change and the planet by committing to using her bike instead of a car. We must support people like her, and encourage others to ride. Bike lane parking permits should not be a thing. You would not allow this if it was a car lane. This is dangerous and puts my daughter's life and all other cyclists' lives at greater risk."

-Marion W. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"God doesn’t grant free parking for his believers."

-Noah J. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"I am glad there is a movement afoot to end this practice as is it infuriating to me. I would think that the churches would be supportive of it as well, assuming they desire safe, enjoyable neighborhoods."

-Thomas F. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"This is definitely a step in the right direction. I get annoyed when construction going on in our bike lanes, but I understand that it's absolutely necessary. When it comes to parked cars on a Sunday for church is absolute ridiculous and a major safety hazard that can be eliminated by prohibiting the permits."

-Janii F. 7 months, 2 weeks ago

"There is more than sufficient lot and garage parking for parishioners who wish to drive to their place of worship. People who choose to drive in the city are not owed convenient, free parking - especially when that parking endangers other travelers. Thank you for your consideration."

-Charles N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Living on Spruce St, the bike lanes are normally a great resource except on weekends when they are taken over by cars. Nothing ruins a weekend ride like having to dodge impatient traffic because parking is seen as more important."

-Emily C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I’ve been hit three times by cars in the last 12 years and having access to dedicated bike lanes greatly increases my feeling of safety."

-Alex C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Our cyclists deserve to feel safe in the streets and these permits threaten that. Please work for a better solution."

-Makenna R. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Ridiculous people can park there ALL day for church forcing cyclist with their kids into traffic!"

-Blake L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I live on 18th and Spruce and I find it incredibly annoying that bikes have to go onto the sidewalk or cut into the street to avoid the cars in these spots. Houses of worship shouldn't get special exemptions that put other citizens in danger."

-Joseph D. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Stop this dangerous practice."

-Den D. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"this is an absolute no-brainer."

-Amy Renee K. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Churches do not pay taxes, but I do. My tax money pays for the streets, sidewalks and bike lanes. I don't approve of using my taxes to provide free parking spots for churches. If congregants need a place to park, they can find a normal, legal parking space like anyone else who chooses to drive to a destination in my neighborhood. Pedestrians and bike riders are not second-class citizens. Cars should not have more rights than we do."

-Anne B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"It's a pretty simple issue. The bike lanes are there for a reason."

-Ian W. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Enough is enough!!"

-Margot B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Philadelphia should be designed for people, not cars. Permits to routinely block bike lanes are dangerous and should never be allowed! Also, cars parking or stopping in bike lanes must be ticketed."

-Nicholas Q. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are an integral part of metropolitan life. As someone who biked two and from work and two and from activities on the weekend for several years living in South Philly bike lanes were a necessary part of my ability to traverse the city safely."

-Joel S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"No parking in the bike lane! Keep bikers safe! Stop valuing driver convenience over bikers’ lives"

-Lauren G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please remove the permits!"

-Arman R. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"As a cyclist and resident of the city of Philadelphia, who is also partially blind, I rely on bike lanes to be able to travel by bike safely throughout the city. The practice of allowing cars to park in bike lanes puts my life and the lives of so many others at risk, unnecessarily. Why are these congregants being given special treatment? I find these permits discriminatory- you are putting their religious needs above the safety of others."

-Rebecca S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"There’s nothing sacred about on street parking, but many of these churchgoers would likely agree that the right to life and freedom of movement is sacred. OTIS, do the right thing!"

-Martin C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"There are enough dangers for cyclists without these weekly parking arrangements, which push cyclists of all ages into the flow of traffic."

-Nick M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I commute by bike all over the city, in large part because South Philadelphia already has problems with too many cars. We need a better bike infrastructure, and we have made progress with bike lanes-so it makes no sense to let cars park in bike lanes. It discourages bike commuting, because it’s really risky taking the car lanes and risking an accident. Perhaps the churches can have an agreement with parking garages in the area?"

-Emily B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"A right to worship does not mean a right to free, convenient parking. A right to life, though, means cyclists should not have to be physically endangered by people who are using a legal loophole. Churches can work to find a solution: shuttles, traveling together on public transit, or going to churches closer to their own homes, that don't risk the lives and health of the citizens of center city."

-Dr Timaree S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"For years I’ve avoided my favorite route to bike on Sundays. It’s not a 2-lane road like it was in 1989. Blocking bicycle right of way for religious reasons is dangerous."

-Dan S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I've nearly been hit by cars all the time because of this. It's unfair to the bikers and the drivers! When you have a bike lane that is obstructed, it defeats the purpose of having a bike lane!"

-Will B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Churches not encouraging public or sustainable transport shows lack of faith and trust in thy neighbors if it is a safety concern. This same fear is held by cyclists who know that the average motorist does not care for their safety. The convenience of the churchgoers and their lack of independent mobility or fears of public transport should never outweigh the legitimate concerns for physical safety that cyclists hold. Cyclists use the public infrastructure as intended, while churchgoers do not and at the same time prevent others from using the space in an unsafe way."

-Theodore L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Out of town suburban worshippers should not block us from safely biking our streets. Keep church and state separate and prioritize safety!"

-Pat A. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We should not accept one more pedestrian or cyclist death. This is one more step in the right direction."

-Cameron S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"vision zero now!!!!"

-Molly G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I'm moving to Philly this summer and I believe making the city more bikable is crucial for the city residents' quality of life."

-Logan B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I live in "west" philly and have had to give up on biking as my primary mode of transportation due to the dangers it presents to cyclists. There needs to be a permanent solution created by the city to address parking shortages AND to provide serious and protective bike lanes for cyclists. The problem isn't with the cars or the bikes, it's with the city. Fix it."

-Sam R. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"As a cyclist who has been clipped by side view mirrors, and cut off by motorists, this measure is long overdue. Not only does parking in designated lanes suggest to congregants that bike lane obstruction is normal it also gives the appearance of leniency for tourists who in turn mimic this behavior in neighboring corridors."

-Ishaq J. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"It can be terrifying to be a biker in Philadelphia. Sunday is the weekend for everyone, not just Christians."

-Nora G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The city overall lacks safe bike lanes for cyclists. The fact that it then goes the extra step to purposely take away a portion of safe bike lanes every week is careless. The city needs to address this. I personally experience this issue on weekends when riding. Vehicle drivers in Philadelphia are not careful of bike riders forced to ride in the streets. Issuing these permits shows a clear indifference to the safety of bikers. Biking should be protected and prioritized over motor vehicles, both for environmental and health reasons. Someone’s choice to drive a motor vehicle to church on Sunday should not put me or anyone else at increased risk of physical harm."

-Bethany O. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Stop letting cars park in bike lanes. It’s unsafe. There’s enough places for cars to park. Thank you!"

-Johanna G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We need safe spaces to ride our bikes. Religion does not take precedence."

-Chase v. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bikers deserve more respect!"

-John C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes offer numerous advantages, making them an essential piece of modern transportation infrastructure. They prioritize the well-being of vulnerable road users and contribute to a greener environment and healthier communities. Church goers, like office workers during the week, should take public transportation or find legal street or garage parking."

-Sue L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes."

-Liane T. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"These lanes were created for the safety of bikers. That is no less true on Sundays and I don't view the parking needs of these congregations as any more legitimate than those of homeowners and businesses in the area who have to comply with regulations."

-Michael J. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I bike recreationally along Spruce Street and Pine Streets from Fishtown all the way to the Schuylkill River Trail, and having to constantly verge into traffic to avoid parked cars really makes me nervous and stops me from using the bike lanes more often."

-Joseph C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"This is by far one of the most ridiculous policies I have ever heard. With the lack of concern from the current PPA, this will just evolve into people occupying the entire bike lanes on Sunday. Just do a little bit better, thanks."

-Nicholas M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"As an everyday commuter whose experienced 3 run-ins (accidents) w automobiles these past 3 or so years, I can't stress enough the need for more protected bicycle lanes."

-Jason M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I live on Spruce right by Broad, and almost every Sunday I right along the Spruce Street bike lane. Cars parked in the bikelane with technically illegal permits take away the only good east-west bike route in this part of the city. It also leads to an attitude amongst drivers that it's okay to park in the bike lanes, leading to more parking in the bike lanes outside of the permitted time. These permits put lives and risk and harm hundreds of Philadelphians each weekend, just so that a small number of car-owners can avoid paying a small amount for parking in one of the nearby lots. Please protect Philadelphian lives, and end this illegal, amoral practice."

-Sage L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I actively go out of my way to travel via bike lanes in the city, often with my young daughter, and when it’s blocked, it makes for dangerous biking."

-Lauren A. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"There is plenty of infrastructure for cars and drivers - reserve the existing parking spaces for congregants on Sunday! Let's prioritize safety for bikers and pedestrians."

-Patrick S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Since the PPA announced its new Enforcement Unit in April 2023, we've seen literally no such action taken anywhere that we travel in the city. We're not cyclists but we keenly appreciate the need for safe lanes and strict policies."

-Beth and Al P. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We need more access to bike lanes all week long - especially on Sundays."

-Jeff T. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes cannot sometimes be used as parking lanes. That’s dangerous for cyclists. You’d never let a church block a road by parking in it. Bikes are legitimate forms of transit, and we need to be doing more to encourage the use of them if we are going to have a chance of beating climate change."

-Spencer M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please be considerate of your neighbors. It is extremely unsafe to force bikes out of the bike lanes into traffic. Bike lanes are for bikes, period"

-kathleen o. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I bike to church on Sundays with my child. Every Sunday the bike lane parkers endanger our lives. Choosing to live car-free is part of our commitment to care for and protect God’s creation. Disincentivizing low-carbon transportation is not good stewardship of our climate. It’s bad public policy and it’s a bad public representation of our faith."

-Benjamin W. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"STOP granting special privileges for those religious groups. They should be using parking garages. Public safety is the responsibility of every citizen. Bike lanes are a public safety necessity especially for Philly. Compromise safety and you deter people from going into the city and spending their money 💰 Lost revenue the city needs. SUPPORT SAFE STREETS AND BIKE LANES."

-Richard W. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I am often forced into traffic on Sunday when cars are parked in the bike lane. I am 73 years old and feel unsafe when the bike lane is blocked by a car. Most recreational bikers use Pone & Soruce street bike lanes to reach Fairmount Park or Schuykill bike trails."

-Michael H. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please stop this dangerous situation. Car drivers do not respect bicycles or their riders."

-Daniel F. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Safety means safety for everyone, every day, all day and all night."

-Michael N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I ride my bike around Philadelphia's innercore as often as I can on my days off because I enjoy being able to use my bike. The city's failures to maintain and protect both bus and bike lanes makes things incredibly dangerous for everyone."

-William B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"These church parking permits make Philly streets more dangerous to vulnerable road users. I make a point of using one of the multiple and mostly convenient public transportation options to visit Philly from Jersey... Other outside (non-property tax paying) individuals can do the same."

-Daniel R. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I live at 16th and Pine and witness or experience many unsafe situations due to the bike lane parking, which some parishioners seem to use from as early as 8am until late in the afternoon or even early evening on Sundays, which raises questions as to how long they are actually at church vs taking advantage of the parking for other activities. It also clearly encourages Amazon delivery and others to illegally park in those lanes when they see the church affiliated cars parking there."

