Bike Lanes and Safety Tips

In response to the charge to the Working Group on Bike and Pedestrian Safety, action steps were developed to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to calm vehicular traffic on major arteries and surrounding blocks of campus. The cooperation of the City of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was essential to the implementation of the following steps:

  • Installation of "No Turn on Red" signage at most key intersections on and around campus.
  • Installation of turning signal at the 38th and Walnut Street intersection.
  • Installation of a special "Lead Head Start Signal" at the 34th and Walnut Street intersection to allow pedestrian crossing.
  • Repainting of all crosswalks at major intersections.
  • Notification to SEPTA for drivers to obey traffic signals at specific major intersections.
  • Offering bicycle safety orientation for students, faculty and staff.
  • Designating dedicated bicycle lanes on Walnut, Chestnut and 33rd Streets and reducing traffic to two lanes on Walnut Street from 33rd Street to 38th Street.
  • New safety signage added to streets surrounding the campus.
  • The Group will continue to work with the City to designate bicycle lanes on other streets in the future, including 38th between Market and Spruce Streets, and Spruce Street in 2001.

We ask the pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in Penn's community to familiarize themselves with the bike lane map so that we can ensure a greater level of safety for all. The map shows those areas with designated bike lanes, and it outlines areas on Penn's campus where bicycles must be walked. We have also included a list of tips developed by Public Safety for bicyclists to follow. With the implementation of these measures, Penn has paved the way for a safer environment for bicyclists and pedestrians.

--Office of City and Community Relations

Bike Safety Tips

In General:

  • Follow All PA Motor Vehicle Code Regulations
  • Always Wear A Bike Helmet
  • 85% of all fatal bike accidents involve head injuries.
  • Ride Only With The Flow of Traffic
  • Ride as far to the right as is safe and practical.
  • Do not ride on sidewalks.
  • Stop At All Stop Signs and Traffic Lights
  • Proceed with caution.
  • Most accidents involving bikes and cars occur at intersections.
  • Use Designated Bike Lanes Where Available
  • Be Visible When Riding At Night
  • Use a headlight (as required by the PA MVC).
  • Wear reflective clothing.
  • Use side and rear reflectors.

Campus-Specific Bike Safety Tips

  • Do not ride over the Locust Walk Footbridge.
  • Do not ride on Locust Walk M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Use caution around pedestrians.
  • Use caution around building entrances.

Securing Your Bike

  • Use a reliable, good quality bike lock.
  • Secure the wheel and frame to a fixed object.
  • Use bike racks in well-lighted areas.
  • Secure your bicycle inside your residence.

--Prepared by Division of Public Safety


Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 7, October 10, 2000

| FRONT PAGE | CONTENTS | JOB-OPS | CRIMESTATS | Bike Lanes & Safety Tips | COUNCIL: State of the University 2000-2001 (Part One, Rodin) | TALK ABOUT TEACHING ARCHIVE | BETWEEN ISSUES | OCTOBER at PENN |