-Troy M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Safety over convenience."

-Craig O. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"more bikes! fewer cars! get it together!"

-alyssa f. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Cycling is an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Let's keep it safe for cyclists and keep bike lanes for bikes, not cars. the safer cycling is, the better it is for EVERYONE."

-j k. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"People parking in the bike lane puts my children and me in danger every Sunday. Remove the permits for parking in the bike lane and then make it a parking protected bike lane."

-James B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"It's really unnerving and dangerous having to negotiate with car traffic every DAY on this path. The Sunday parking allowance on the bike lane sets a bad precedent that it's okay to park any day of the week in the bike lane."

-Avery M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes. End of discussion!"

-Michael N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I regularly bike on Pine and Spruce and almost always have to dangerously navigate around cars stopped in the bike lanes. We deserve safe passage without cars 24/7 in the few bike lanes we have."

-Michael F. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"From the Inquirer, "Geiger said out of about 600 parishioners attending Sunday services, 450 people drive and need parking." In reality a small percentage actually need parking, most just want free parking. If the city just focuses on those that actually need parking that should free up the bike lanes"

-Robert B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"A shuttle system would do wonders! Something similar to what UPENN now has in South Philly under the 9t overpass."

-Alena L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We utilize the bike lanes getting to and from the SRT and find it terrible that we get pushed into traffic so others are not inconvenienced with finding parking because they choose to drive to their places of worship. The amount of cars and the time they block the bike lanes is unacceptable and seems unfair to riders and other cars that have us pushed into their lanes unnecessarily."

-John G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes are made for bikes not cars. Only in an emergency should cars be in the bike lane."

-Ellen S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I have had multiple incidents of almost getting in an accident due to these cars being parked in the bike lane, forcing me to bike in front of cars who angrily honk their horns and tailgate at an unsafe distance"

-Andre C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"As an incoming resident physician at Jefferson Center City, I will be commuting by bike to the hospital on a daily basis. Having a safe way to get to work on my bike is important to my health and my ability to care for patients. Likewise, my patients need a safe way to get to the hospital whether they are driving, cycling, or taking public transportation. Parking in bike lanes forces cyclists to swerve into car traffic or ride on the sidewalk, which is unsafe for everyone--cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. To my knowledge, no other major city allows such a thing, and it must stop now."

-Alexander H. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Allowing people to park in bike lines is counterproductive and further discourages biking while encouraging more driving. We all know this city doesn’t need more cars."

-Erika H. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Access to safe bike lanes is crucial for biker safety."

-Madison M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike city."

-James S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Take it away"

-Vanessa S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"very helpful."

-Angela Grace C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"No cars!"

-Jamie N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Keep our Bike Lanes safe!"

-Karim S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Why even have bike lanes if people are parking in them??"

-Rani R. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We want our bike lanes!!"

-Jessie W. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The churchgoers should not park in the bike lane, it makes life very dangerous for bikers"

-Christopher A. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Need these lanes to travel safely!!"

-Theodore S. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Give me safe bike lanes"

-Oliver C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Please, keep cars off bike lanes. In 2021I have had a couple incidents were fell off my bike because of cars parked in bike lanes."

-Benjamin G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"Bike lanes for Bikes! Not parked cars. Biking is dangerous enough in the city, need bike lanes to remain open 24/7!"

-Beth M. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"This is an important issue! Keep the bike lanes open!!"

-Daniel J. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"We need this for the safety of our children !"

-Kalan L. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"No reason to block the bike lane for just a couple of parking spots, even on a weekend"

-Noah B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"I’ve experienced unsafe conditions as a cyclist and seen people almost get hit while driving because when you are forced into the lane people don’t see cyclists especially at intersections."

-Cynthia B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The bike lane parking routinely forces me to bike in the traffic lane, endangering myself and impeding the flow of traffic along Pine and Spruce. The bike lanes are obstructed during the week by parked cars, and they're obstructed on Sundays by parked cars. These two streets are the only protected East/West bike lanes to get across Center City, and yet they're obstructed every day of the week."

-Jeremy C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The bike line should be for bikes, not cars. Plain and simple. Do the right thing."

-George A. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"It just doesn't make sense that the city invested in a network of bike lanes for the biker's safety just to give them up for folks to park their cars. Putting bikers in jeopardy again."

-Estela N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"No cars in the bike lane!"

-Jordan T. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The city sends a loud and clear message that cars take highest priority over citizens when it sanctions the bogus use of construction parking permits to allow parking of personal vehicles (many with out-of-state plates) in dedicated bicycle lanes. This puts lives at risk and discourages the citizens of Philadelphia from riding our bikes on streets paid for with our taxes. Please end this practice immediately."

-Johanna N. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"This is a huge problem on Lancaster Ave, particularly on the blocks between 39th and 43rd Street many cars double park, sit idle, sit with hazards, open doors with without looking or generally drive without regard for the safety and well being of cyclists or pedestrians."

-Colin G. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"houses of worship should aim to live in harmony with the neighborhoods they live in, not treat them like free parking lots which are then often used after services for people to shop downtown etc. This is key bike infrastructure and it should not be blocked"

-Leonard B. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"It is especially dangerous to ride with children when constantly forced into car lanes."

-Kathryn C. 7 months, 3 weeks ago

"The Pine and Spruce bike lane is the best thing for cyclists just south of the city, providing a safe and healthy alternative means for Philadelphians to get where they're going without the issues that come with driving everywhere. However, when drivers park in the bike lane, it becomes unsafe very quickly, as cyclists such as myself have to suddenly contend with auto traffic, which becomes dangerous and even deadly. Let's protect these bike lanes, and prioritize cycling over drivers who may not even live in the city and have alternatives for where they can safely park."

-Mark G. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Swerving around parked cars puts my life at risk! Please stop allowing the convenience of few to overtake a major thoroughfare for bike traffic."

-Gabriella F. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"In recent years I have stopped utilizing the bike lanes on Pine and Spruce because it is honestly safer to ride in a traffic lane on adjacent streets. We need a safe corridor for biking in Center City."

-Kevin V. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Parking in the bike lanes defeats the point of having them in the first place. It makes the streets more dangerous and results in congestion from the number of cars on the streets which can not handle them due to lack of alternative means of travel. What's worse is that the bike lanes are turned into parking lots for organizations which pay not taxes to maintain the roads which they claim the exclusive right to have."

-alexander m. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"As someone who bikes to get places in Center City, I have personal experience navigating around cars parked in bike lanes. It is DANGEROUS!"

-Meredith S. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Religious practitioners should not receive special rights or exemptions to the law on public land. The flagrant mis-parking creates a danger for everyone - bikers, pedestrians, and drivers - and makes the major lanes unusable during their prime times --- weekends!"

-Erin G. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Most of the attendees could walk, or take public transportation. We should incentivize those modes."

-Mark H. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"This parking coincides with daytime bicycle use. Many of the vehicles parked are not attending services."

-Christopher M. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"11. Thou shalt bike to church."

-Jacob R. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"As the mother of an adult child who has biked as her only form of transportation for the last 24 years, I applaud those municipal governments that choose to advocate for cyclists. Allowing parking in a designated bike lane - even if only during specified times - defeats the purpose of the bike lane and increases the danger for those who depend on bicycles for transportation. I beseech City Hall to reverse their recent decision."

-Helene A. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Biking in the city is so dangerous, this does not help."

-Sarah H. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Please protect our bike lanes!"

-Nicholas M. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Climate change is real and we are already seeing the effects. Bowing to the pressure of oil-rich dictators is also real, and we are spending billions on a war in Ukraine because Europe is dependent on Russian oil. Reducing car dependency will reduce global oil consumption and mitigate both of these seemingly intractable issues. Unfortunately it's still terrifying to bicycle in Philadelphia, and will remain so until there are safe corridors for both east-west and north-south travel. Please withdraw these permits and put up real barriers that protect our fragile human bodies from the inherent violence of cars."

-Melanie M. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"I am a Queen Village resident who loves going to church and deeply supports the Philadelphia religious community and their worship activities. Furthermore, I am a staunch advocate for disability access and ADA compliance. The current Sunday parking situation is a non-solution and cannot stand. There is absolutely no reason that a safer plan be delayed any further. This is of crucial importance to the safety of our greater community. We need a safe solution and we need it now - one that features actual handicap parking in the area for those who require it, not a blatant misuse of permits. Parking in the bike lane puts our community at risk and is at best an unacceptable inconvenience (a literal roadblock). Quite simply: it is not fair to my neighbors. This needs to be thoughtfully worked through with urgency and with particular concern for road safety and ADA retrofitting. Thank you."

-Kristen F. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"we should be encouraging car-free transportation!"

-Raul S. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"I applaud Philly Bike Action - may they be the new fiscal conduit required to make quality of life improvements within the city - such as ensuring Bike Lanes are not used as a bartering tool for the Powers that Be to have convenient parking. This practice encourages bike lane obstruction by other motorists who observe the tacit policy with the churches - make it safe and FAIR for all."

-Paul S. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Bike lanes should only be closed in full street-closure emergencies. Congregations should encourage their members to walk, ride bikes, or take public transportation to services. The long-standing permits have endangered cyclists for far too long."

-Marissa N. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"This city was not built for cars! For ANY American city to be future-ready, we are going to need to stop catering to the private automobile and start putting people first."

-Justin B. 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"I got into a bad biking accident that left me with multiple injuries, all because an illegally parked van was parked near a bike lane. Philly can and must do better to protect our residents."

-Shana A. 8 months ago

"Our bike lanes are already so poorly enforced, with no real separation from the driving lanes and constant harassment from drivers. No one should be allowed to get a free pass to illegally park in a bike lane. Church isn't a justification for endangering the lives of Philly bikers. It's unacceptable that this is even a thing congregations can do- more special rights for orgs that already have outsized power relative to their tax status. Congregants should have to find parking the same way everyone else does."

-Jennifer T. 8 months ago

"No one should be allowed to get a free pass to illegally park in a bike lane, just as no one should be allowed to park in a handicapped space, regardless of their justification."

-David L. 8 months ago

"Please keep bike lanes free for non-powered bicycles. Please ticket Uber/lyft/taxi drivers who are too lazy to pull over at street corners instead of in the bike lane, too."

-Brendan L. 8 months ago

"Our city should be doing everything it can to incentivize the use of bike and public transit infrastructure to reduce traffic and pollution. When the preferences of drivers are prioritized over the actual needs of cyclists, we create unsafe situations that make it harder for people to choose the better option of biking to get around Philly. Let’s protect the dedicated infrastructure we do have and keep our bike lanes accessible to bikes!"

-Jake F. 8 months ago

"I have been doored, clipped and even T-boned countless times in Philly and never once in the drunk driving capital of New Orleans. Please protect what few safer spaces cyclists have. The trifecta of Philly, Jersey & NYC drivers makes an especially road ragey cocktail. I know it’s a tired joke how the local driving culture looks the other way for hazard light double parking, packing the box after a red light & disregard of through traffic (especially pedestrians) when turning. Congregations should use some of their tax free funds for a shuttle if they can’t afford or find parking not endanger already fragile bikes."

-Molly K. 8 months ago

"I used to commute down these bike lanes and it was always such a harrowing experience. Why do we continue to prioritize car culture and the convenience of a select few people over the safety of so many?"

-Andres R. 8 months ago

"I no longer live in Philadelphia but I support bike lanes being usable as intended, especially when blocking them creates a huge hazard for many"

-Jennifer S. 8 months ago

"I'm a person who doesn't drive due to a disability. I don't bicycle anymore, but I am on the streets every day and I see bike lanes as an important part of the city. Parking is a challenge, but taking away from bike lanes is not the answer. Bike lanes bring safety to bikers and also people like me who are just trying to navigate cars everywhere -- on sidewalks, in cross walks. It has to stop."

-Caroline L. 8 months ago

"Enforcement of existing traffic laws is one of the easiest, fastest ways for Philadelphia to make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. There is no reason to allow this infringement of the safety of the general public, particularly in a case like this which is clearly favoring a particular religious group over others."

-Karl K. 8 months ago

"Please keep bike riders safe!"

-Elizabeth H. 8 months ago

"People over cars."

-Stephen S. 8 months ago

"no cars in bike lanes"

-Matthew W. 8 months ago

"Please keep cyclist safe"

-Cameron M. 8 months ago

"Making Philadelphia more bike-friendly and more environmentally friendly is important to me as a citizen of this city!"

-Alessandra C. 8 months ago

"Safety is serious"

-Sean L. 8 months ago

"Dear Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, As a frequent user of the Spruce and Pine Street bike lanes, I am asking you to withdraw the bike lane parking permits used by congregations on those streets. These permits are a risk to people currently biking along these streets and deny a safe place to ride for those who would like to bike here. Alternatives to bike lane parking exist. I encourage you to work with the congregations currently requesting permits to find those alternatives once the permits are withdrawn. Thank you, Elam"

-Elam B. 8 months ago

"I drive and bike in Philly. The city desperately needs safer cycling infrastructure—not more car accommodations."

-Bryan C. 8 months ago

"I live, commute, and ride my bike in the city. Too many cyclists have been killed by motorists In the past few years and it seems to be getting worse. The bike lanes need to be physically separated from cars."

-Mike S. 8 months ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes, not cars. There are multiple parking lots within a short 1-2 block walk of all these congregations. No one's lives should be put in danger just so someone can park marginally closer to their church."

-Jeremy L. 8 months ago

"It is a risk to cyclist and drivers both to have cars parked in these bike lanes! There are plenty of parking lots available for those cars to park close to these churches that don’t involve blocking the bike lane"

-Meredith M. 8 months ago

"I support making our streets safer for everyone!"

-Wenmouth W. 8 months ago

"Please also create protected bike lanes"

-Julia K. 8 months ago

"As a vigilant driver in the city, I constantly worry about the safety of the cyclists around me. Choke points where we have to share a lane are stressful and dangerous and exacerbated by unnecessary parking/double parking in bike lanes. Give our cyclists protected bike lanes to keep us ALL safe and traffic moving smoothly!"

-Em S. 8 months ago

"There isn’t a single day I bike in the city without putting my safety at risk by swerving around these parked cars in the bike lane. Please think of our safety by creating protected bike lanes!"

-Julissa W. 8 months ago

"People should be able to ride their bikes safely, without the stress of having to weave in and out of traffic."

-Cassandra G. 8 months ago

"If parking is allowed in bike lanes, then there is no bike lane. People will go where they feel safest, and if they're constantly being forced to weave, many will choose the route that makes them most visible to traffic at all times and forego the bike lane entirely."

-Archer H. 8 months ago

"Having to swerve around parked cars into traffic while pulling my young children in a bike trailer is an infuriating risk I should never have to deal with. Safe bike lanes now!"

-Jason B. 8 months ago

"Please find a safe alternative that values safety. Surely the Spruce and Pine congregations value life above all else."

-Laura V. 8 months ago

"Please take action to assure that bikes can access the bike lanes, and not have to dangerously divert into traffic to travel down the street. Thank you."

-Henry S. 8 months ago

"Please discontinue this dangerous practice of issuing bike-lane parking permits"

-Robert G. 8 months ago

"Vehicles parked in bike lanes at any time increase risk to all cyclists. When the bike lane of an entire block is occupied, the risk is exponential as drivers get frustrated at being able to travel only as fast as the slowest cyclist."

-Earl M. 8 months ago

"I want my family to be able to bike safely in our neighborhood!"

-Hilary J. 8 months ago

"Regular, temporary exceptions to public safety laws create permanent public safety hazards. Giving motorists any suggestion that parking in a bike lane is okay sometimes will inevitably be interpreted by some as it being okay anytime. Bike lanes have to be protected all the time if they are to fulfill their public safety purpose 24 7 365."

-Steven P. 8 months ago

"Safe bike lanes please"

-Beau C. 8 months ago

"I commute and run errands regularly along Spruce St. via biking and pray that I’m not in front of an angry driver every time I have to swerve into the street because worshippers are parked in the bike lanes. Please help make our city safer for cyclists 🙏"

-Kei F. 8 months ago

"I believe members of religious congregations are welcome to park the same way as patrons of any other business in the city; by finding on street parking or paying to park in a myriad of lots in the area. It's strange that we set aside space in the city that is designated for bike but only when it doesn't inconvenience cars. We don't let people park on the sidewalk because it's allocated for pedestrians and it would be unsafe for people to walk into the street to avoid cars on the sidewalk. The same is true for this space allocated for bikes."

-Jonathan K. 8 months ago

"Practicing slalom in and out of the bike lanes to avoid parked cars seems like fun but almost getting hit every time you go out for a ride makes it less enjoyable... Philadelphia is one of the least bike friendly cities in the country but yet it has so much potential!"

-Steve H. 8 months ago

"This needs to happen, people on bikes are not safe. Even cross the street can be an issue because you can’t see cars on coming."

-Justin D. 8 months ago

"Bike lanes are meant to keep bicyclists safe. How can they be safe if they have to weave in and out of traffic to avoid vehicles parked in the bike lane. This is basically an F You to bicyclists. “We put a bike lane there, what more do you want” It’d be nice if bicyclists could actually use the bike lanes without having to worry about their safety."

-Devon P. 8 months ago

"I would like to see all of the congregation parking eliminated!"

-Stephanie D. 8 months ago

"Protect designated bike lanes - no exceptions!"

-Rachel C. 8 months ago

"What’s the point of having bike lanes if cars are allowed to park in them?"

-Samantha P. 8 months ago

"Please prioritize the safety of cyclists over convenience for car drivers! More people will bike if the city makes it safe to do so, and keeping bike lanes clear is one way to make biking safer. More people biking will improve individual health, community health, environmental health, and even the economic health of the city."

-Matthew C. 8 months ago

"We know that letting congregants park in the bike lanes was a deal the city made with the devil when they first installed the bike lanes. Clergy and congregants need to know this behavior needs to end for the safety of everyone on 2 wheels. Having a house of worship in the city is tough when people move away and expect to come back in their cars. Should the needs of one person in a car override the 10-20 cyclists that use these bike lanes every hour? There are alternatives to this."

-Amy K. 8 months ago

"Cyclists deserve to feel safe commuting and riding for pleasure on the streets!"

-C A. 8 months ago

"I don't bike in this city because of things like this. If we prioritized the safety of other modes of transportation I would be more apt to."

-Ashlei T. 8 months ago

"It's high time we stop putting city imperatives like efficient flow of traffic and pedestrian/cyclist safety at risk in order to facilitate parking for visitors to churches. Center City has a wealth of parking options for visitors."

-Christopher G. 8 months ago

"Cars in bike lanes continue to present a safety risk to me and my family as cyclists and drivers in Philadelphia."

-Shelby P. 8 months ago

"I use the Spruce & Pine Street bike lanes as my primary commute route . I hope that the city would withdraw the bike lane parking permits and regularly enforce ticketing in the bike lanes. Vehicles parking in the bike lane is dangerous and doesn't serve Philadelphia residents."

-Matthew N. 8 months ago

"There are many lots in the city that sit mostly empty during the Saturday and Sunday morning times. It is imperative that only bikes be allowed in bike lanes. It is only a matter of time until someone pays for these parking permits with their life. If that happens, these churches and synagogues will pray for alternative solutions and send condolences to the family of the victim. Let's make sure nobody dies and everyone can be safe. Let's find a parking lot alternative for these cars and encourage SEPTA and other ways to go to worship without city-permitted parking in bike lanes. Thank you."

-Debby D. 8 months ago

"Please do not permit cars to park in the bike lanes."

-Ken K. 8 months ago

"Please keep the bike lanes open!"

-Zach J. 8 months ago

"Please prioritize safety over convenience - these permits put vulnerable road users at risk."

-Nick L. 8 months ago

"This is such a dangerous situation. I ride often on Sundays down both Spruce and Pine and find this practice totally unsafe."

-Peter F. 8 months ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes!"

-Michael G. 8 months ago

"Withdraw the BIKE LANE parking permits for cars immediately! BIKE LANES are for BIKES, not more places for cars to park."

-Christine D. 8 months ago

"I use this bike lane frequently, particularly on weekends, and would really appreciate feeling safe using a lane intended for bikes instead of risking my life in the vehicular traffic. Please do the right thing here. Thanks!"

-Brandon S. 8 months ago

"You would never allow people to block an entire road for parking, so why would you allow people to block a bike lane? Blocking a bike lane puts cyclist's lives at risk, and shouldn't be allowed."

-Dara S. 8 months ago

"As a regular visitor to the city, I would rather transit + bike instead of driving. You are 'making' what, 20 parking spaces, but pushing 50 ? 100? people off of bikes, into cars, that then also need parking. The worse you make biking, the more I (and others) need to drive to or through that neighborhood, the more cars there are clogging it up."

-Jonathan M. 8 months ago

"Blocking bike lanes and forcing bikes to intersect with traffic goes against Philly's Vision Zero initiative. Thank you for your consideration,"

-Ethan F. 8 months ago

"Please revoke the permit for weekend parking on the bike lanes. It creates a dangerous environment for cyclists pedestrians and drivers."

-Anthony M. 8 months ago

"I agree with the petition.I also question where the folks parking are coming from. Why don't they use SEPTA? It's a major inconvenience and safety issue."

-Owen S. 8 months ago

"It makes no sense to me that these permits are still in place. They are risking my life and the life of others for convenience."

-Teddy M. 8 months ago

"My family rides on Spruce and Pine regularly. Blocking the bike lane creates an unsafe situation."

-Peter M. 8 months ago

"This also creates a hazardous condition for drivers when people park poorly in the bike lanes. I see no reason to continue this practice for any stakeholders"

-Noah R. 8 months ago

"Please stop trying to kill me."

-Chris D. 8 months ago

"Please do this absolute barest minimum to keep people safe on the street"

-Arrick U. 8 months ago

"Safety of bicyclists before convenience of parking. The city needs to do both."

-mary m. 8 months ago

"These permits are unnecessary and create dangerous conditions for cyclists - who are already the most vulnerable group of road users in Philadelphia - regularly harassed and put in unsafe situations by irresponsible, dangerous and aggressive drivers. As a taxpaying Philadelphian I consider paramount the delivery of safe infrastructure for all road users - pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers alike. Withdrawing these irresponsible permits is just one small step towards providing safe and equitable road conditions for all Philadelphians."

-Joseph M. 8 months ago

"Jesus walked. It’s very bizarre and silly to allow church goers to clog up streets with car storage on Sundays."

-Nick A. 8 months ago

"This has been an issue and danger to me and my family many times."

-Regan L. 8 months ago

"Cyclists deserve safe space on the road! Forcing them into the lane of traffic with cars is dangerous. Make our streets safer every day of the week!"

-Bethany H. 8 months ago

"Keep our cyclists safe!"

-Timothy D. 8 months ago

"Bike lanes are safer when they're for bikes!"

-Tanya V. 8 months ago

"Forcing cyclists into active traffic lanes is a dangerous practice. Bike lanes are there for a reason, not to serve as surplus parking. I hope someone at OTIS takes seriously the dangers cyclists face."

-Peter L. 8 months ago

"Especially not on weekends when most of us are able to bike!"

-Dennis B. 8 months ago

"Bikes need space and safety"

-Mark K. 8 months ago

"As a bike commuter and pedestrian I’ve thought this practice was dangerous and irresponsible for years, so I’m furious to learn that it actually isn’t legal but the rules just aren’t being enforced."

-Dan O. 8 months ago

"I dont bike but my husband was hit by a car last year. I don’t want that happening again. The streets should be safer for everyone to use."

-Lindsey K. 8 months ago

"Every single day I am taking the Spruce street to go to work and everyday I have to switch to the car lane and put myself at risk of being hit only because cars/trucks are randomly stopping and parking in the bike lane! It’s dangerous and inconsiderate towards us cyclists."

-Christian H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The parking situation renders the bike lanes unusable for large stretches at a time. It’s infuriating!"

-Chris L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I don't even bike and even I know this is some extremely dumb stuff. A bike network doesn't work unless it's a network, and selling out legs of it to cars - especially PARKED cars - is braindead Car lanes and parking already take up close to 50% of our city. If you can't give up a few parking spaces, don't be surprised when bikeshare continues to languish and traffic, climate, noise, and pedestrian deaths continue to plague the city"

-Eric F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I support a community arrangement that doesn't put bikers at risk."

-Avital P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"no parking in bike lanes"

-michael g. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It is long overdue to withdraw the bike lane parking permits by congregations on Spruce & Pine Sts. These permits have left bicyclists trying to negotiate the traffic which is very dangerous for bicyclists. There are other alternatives for the drivers other than parking in the bike lanes...I.e, garage parking."

-Suzanne H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Keeping bike lanes clear is critical for both cyclist safety and so cyclists can ride predictably near automobile users."

-Ben N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please make Philly safer for cyclists."

-george h. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Better enforcement Monday through Friday is also needed. Car drivers also need to be educated on the fact that Philadelphia was designed before the invention of the car and are not allowed to complain that they can't find a place to park their car."

-Tim R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Convenient parking should not take precedence over the safety of cyclists."

-Ed H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Enough of cars in the bike lane!! That defeats the entire purpose of having the bike lane at all. It is difficult enough to navigate around Philly on a bike without there being cars forcing bikers out into the street every block."

-Nic T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Cyclists need safe car free lanes."

-Collin M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking on the bike lane is illegal and dangerous. We cannot let our public roads be taken over by entitled drivers who feel that they can do whatever they want. Whether it’s blacked out license plates, parking on the sidewalk, or parking on the bike lanes, this practice has to end."

-Kevin G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lane parking should not be permitted.- Not by Uber drivers or Amazon delivery vans- nor by church goers or residents. Please create safe streets for all."

-Nancy A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is violating the safety of a more freedom cultivating vehicle than the car: the bicycle. This is unacceptable for being one of top 50 bike friendly cities in the USA!"

-Matthew P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I ride these bike lanes nearly every day. The number of cars parked in them is absurd."

-Brian B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"When part of the bike lanes are filled by cars, cyclists are forced to weave in and out of traffic, which increases the chance of collisions."

-Ann D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"If you wouldn't let your 8yr old daughter ride in the bike lane by herself, then it's not safe enough."

-Zed K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I live btwn spruce and pine and do not feel safe riding my bicycle with my 11 yr old son every single Sunday because of the unsafe parking practices allowed because of churches. Their rights are not greater than mine yet they put me and my family at risk of cars without a thought of how unfair this practice is. The City is responsible for any injury or death that occurs because of this illegal parking allowance. I am sure their god would agree with me."

-Michael M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"While I understand the need of those who must drive their personal vehicles to worship and park them nearby, bike lanes are not a suitable location for doing this. Bike lanes are critical for safe transportation for families like mine and for people with disabilities. Please work with congregations to identify their needs and provide suitable parking for those who need it. Do not put people on bikes in harms way to accomplish this."

-Nathan V. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Safety before parking."

-Warren S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lane parking policy is dangerous and negligent and needs to end immediately. Additionally, this policy misappropriates bike infrastructure for vehicles, masking budget allocations for cars under cycling dollars, while reporting “investments” toward cycling. This is manipulation and abuse of our city budget that needs to be eliminated immediately. City policies like this endorse poor driver behavior and dehumanization of cyclists. Drivers are aggressive in Philadelphia and use hateful, dehumanizing rhetoric against cyclist. Just spend some time on NextDoor. Cyclists should be able to enjoy bike lanes for commuting and for pleasure. One is not more important than the other. Open bike lanes on Sundays and stop prioritizing cars over the safety of citizens."

-Sarita C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please make streets safer for people, not cars."

-Ivan M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use to commute by bicycle but have given up due to it being too dangerous. Now I only ride on the SRT. Creating more dedicated bike lanes would make me more confident in commuting by bike again. Please withdraw the bike lane parking permits used by congregations on Spruce and Pine Streets."

-Jake C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"PHL needs to be consistent and pro active in supporting and protecting the infrastructure it builds for its citizens."

-Travis S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please let us ride safely"

-Luke M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The Spruce and Pine bike lanes are highly used and safest places to bike in center city. Parked cars in these lanes force us bikers into traffic and risk getting hit by cars (who will not yield to bikers!). Keeping cars out of these lanes will prevent accidents and reduce congestion!"

-Clark G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Me"

-Chris A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Just last night, riding on spruce because I’m from out of town and that’s where the bike l supposedly is. But around 17th I have to take lane because one car after another is in the bike lane. An aggressive driver gets behind me, intentionally trying to make me afraid to bully me off the road. Please enforce the lane!"

-Wesley H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes 24/7, not parked cars"

-Steve B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"There should be no permit for parking in a bike lane - anywhere - no exception!"

-Dan C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes keep people safe, but only if they're actually usable. These kinds of permits get cyclists injured & killed."

-Corrinne F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Olé keep the bike lane safe"

-Thuy Bich L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Dangerous practice. I bike on Spruce and Pine frequently."

-John P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please take cycling safety seriously. Bikes are our religion and bike lanes are where we worship. Thank you."

-David T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is simple math. You can do something to make bike lanes safe for bikes and not just an extra space for cars. You all spent the time creating the lanes, now you gotta keep going a little while longer so that they can actually be used for their intended purpose! I know you can do it!"

-Emily K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Protect people riding bikes!"

-Megan S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What's the point of bike lanes if cars can park in them???"

-David M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Seems like these parking permits kinda defeat the purpose of a bike lane, don't they? Philly should be promoting alternate forms of transportation like bikes and SEPTA to get around, reducing congestion and pollution while improving safety - for residents and visitors."

-Michael F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please do not give out those work around permits, don't break your own laws and permit parking in the bike lanes. What is the point of a lane, something we have to fight and grovel for even the most basic lane if the city just gives out work around permits to allow people to park in the bike lane they are not meant to be in. This is like parking cars in a car travel lane to a bike rider. Now I must go into the car lanes to go around which is a higher risk then just taking the lane normally since I'm popping out suddenly. All that giving permits and making the lanes less safe and nice to use does is create more car traffic, something this city doesn't need. Thank you."

-Nicholas A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"it's called the bike lane for a reason"

-Taylor L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"We as bikers have the right commute safely and use the lanes designated for bikers every day of the week. I dream of the day I am able to bike to Headhouse farmers market in the bike lines built to keep me safe!"

-Elise D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I utilize these bike lanes every day. Parking in the lanes is dangerous for bikers and causes disruptions to the normal flow of traffic as bikers are forced to swerve around parked cars. Make bike lanes safe and effective for everyone!"

-Caitlin Y. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Residents riding bikes in Philadelphia are put at risk daily because of the community’s lack of respect for bike lanes. The City should set a precedent by removing these permits in support of safe and accessible streets for all users."

-Kelsey H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These puts people in danger."

-Matt M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Spruce and Pine bike lanes are the back bone for traveling across the city. The slower road speeds make them safer for a larger range of biking skill levels to use. I recently saw an older woman almost get seriously injured when she was forced into the driving lane by a parking car. Please stop granting permission for this outrageously dangerous practice of parking in these lanes. Far more bikers use these lanes than number of cars that park in them."

-Ian W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these bike lanes every day I travel to work and come near death by drivers trying to run me off the road. The city built infrastructure to make this a safe space for cyclists to commute yet it is miserable to bike on these streets. These permits were a slap in the face to every day citizens and they’re not even the worst part. Contractors and delivery drivers occupy bike lanes with immunity daily."

-Charles R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I can’t afford a car and depend on my bike to get around Philly. I use the pine and Spruce bike lanes to get from my home in south Philly to work every weekend - I work on weekends because I work in the service industry - and every week, I am forced into traffic because of the cars parked in the bike lanes. I have been assaulted, verbally abused, nearly doored from cars in bike lane, and pinched off the road into the parked cars because the cars behind me became upset by me using the road. One even yelled “use the bike lane!” while cars were parked in the bike lane for worship. I regularly see families with young children attempting to use the designated bike lanes as a leisurely weekend activity forced into traffic as well. There are plenty of side streets and lots for cars to park, but we cyclists have limited spaces designated to keep us safe. Please preserve these safe spaces for us to commute, teach our children how to ride a bike, or simply enjoy the city via a joyful and healthy mode of transport."

-Brooke N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I, nor anyone, wants to die so other can worship. Please stop the parking in the bike lanes!"

-Michael A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please please please!"

-Annie O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I’ve watched someone get hit by a garbage truck on Pine street when biking around the parked cars. This must stop."

-Lauren Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"While I don’t live in the city, my partner lives in the city as well as our friends. I use this “bike lane” and it pointless. Please revoke the permits to allow safer travel for cyclists. The city doesn’t need more cars, it needs safer alternative forms of transportation."

-Nathan B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Although I do not live in the city myself, my children do and they ride on the streets in Philadelphia often as do I occasionally. I prefer safe streets to going out in traffic when there is a designated lane for my/our safety"

-Jackie P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use Pine/Spruce to navigate the city several times a week, and enjoy it so much as a safe, reliable option during the week that the change in sense of safety on the weekends (and even during the week with cars regularly stopped in the bike lane) is discouraging. Withdrawing these parking permits, to me, would be an amazing commitment to bike safety from the city and an extension of the appreciated efforts elsewhere towards providing many bicycle riders a sense of comfort."

-Stephen S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Unsafe practice. I almost died one time having to abruptly swerve into traffic. Unacceptable planning."

-Graham B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bikes are an important form of transportation in this city and bike infrastructure must be protected. Bike lanes are for the safety of cyclists, not extra parking!"

-Cameron D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Respect bike infrastructure"

-Bryce L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please do not ignore this dangerous permit before it is too late. This will directly impact the safety of everyday commuters traveling by bike. Last year already broke the record on lethal vehicular related crashes for bicyclist in Philadelphia. It is time to enact regulation that saves lives, not endanger them."

-Adam R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These should be the best streets to bike on in the city and instead every day is a mad max esque hell ride where you should expect to die due to being forced out of the bike lane by a delivery driver or parked car."

-Michael E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Respect bike infrastructure!!"

-Stacie B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Car have their own lane, respect bike transportation!"

-Kate F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike along the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Sts several times per week for work and recreation. I've been injured in bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles in the past and am constantly in fear of my safety when cars are permitted to park in the bike lane. Please end this practice so that the convenience of others does not take precendence over my and other riders' safety!"

-Michael N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What is even the point of a bike lane if you are giving people legal right to park there? The whole point of a bike lane is to alleviate congestion by giving cyclists an unobstructed path This is just sheer legislative failure, I mean who thought this was a good idea?"

-Garrett C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It doesn’t make sense to endanger residents of the city so that people can drive from elsewhere to park in a bike lane. I do not feel safe using these bike lanes — because they are regularly occupied by cars."

-Charles D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Make bike lanes safe again!"

-Cole H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every car that blocks the bike lane puts cyclists at risk. There is no point to a bike lane if cyclists can’t use it!"

-Amy T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike on Spruce and Pine everyday on my commute to center city. Every day a car is parked in the lane, and every time I'm forced out into the road creating an unsafe conflict for cyclists and other drivers.Philly has the tools to be a first class city for active transportation, but needs to take vision 0 and safety seriously."

-owen k. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lane parking (whether associated with a church or not) forces riders to merge into traffic which is often moving faster than us which is difficult and dangerous."

-Kimberlee M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"A bike lane that allows parking is not a bike lane. Church parking is a ridiculous, outdated custom started to get buy in from congregations to install bike lanes in the first place. They are essentially nonexistent on the weekends, and cars remain in the lanes long long after any kind of church services might have ended. It’s 2024 - give cyclists our lanes."

-Scott G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please help keep us safe"

-Shmem Rose C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please help me and all Philly bicyclists arrive at our destinations safely. Thank you."

-Lisa W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Many bikers I struck by vehicles on a regular basis in Philadelphia because our infrastructure does not make it safe for them. Biking reduces pollution, and makes Philadelphia a much more accessible and safe place. We need more protection for bikers especially on the few bike Lanes we have allotted for them. We should have more bike lanes and entire streets made into pedestrian only lanes. We need to remove any parking permits in bike Lanes as it is very disruptive and makes for dangerous situations which cause more traffic."

-Tyler k. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please keep our streets safe for bikers."

-Alyssa M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's confusing to cyclists and drivers to change the rules about bike lanes. Please do not let cars park in them, period."

-Shawn W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Keep cars out of the city’s bike lanes please!"

-Róisín F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and all non-drivers."

-Jasmine W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Stay out of the bike lane!!"

-Marcus P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The city needs to prioritize bike transportation. If we give up what little infrastructure there is to cars at the first request, we are demonstrating how little we care about bikes. If parking is this much of an issue, make parking mandatory for new builds in the city."

-Emmet W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please enforce the idea that bicycles are vehicles, and bike traffic is real traffic! As a cyclist and bike commuter, I often have to swerve into dangerous car traffic all over the city when drivers treat bike lanes as though they don’t exist. Allowing permits for bike lane parking undermines respect and safe treatment of bike lanes by drivers."

-Caroline C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"We use these bicycle lanes regularly, if not daily, and having the entirety of it blocked by cars is an obvious danger. It’s our only bit of safety from other drivers during the highly trafficked weekend."

-Evan W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Make Philadelphia safer and easier to bike in! Cars have plenty of places to be, but yet there’s no respect for Philadelphia’s bikers! It’s a clean and safe way to transport people, and yet we’re making it difficult and dangerous to do so by prioritizing cars. Bike lanes should only be for bikes, and that rule should be upheld and enforced!"

-Jillian H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every time a car is parked in a bike lane, the cyclist has to swerve into traffic to avoid it. This puts puts cyclists and other pedestrians at high risk. Bicycling, pedestrian, and public transportation infrastructure is paramount to countering numerous intersecting problems faced by most American cities and should be prioritized."

-Bill L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The bikes must flow!"

-Justin L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"its time to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of this city's residents."

-Morgan B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please keep our bike lanes clear & safe!"

-Jasmin M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It’s absolutely ridiculous that we have to put our lives at stake so that people can use the most inefficient and wasteful form of transportation to go to their “religious gatherings.” Obviously these people don’t actually practice what they preach (or what is being preached) in their houses of worship. The irony of the situation is painful."

-Ello S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Recently on a Wednesday am ride I found an entire block bike lane full of parked cars. 4th to fifth I remember, on Spruce. Mostly expensive models. I phoned 311 but was directed to call 911. A better reporting system needs implemented."

-James S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a resident of Lehigh Valley and a visitor of Philly, I hope to see this positive change. Be a positive role model for other Pennsylvania cities who are nascent biking cities. Send the message, "Bikes belong in bike lanes - not cars.""

-Megan L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every weekend I go on the bike path with my kid you put him at great risk. We have to go on the road for most of the way with other drivers trying to squeeze by us in a very aggressive way. No matter if it’s pine or spruce, both bike lanes are always full of cars. Please enforce the no parking, especially on the weekend when most families want to use the bike lanes !"

-Manfred W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please choose humans over cars. Please advocate for bikers safety so that we can all get to our destination and back home to our families without harm."

-Ashley P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Completely unacceptable to see this STILL occurring."

-Kyle H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Do what's obviously right"

-Cassidy H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"People who choose to drive to church rather than using other forms of transportation should have to locate parking as one does for any other purpose or outing. Putting people’s lives at risk by forcing them out of the few dedicated bike lanes in Center City is not acceptable."

-Liam G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The roads are only getting more dangerous for bikers. Keep things safe."

-Reed S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What makes this worse is that churches also pay no taxes."

-Kay K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a resident and voter living on Pine Street without a car, the bike lane is a game changer that lets me get around the city. Allowing parking on the bike lane will not only kill the bike lane, but will inevitably kill another Philadelphian to traffic violence."

-Adrian P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The safety of all who travel on our streets needs to be provided for. When my mode of transportation is a bicycle, a legal vehicle, my safety is being forfeited for the convenience of motorists who park in the bike lane. I request that my safety be considered as important as anyone’s, no more, but no less."

-Todd H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Even as an experienced cyclist I am frequently forced into dangerous situations by entitled religious groups parking in the bike lane. This is even riskier for families, casual & older riders who can't match speed with cars & merge into traffic. The city needs to end this practice now and take responsibility for safe streets."

-Andrew P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"No special exemptions for bike lanes! Most people using the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine aren’t even parishioners."

-Matthew L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Biking is already risky and these permits only add to the chances that cyclists have to take each day."

-Amanda K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Cars in bike lanes make biking less safe! When more people bike, our city is safer and healthier!"

-Lisa J. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's absurd to have the meager portion of the road allotted for bicycle transport encroached upon on a revolving basis."

-John M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"While I do not live in Philly, I've been visiting family there all my life. I've recently started biking in the city and immediately noticed how it was impossible to use many of the bike lanes. You dangerously need to swerve in and out of them due to the excessive amount of cars parked in them making them not viable options for bikers whether they are commuting for work, delivering food, or simply riding around."

-Saro M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking in the bike lanes creates a serious hazard not only for cyclists, but for pedestrians and other drivers. Often times I'll see official vehicles parked in these lanes as well, without any emergency lights or hazards indicating exception. Let's make Philly safer for all, please."

-Julien R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Convenient, free parking should never be prioritized over the safety of vulnerable road users."

-Bernardino A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I have always been a biker. I do not have a car and prefer this method of transportation. I’ve lived in Ann Arbor, DC, Denver and NYC and I have never felt unsafer biking than I do in Philly. It’s because of this city’s inability to provide more and SAFER alternatives to driving that these bike lanes are treated as accessories and citizens can’t use them properly. If you don’t respect bikers, then why should cars?"

-Caroline K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"There are lots and street parking these people can utilize. Allowing Parking on one of the few bike lanes in this city putting citizens at unnecessary risk."

-Heather V. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is an issue that affects many folks I know and myself! Please take action in the name of bike safety."

-Stephen P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The city needs to consider the safety of bicyclists. Not issuing these permits will be a step in the right direction. Bicyclists shouldn’t be paying with their safety so other don’t have to pay for parking"

-Wesley N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bikes have just as much right to a safe space to get from point A to B. Not everyone has the money to own a car and biking may be our only option. Philly drivers are crazy as it is so having to swerve to avoid cars just adds another layer of danger. Let’s make it safe for everyone getting to their point B."

-Pauline A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This was always a dumb idea and it should end, especially because most of the cars parked in the bike lane are not used by people attending the churches."

-Alexander M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please consider the safety and wellbeing of those who rely on bike lanes to travel throughout the city. Make sustainable transportation methods safe and desirable. Best, An inline skater"

-Aarushi G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The bike lane is not a parking lot. Make it safer for bikers to ride without swerving into traffic."

-Jennifer D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Streets are for people, not cars. We can have either bike lane parking, or Vision Zero, but we can't have both. I choose Vision Zero."

-Sam R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"PLEASE work with the houses of worship on alternatives. I can't tell you (I guess I am now) how unsafe I feel having to ride in traffic on Pine and Spruce during hours of worship.It is neither right, fair, safe, nor I dare say, Judeo Christian! Besides that the permits themselves are illegal (only for construction vehicles). Thank you."

-Philip B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Additionally, could we get some actual enforcement of cars that are in the bike lane at any time for any reason? There are plenty of people ticketing cars for parking meters. It is arguably more dangerous form them to be stopped in bike lanes."

-Dustin O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"My safety commuting on my bike shouldnt be compromised, simply because it inconveniences you to allow for it."

-Jeff C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike here. Cars being parked in these lanes and forcing me to swerve into traffic are literally life-threatening for me and thousands of other Philadelphians."

-Leo W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a native Philadelphian who uses a bike to get around the city all year long, at all times of day, I know that having unobstructed bike lanes is critical to keeping EVERYONE safe. Allowing drivers to take up dedicated bike lane space is illogical, unsafe, and discourages biking. Biking, for those who are able, can be a practical and healthy form of transportation in the city. It should be encouraged and protected by quality bike infrastructure. Blocked bike lanes make cyclists, particularly casual cyclists like myself, feel much less comfortable on the road. There are plenty of dedicated car spaces in this city, let's keep the far fewer bike-specific spaces car free."

-Jenna S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I don't bike myself but I have all the solidarity with those Philadelphians who do as a transit enthusiast. Improving bike (and other non-car) infrastructure and actively discouraging drivers from ruining the existing infrastructure will make people less afraid to walk and bike and help make Philadelphia a safer and more accessible city for everyone, including those who do still choose to drive."

-Alex P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking in bike lanes is unsafe and leads to threats on bikers safety from aggressive drivers. Reducing these conflicts is key to ensuring safe passage of all road users."

-James G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Clear the lanes!"

-Sarah R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This kind of exception is an embarrassment for our city and dismisses the safety of Philly's people."

-Jess O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The spruce street bike lane is used by trucks and people to park, which defeats the purpose of having a bike lane"

-Sean C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bikers need better protections in this city"

-Drew K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please prioritize the safety of all road users over the convenience of a few."

-Heather S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is the bare minimum - bikers safety should take precedence over convenient parking"

-Lucia C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parked cars in bike lanes are very dangerous!"

-Dan W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Keep our streets safe!"

-Basil J. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Spruce St is one of the few relatively safe westbound streets in Philadelphia but parked cars in the bike lane defeats the entire purpose."

-Gabriel M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a personal note, I regularly use the Spruce and Pine bike lanes for commuting and leisure. They are a vital east-west connection in the Philly bike lane network. Weekend congregation parking in these lanes, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, has put me into dangerous and unnecessary near-miss conflicts with motorists. Bring an end to bike lane parking permits, and protect Philadelphia's riders."

-Shawn B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's time to set your priorities for Philadelphia. Are we going to value people who chose not to drive in our communities or are we going to value people who drive in from out of town?"

-Casey B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These churches don't even pay taxes! The cyclists who need the lanes do!"

-Erin O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These bike lanes of traffic are main thoroughfares though densely populated and high traffic volume parts of the city. To have these permits in place puts bikers in danger from impatient drivers, distracted drivers, and pedestrians crossing"

-Anthony P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As someone who was recently drawn to Philadelphia on the promise of our beautiful city to be a place I could navigate from outside the confines of a windshield, one of the greatest threats to that reputation and ideal are the routine abuses of the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine as parking for entitled drivers. And nothing is more frustrating is trying to navigate these lanes on a Sunday and being forced into car traffic because a few churches are able to skirt the rules that normally apply to everyone else, and don't care to have their congregants use one of the AMPLE parking lots and garages within the area. Please end this practice and strengthen the protections for the bike lanes to make Philadelphia a more healthy, green, and accessible city, on EVERY day of the week (including Sundays!)"

-Duncan A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Keep bicyclists safe!"

-Maggie A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Most people underestimate the danger that is created when a cyclist has to merge from a bike lane into vehicle traffic. "Just go around," they say. But blocked bike lanes are a major cause of conflict between bikes and cars. What we are talking about here is possible injury and even death vs convenient parking. This is not hyperbole and this shouldn't even be a debate. Please show us that you value our health and safety by withdrawing these permits."

-Karen B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These bike lanes endanger the community!"

-James M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"A car swerved into the Spruce Street bike lane, hitting me. We need these lanes to have a physical barrier."

-ANDREW B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"EVERY TIME there are always cars parked in the bike lane. Cars on this road are driving fast. As a teenager, I am frightened to bike with the cars. There has been construction on this path which made commuting on it extremely difficult. This bike lane is dysfunctional with the amount and frequency cars are parked in it!!!!"

-Rulan Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I will not rest until OTIS makes a public apology and rectifies this blight on our city."

-Joseph C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It’s a no-brainer. Get the cars and the Sunday religious folk out of the bike lanes."

-Jason L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes, not cars. Obstructing them for any reason is unsafe and unacceptable. We wouldn't accept people parking in car travel lanes, so why does the city accept it for bike lanes? Let's do the right thing and stop bike lane parking."

-Cory H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The permits currently given to the Spruce/Pine congregations are illegal, dangerous, and short-sighted. They offer a minor convenience to the congregations at the cost of cyclist safety, an unacceptable trade-off. A city that wants to be taken seriously on the global stage should not be bending permitting rules for anyone's convenience, especially not when there is a life safety cost to doing so."

-Peyton L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Allowing parking in bike lanes endangers lives by pushing cyclists either into traffic, or illegally on to sidewalks where they out pedestrians in danger. Something must be done now, not later."

-Sean D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"More safe bike lanes less car parking!"

-Matt M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The current situation for these bike lanes is unsafe and unethical!"

-Alan K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What is a bike lane if you allow cars to park in it? I am exhausted by constantly being almost hit by moving cars when I am navigating around other cars parked in what is supposed to be a safe corridor for cyclists."

-Laurence H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Cars parked in bike lanes cause bikers to have to enter traffic lanes, putting them in preventable danger. Please stop cars from parking in bike lanes, and make our bike lanes safer!"

-DeeAnne C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I ride to and from work on pine and spruce. People are extremely rude when I tell them politely that they are not allowed to stop in the bike lane. Revoke the permits!!!"

-Daniel F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every day is a life risking situation using this bike lane!"

-Omar M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking unbased Bikes based"

-Gaia S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these bike lanes everytime I travel into Center City. They are crucial thoroughfares for cyclists. It's time to stop the chaos in the bike lanes. Churchgoers, and all that park in the bike lanes are disrupting traffic flow and endanger cyclists. It's simple, ban parking in bike lanes to keep everyone safe."

-Adam T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Allowing parking in bike lanes shows the city does not care at all about the safety of cyclists."

-Grace O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Allowing parking in bike lanes is asinine."

-Alex M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Safety> parking"

-Keith M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I am a member of a church that also meets in Center City. Our church could do the same thing and ask the city to give our parishioners permission to park in what would otherwise by illegal parking spots. However, that seems immoral not just from the perspective of the law but more importantly, as an act that knowingly endangers other human beings. If these religious organizations truly believe human life is precious, it's incomprehensible for them to ask the city for allow parking in the bike lane simply for the sake of convenience. I urge you to withdraw the permits that allows illegal parking that puts people on bicycles at risk. Sincerely, Peter Kim"

-Peter K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I ride these bike lanes frequently from Old City to Rittenhouse. Yes, I own a car, but I only use it when leaving the city. There is something special about walking and biking around the city that isn’t experienced when doing so by car. Turn the existing bike lanes into raised, curb protected bike lanes that can’t be used for parking. It’s critical that we offer safe grade separated bike lanes so more people feel safe biking in this city."

-James P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Sundays are for bike riders too!"

-Susan W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please protect lives by keeping bike lanes clear!"

-Jasper H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Allowing parking on the bike lanes on Sundays sends a message to drivers that it is ok to park in the lane any day. These lanes are essential east/west lines and cannot be allowed to become parking."

-Adam D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What is the point of having the bike lane if you are gonna let people park in it? I would feel way better about using this bike lane if I knew I didn't have to leave it to get around parked cars."

-Brodie B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"No parking in bike lanes!"

-Ryan D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Although I don't bike in the city myself (for this very reason!!!), it's deeply upsetting to know how many bikers have already been hurt, killed, or experienced near-misses while traveling through designated bike lanes, just for some driver's parking convenience. This kind of issue is UNTHINKABLE in countless other big metro areas across the country and across the world, those which already have protections vital for biker safety, so it's long past time for Philly to catch up. As so many other commenters have already put it: how many more have to die before this whole practice is ended for good?"

-R S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I ride on these bike lanes every day, as my commute to work and on weekends to access Center City and the Delaware River Trail, and it feels dangerous riding into the street with traffic to get around cars which are parked in the bike lane"

-Brian C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Our city should not be giving differing treatment to certain entities based on their religious activities. Places of worship face similar parking challenges to thousands of residents and businesses in the city that all must find means to park outside of bike lanes. Why do four religious institutions receive special treatment?"

-Tom A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes in Center City are too few as is. Please protect those that exist by not allowing illegal parking in them."

-Conor C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Philadelphians have the right to ride a bike safely no matter what day of the week it is. Please repeal these illegal permits than infringe on the rights of everyone else for the convenience of some."

-Adriana D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are important infrastructure to keep Philadelphia cyclists safe, and meet our city's Vision Zero goals. Allowing car licenses to park in bike lanes endangers cyclists and send the message to drivers that parking in bike lanes is acceptable, which causes cars to clog bike lanes in other parts of the city."

-Arlo B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These permits are putting the convenience of some over the safety of others. You have the power to change that; please do."

-Tereza K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Dear OTIS; Giving religious exemptions to park illegally is a travesty of the first amendment. While I'm sure you're getting plenty of messages about safety, this is a constitutional issue. This is a government endorsement of religion, and it infringes upon my rights. Sincerely, Martin Willard"

-Martin W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bikers deserve safety"

-holly s. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The bike lanes are supposed to be for our safety. The only time I can use them (the weekend) also happens to be when they are completely blocked off by cars. Help prevent someone from loosing their life and change this."

-Gregory P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I have almost been severely injured biking on this street because of the cars parked in the bike lane. Last year, my wife, a nurse who has worked during COVID and given so much to this city, was hit while in the bike lane coming back from her shift at the hospital on the Pine Street bike lane. It is time the city builds common bike infrastructure and eliminating the parking by vehicles and church-goers."

-Trevor P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These bike lane parking permits force me and other cyclists out into dangerous traffic while biking on weekends. The extreme convenience of some church goers should not supersede the safety of others. If we do not give permits for church goers to park in an entire travel lane for cars - the same should be true for cyclists."

-Marisa W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking in the bike lanes is a safety issue and should be illegal as it is in every other circumstance!"

-Kendall L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Parking in bike lanes makes it literally impossible to safely bike. The hazards of being forced to merge into traffic at a moments notice, WITHOUT time to look for cars or signal to rivers, can literally be LIFE THREATENING. Please make biking more safe for all Philadelphians!!"

-Annie C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It would be unthinkable if the sidewalks were allowed to be blocked for this purpose, forcing pedestrians into the street, so why is it acceptable for the bike lane?"

-Ryan P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"My 2.5 year old daughter and I exclusively ride on my bike (we do not own a car and my husband also rides his bike) and it is very dangerous for us to get around the city on safe bike infrastructure because we don't have this infrastructure consistently due to this outdated practice. We do not allow cars on the sidewalks why do we allow parked cars in the bike lane? Especially when there are many ways to get to these congregations without the use of personal vehicles. Pretend it's a city. This is unacceptable."

-Emily G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike commuter. Typically I don’t use the bike lane because I don’t want to inevitably have to dip into traffic when I see it being blocked. Thanks for all you do."

-Will S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These cars are nothing but a safety hazard to bikers, forcing us to weave in and out of traffic without warning. With aggressive drivers on the Philly streets, the need for separate bike lanes is more important than ever."

-Kiana B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This benefits both vehicle users and bicyclists alike. Bike lanes both improve mobility for those on bikes (added safety promotes use) and for those who prefer vehicles (a cyclist removes an uber/additional car from the road/parking spaces). No one is entitled to a guaranteed spot in a city. Circle the blocks or park in a lot. If distance is a problem for disabled folks, add handicapped spaces. No brainer."

-Gregory A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Prioritize the safely of vulnerable road users, not the convenience of drivers."

-Andy T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Make bike lanes safe for bikes!!!"

-Stephanie R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This practice is nonsense."

-Sean S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please remove these ridiculous parking permits, they hinder the safe passage of bicycle traffic down the streets. In addition, the bike lanes should be permanently seperated from car traffic."

-Joshua T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The bike lane should be reserved for its intended purpose. There are plenty of parking lots with availability on the weekends. People take advantage of the loophole and it contributes to the sense of vehicular lawlessness in the city."

-Emily M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It would be great to be able to ride safely down Spruce and Pine without having to dodge into car traffic. Let’s make it a reality"

-Julian B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"please pass legislation that is pro bike! i've been hit by a car and we desperately need to protect bikers over cars."

-Chris E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Protect our bikers and pedestrians."

-Christopher L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This city would be so much safer if we didn’t prioritize cars over people"

-Erin Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Cars parked here force cyclists into traffic and dangerous situations. The city already struggles to provide a modicum of safe bike routes across the city. Turning these few corridors into parking is detrimental to safety. Further, discouraging alternative forms of transportation by making them more dangerous and inconvenient will actually worsen parking and congestion in the city as more people resort to cars. Because of this, this policy exacerbates the problem it's trying to solve."

-Maxxum F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Philadelphians deserve the ability to bike safely in the city at all times."

-Chad B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Obstruction of bike lanes is out of control, PPA doesn’t patrol on Sundays so most bike lanes become a free for all. I don’t think it is unreasonable for worshippers to find close parking rather than allowing them to create an unsafe environment for cyclists."

-James C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I've almost died in these streets due to the bike lanes being full of parked cars. Shorter walks to church for some residents should not outweigh the lives and health of others."

-Frances .. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Let’s prioritize safety together!"

-Erin M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike all the time to get to work, to shop, to get to appointments on time. I want safe infrastructure!"

-Zoe M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I often use Spruce and Pine to ride and it is unsafe to navigate around the cars"

-Jeffrey I. 8 months, 1 week ago

"NO PARKING IN THE BIKE LANES!!!!!!!!"

-Eliza M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"You wouldn't allow permits to park bikes in car lanes... Everyone is entitled to safe use of city streets."

-Andrew M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Spruce and Pine should be two of the safest streets to bike on, but the bike lanes are constantly blocked."

-Patrick G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Do the right thing, by Philadelphia and its bikers. Philadelphia only stands to gain by withdrawing these ridiculous, dangerous permits."

-Jessica G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It is ludicrous to expect a cyclist in a bike lane to safely yield, check behind, and merge between a bicycle lane and main road where people often speed and rarely look for cyclists. Bicycles lack the stopping power of a car and are more susceptible to obstacles on a road. A large pot hole could send a cyclist flying off the bike and into traffic if they cannot effectively navigate within bike lane. Drivers are often unaware of the law. I jog this road often and witness drivers pulling in front of cyclists, not watching when cyclist has to move into driving lane due to parking, etc. Why have a bike lane that does nothing? I never bike to commute because I know there will be uneducated, non-law abiding drivers and apparently legally cars parked due to the city staff’s ignorance. Go ride 10 mi around this city in “bike lanes” and start a count of how many times a person is put at high risk of death due to negligence of others and our poor infrastructure. I remind you again (along with several officers who incorrectly said otherwise): it is illegal in Philadelphia to cycle on the side walk if you are under 13 years of age so no this is not an option. In PA overall it is illegal within business districts with official traffic control devices as an exception; this is moot if a bike lane is adjacently present. If you want sustainable methods of transport, act like it or stop wasting our city's money. We have enough issues without local government making things worse from ideally ignorance but more likely greed and selfishness. Will you prioritize the actual denizens of your city? I.e. will you make this a city worth staying in by listening to actual residents or is it time to look/vote elsewhere for a truly better future? https://311.phila.gov/s/article/Is-it-illegal-to-ride-a-bicycle-on-the-sidewalk-1400584967467 https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=35"

-LiAnn M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Do the right thing and prioritize the health and safety of thousands over inconveniencing a small handful of people."

-Clark H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike on pine street multiple times a week. In the past year, too many friends have been killed or seriously injured while biking in Philadelphia where they lacked a bike lane and were forced into traffic. The pine street bike lane is a good step toward safer conditions for cyclists, but it must be TRULY AVAILABLE for use to actually improve safety. Please ensure that for the bike lanes that do exist in this city, they actually be reserved for their intended purpose."

-Maria T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Time to end this"

-Cooper S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"These lanes make it unsafe to ride a bicycle on the weekends in Center City, making it more likely for my husband to insist we take an Uber instead, which also harms the city's environmental goals while also increasing traffic."

-Benjamin D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Jesus would want us to have safer bike lanes إن شاء الله😇💪"

-N H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Tax the church"

-Danjelle G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Completely unnecessary and objectively dangerous."

-John C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes belong to bikes. Everybody has the right to move around the city safely. Philadelphia is full of empty car parkings. These individuals can park their cars their."

-Yolanda G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This practice is illegal and unsafe. There is no justification for it."

-Jordan B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I've always wondered why those people were parking in a lane of traffic. And now that I've learned that it's for organizations that could easily organize shuttles, or even just carpools for mobility challenged congregants, frankly I'm furious."

-Brian M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I try to use roads with bike lanes as much as possible because they are safer. Forcing bikers into busy lanes to accommodate parked cars is not the right direction for this city."

-SARAH R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes should not be parked in period. You wouldn’t sell permits for people to park in regular traffic lanes, that would just be a parking spot. Taking away bike lanes in this manner forces riders to merge dangerously back into traffic or they ride on the sidewalks which are safer for them but dangerous to pedestrians."

-Kalvin L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a cyclist, parking in the bike lane puts both cyclists and cars at risk as many drivers make unsafe decisions when faced with a slower bike in the road."

-Margaret M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's completely absurd. End it."

-Kurt D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please keep Bike lanes only for bikes. There's PLENTY of parking garages out of towners can use to better patronize philly"

-Tommy H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It’s time for bike lanes to protect bicyclists as they were intended to do, 7 days a week. There are many alternatives for congregations with drivers and 10 years has been more than enough time for them to adapt to and embrace these safer alternatives."

-Justin H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"In addition, whatever “permit” that exists to allow people to park in the right traffic lane on Lombard St between 3rd and 6th Sts on Sundays should also be removed. It is extremely dangerous and has nearly caused many accidents with drivers not realizing what is an active lane of traffic for the 6 other days out of the week suddenly houses parked cars with out of state plates. You are not serving the community that actually lives in these neighborhoods by allowing this hazard to continue."

-L E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Prioritizing private religious groups and providing them special consideration for parking above the interests of safety, sustainability, and public access is morally repugnant."

-Jakob W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Blocked bike lanes make it incredibly dangerous for cyclists because we have to maneuver back and forth to a car lane. Bike lanes should be for bikes."

-Paige T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Congregations are supposed to help people and save souls not endanger them. If they truly believe in their missions they cannot keep creating unsafe environment for others."

-Lenka K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Withoutm bike lane I don't know how bikers would get around even with a bike lane people still drive in the bike lane make it hard for any biker"

-Dawn R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes and not cars!"

-Martin P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This practice creates dangerous situations, and when in the best of times, is flagrantly not followed. I have never seen a permit on the dashboard, and vehicles are frequently parked until 8pm or later. It is abused by neighborhood residents who simply want to park closer to their house without repercussions."

-Luke S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I would like to not risk death for the convenience of others."

-John W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"People over property."

-Alex Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these bike lanes every day and have had multiple close calls and near collisions because of being forced into car traffic by cars parked in these lanes."

-Jared M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"For the respect and safety of cyclists in our city, please don’t allow cars (which are already privileged and protected on the roads enough) to take up more space. Both of my brothers and my boyfriend have had their fair share of bike incidents at the hands of cars and I would love to see our city create a safer environment for them and leave their bike lanes safe and untouched by cars."

-Carmen M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please stop issuing these illegal permits and putting cyclists’ lives in danger."

-Jonathan B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes need to be protected and reserved for bikes, always. This is such an unsafe practice."

-Jamie G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The Spruce and Pine bike lanes are one of the few safe ways to cross from the east side of central Philadelphia to the west side. Making them impossible to use on weekends makes it hard for bike commuters to make it to the SRT or the Delaware River trail safely, let alone businesses that reside along these roads. Although religious services do not last all day parking in the lanes is continuous throughout the weekend. This NEEDS to end."

-Megan K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The safety of ALL people in our city who use the bike lane should take precedence over a few parking spots."

-James B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"A bike lane with cars intermittently spread across it is far more dangerous than not having a bike lane at all. My girlfriend and I have both almost been seriously injured due to people (legally) using these bike lanes as parking."

-Nick K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As someone that comes to the city with my bike regularly from the suburbs I expect to be able to use the bike infrastructure, but it is all too common that I routinely need to leave the bike lane to avoid a car parked in it, mixing it up with distracted drivers in the road. This is dangerous to cyclists and must stop."

-Dominic V. 8 months, 1 week ago

"There are way too many illegal parkers in the bike lanes without authorizing people to do so."

-Douglas P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"If cars park in bike lanes then cyclists will die, cars are death machines. If a car hits a cyclist the car is fine and cyclists means of moving around the world is destroyed, and they may be permanently injured or die. We must have protected safe places for cyclists. It is the right thing to do. Do you want murder on your conscious?"

-David G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please protect the lives of cyclists and other non-car movers by removing the parking lane permits of the religious congregations."

-Renée B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Let’s make biking in the city safer. Please."

-Robert N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The easier it is to bike around the city, the less cars there will be on the roads!!"

-Sarah F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Prioritize bikes over cars!"

-Jay S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I have been hurt because of people parking in bike lanes. Others have died because of cars and bike lane infrastructure prevents these deaths."

-Julia S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This unsafe practice has gone on long enough."

-Cam P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Make these streets safe for cyclists and pedestrians!"

-Josh S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"There’s a way to make it easier for congregants to worship and keep our bike lanes clear and safe for commuters. Let’s work together to find a solution!"

-Ashley T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Using bike lanes as extra parking is dangerous"

-Alex S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"When city officials give special groups permission to break the law that is corruption, plain and simple. I’m signing to end this unsafe corruptions"

-Daniel L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Biking is our main form of transport and with 2 under 10 we use a cargo bike. The weekends are so dangerous with the parking in the bike lanes it’s gotten scary to even get around our neighborhood. Please do away with this immediately! How many Philadelphians need to die before this is taken seriously!!"

-Amy C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes. Being forced to swerve into the car lane is very dangerous to people cycling. Other parking options exist for the congregants."

-Ben C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"i use the S"

-Spencer H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please stop this dangerous practice."

-Leslie H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please stop allowing cars to park in the bike lanes. We need safe routes to bike with kids on the weekend - and always!"

-Stefanie H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Give us our bike lane back and stop putting us in danger"

-Karen S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Protect cyclists! Make Philly a truly great city to get around; not one in which we are forced to drive to be safe"

-Greg H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This church parking lasts all day and into the evening even when no services are being held. People just take advantage of it, and there seems to be no enforcement after services end."

-Roland D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Consider all the children and elderly that depend on these bike lane as the safest available route across the city"

-Joseph M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Car drivers have proven that they are not able to be trusted not to park in a bike lane. Put up bollards and curbs. Cars should not be able to enter the bike lane"

-Garrett C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Also remove the 20 minute rule - reduce it to 5 or less!"

-Mike I. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It’s not a bike lane if cars can park in it."

-John P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike along Spruce and Pine Streets, and I see many others bike along these routes. When there aren't cars parked in the bike lanes, they're fantastic. However, I've personally been almost hit by aggressive drivers when trying to get across town on a Sunday morning when the cars were blocking the bike lane."

-Marc S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Humans over cars, please! :)"

-Leo W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It is ludicrous that we allow our bike lanes to be taken over for free parking for mostly non-residents, at least half of whom have New Jersey and Delaware plates, on the weekends when the families who actually live here would like to ride their bikes."

-William C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is an outrageous hindrance to the daily life of city residents and needlessly puts people in danger. Cars linger long after services are over. These congregations are among the wealthiest in the city, their members can afford to park at any nearby garage or lot. Perhaps church and synagogue leaders should advocate for improved public transit on the weekends."

-Peter F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It makes it extremely dangerous for me to ride to and from work when the bike lane is obstructed. I cannot walk to work as I am pregnant and it takes me too long now but there are also no good bus routes so I have to bike to get to work. I do not feel safe biking in the street with angry drivers"

-Audrey M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I’d love to see a crack down on double parking in the bike lane. These lanes need to be fully protected from the motor vehicle lane."

-Adam S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Where Would Jesus Park?"

-Hank G. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike the Pine and Spruce bike lanes at least six times a week. I feel my life is just as valuable as a free parking spot. It’s not a bike lane if people are allowed to park in it."

-Dennis M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"If Philadelphia wants to be taken seriously as caring about wellness / sustainability / green transportation, then the bike lanes shouldn't be "optional" to adhere to. Thanks!"

-Amanda P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is absurd and speaks volumes of how little Philly cares about traffic safety. Cars do not belong in the bike lane!"

-Jaxon F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes save lives - bike lane parking permits say that these lives are less important than convenient car storage."

-Julia M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This backwards culture where we put cars above of all has got to STOP! Way too much space is ALREADY taken up by cars. There is no valid reason to also permit them to take up our limited bike lanes! SAD we have to fight for our basic right to SAFELY exist outside of a car whether it’s on bike, foot, scooter, wheelchair, etc."

-Michelle R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"What’s the point of bike lanes if cars can block them! Cyclists need safe thoroughfares. Cars in bike paths equal less safe and more dangerous cycling and result in fewer cycling and more air pollution!"

-Julia M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Upholding these permits is a risk to human life. The law is the law and city officials need to start taking our safety much more seriously."

-Jason P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I've been calling the PPA about the dangers of cars parked in the bike lane on Spruce for months now. I did not realize they were being issued permits to do so. This is beyond ridiculous and it puts lives at risk. We already don't have enough safe places to ride our bikes, as our bike lanes are not protected like they are in other countries/cities. The fact that we issue permits to park in bike lanes is frustratingly absurd. Things like this push me closer and closer to leaving the U.S completely. I feel that anywhere I move in the U.S., I always have to fight for basic rights like safe infrastructure. I'm just tired of it."

-Nick F. 8 months, 1 week ago

"While it may not seem like much trouble, allowing this bike lane parking to continue perpetuates the thought/mentality that bicycle infrastructure is not really worth protecting. It allows drivers to continue to disregard cyclists and puts us at major risk. Cycle should be safe and accessible to all. Motorists should realize that every bike in the road is one less car they have to compete with for traffic/ parking."

-Scott S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Jesus would have said "don't park in the effin bike lane!""

-Fernando S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please do the moral thing!"

-John I. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every weekend the bike lanes are filled with cars. Why is this allowed? How does this support Vision Zero? Why are places of worship given special privileges?"

-Daniela A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's time. The safety of cyclists must finally take precedence over unnecessary parking."

-Tom E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I am regularly biking in this area on the weekends and have witnessed near-death experiences due to drivers being impatient and hostile towards cyclists forced to ride in the center lane. By withdrawing these permits and keeping bike lanes open for cyclists, we will reduce problematic car/bike interactions, making both the cycling and driving experience more pleasant for everyone."

-Ben S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I work in the area and clear bike lanes keep me safe and sane."

-Leith K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Having to weave in and out of the bike lanes last year caused me to be clipped by a turning driver. Parking in bike lanes is unsafe."

-Eric C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is one of many unsafe spots and I don’t appreciate the fact that the people taking the spots don’t seem to be aware they using a commuting pathway. I’ve almost been doored and then into road traffic to avoid. I can’t stand the unawareness in Philly. I left town and still do not bike out of general fear after moving. I feel bike lanes in the US are unsafe, mostly because you are vulnerable and scary to trust that all the traffic knows the lanes exist."

-Edwin B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Insane that has to be said"

-Joe C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I crashed my bike going around a car parked outside a church on 18th and Spruce and nearly ended up under a car. I haven't biked to work since because I don't want to risk my life. When there are cars in the bike lane, it is NOT a bike lane!"

-Aliza Y. 8 months, 1 week ago

"As a bike commuter with a freelance career, I mostly work on the weekends and ride my bike along these streets. I always have a violin on my back along with other valuable belongings (other than my life). It is frustrating to see the one truly safe space that we bikers have being taken up by folks who are abusing the permit system. I would hope that the city cares about the lives, livelihoods, and the protection of our environment, fighting car pollution, and creating safe spaces for all."

-Maria I. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Road safety is important"

-Michael N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Every time a car is parked in a bike lane, a cyclist has to swerve into traffic, risking their lives"

-Eric M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"People rely on these bike lanes to travel through our city safely. People will only use bikes, which reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, if they feel safe. It is ignorant and inconsiderate to allow cars to park in one of the very few protected bike lanes in the whole city."

-Finn M. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Don’t force vulnerable road users into car traffic."

-Jacob P. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Make Philadelphia bike lanes safe for cyclists!"

-Neil H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please end this dangerous practice. If you want Philadelphia to be “clean and green” and get more people to use alternatives to cars, we need to make biking safer for everyone."

-Megan S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"A bike lane that allows cars is not a bike lane. I urge you to fully committ to the infrastructure already in place."

-Martin W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these bike lanes daily and they are dangerously blocked regularly. Please withdraw the questionable permits and keep the bike lanes clear. Thank you."

-Cat W. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please make the churchgoers do the Christian thing and love thy [bike-riding] neighbor!"

-Maria S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Find a closer church you don’t have to drive to!"

-Scott A. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes are for bikes!"

-Aaron Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"This is so very unsafe for cyclists! Please withdraw these permits, cars can park elsewhere."

-Emily O. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these lanes all the time and all the time they are full of cars, putting me and many other Philadelphians uneccessarily in the way of harm. Stop enabling this behavior please."

-William N. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Prioritize human safety over parking! Now!"

-Ben D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It's a "bike lane" not a "sometimes bike lane sometimes parking for Jesus lane.""

-Joey C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Bike lanes =/= parking spots!"

-Aaron C. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The fact that there are already so little space dedicated to bikes in this city, and then religious orgs get to take it away every Sunday? Is absolutely absurd! Why should religious organizations get to be above the law??"

-Aislinn S. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Some of us actually work and bike commute on Saturday & Sunday, but we all deserve safer streets regardless!"

-J. T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I often commute home from my healthcare job using these bike lanes and often find them obstructed by cars, which forces me into the more dangerous traffic lane. As someone who rehabs individuals who have been hit by motovehicles, I do not want to see this happen anymore, and believe that doing away with bike lane parking permits is a reasonable way to decrease traffic accidents."

-Andrew B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The convenience of a few religious people should not outweigh anyone's physical safety."

-Chris H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"My grandson bikes to work daily and I worry about him being hit on the dangerous streets. Bike lanes should be for BIKES. Not cars, churchgoers should have to follow the same rules as anyone else and either use public transportation, or park in garages to attend services."

-Virginia H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please help keep my son, Chris and daughter-in-law, Katy and our precious grandchildren safe while using these designated bike lane areas."

-Faith H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Blocked bicycle lanes create dangerous and chaotic conditions for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians alike. Please follow through on Philadelphia’s commitment to Vision Zero and “clean and green” by revoking these permits and eliminating this illegal practice as a whole."

-Ryan B. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The safety of everyone on the road depends on this! It is not safe for someone on a bike to have to weave back into moving traffic!"

-Don K. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Please end the practice of allowing parking in bike lanes. It’s is illegal and dangerous"

-Adrian L. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike on Spruce and Pine almost every weekend. Vehicles in the bike lane is dangerous for all road users, and very confusing for drivers. Please fix it!"

-Brian E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Let's make 'cleaner greener Philly' a reality and take our Vision Zero goals seriously. Time to stop being stuck in the past."

-Christopher D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Convenience for drivers should never come at the cost of the safety of others."

-Russell R. 8 months, 1 week ago

"Spruce and Pine are such lovely connectors to the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware River Trail but they are constantly full of cars, particularly on the weekends. It causes unsafe conditions for cyclists constantly, and it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt. These permits should have been withdrawn years ago. There is no better time now than to rectify that. There are plenty of other solutions that don't put cyclists' lives in danger."

-David T. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The presence of vehicles in the bike lane at any time is disruptive and dangerous. It is not acceptable to put the lives of cyclists at risk for the sake of convenient parking. The city must stop endorsing such irresponsible behavior. I respectfully ask OTIS to prioritize the revocation of any and all bike lane parking permits."

-Adrian V. 8 months, 1 week ago

"The reality is very simple. These are travel lanes for people in the city of Philadelphia dangerously blocked not out of any necessity but for the convenience of a few who's needs can be adequately met elsewhere. It creates a completely unnecessary friction between road users. There is no justifiable reason to force bike lane users into car travel lanes for this purpose."

-Erik D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I use these bike lanes regularly and parked cars and trucks make an otherwise pleasant commute into a hazardous headache."

-Ted Z. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I am a carless Philadelphia who relies on their feet, bike, and transit to get around. I use Spruce and Pine on the weekends to connect to the river trails, but also during the week when I need to get to appointments in Center City. Each time I do, there are cars parked in the bike lane and I find myself having to weave into traffic continuously on these two streets. It is unsafe, stressful, and unwelcoming, even to experienced bikers, to say nothing of how it discourages use in those with less experience. The continued practice of allowing cars to illegally park in the bike lane makes me feel like the city does not value my needs. I am asking OTIS to end the practice of approving the illegal permits and assist the congregations with finding parking alternatives."

-Nick D. 8 months, 1 week ago

"I bike on the weekend all the time. The vehicles parked in the bike lane are both incredibly dangerous and disrespectful. I choose to live in the city and support my community. I pay massive amounts of money every year in local taxes and when I have to swerve in and out of traffic three times on every block to accommodate the needs of someone that chose to drive into center city and store their car in the bike lane it makes me feel like the city doesn’t value me at all. Particularly when the arena discussion has shown there’s thousands of empty garage parking spots in the area."

-Alexander E. 8 months, 1 week ago

"For over 10 years, biking Philadelphians have been asking for congregations to not park in the bike lane. This practice puts the burden of safety on our most vulnerable street users. It is time for change."

-Caleb H. 8 months, 1 week ago

"It is long past time to withdraw these permits and allow safe passage for _all_ traffic on Spruce and Pine regardless of time of day."

-Ee D. 8 months, 1 week ago