Answer from the Editor: Bicycling Infrastructure in Fishtown
Johnny Myers, a University City resident, looking to move to Fishtown, asked The Hook:
“One issue that’s important to me is good bicycle infrastructure and safe bike lanes. I’m wondering if Fishtown has had conversations around building better bike infrastructure & bike lanes?”
Editor’s Note: Questions are lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
Thank you for the question, Johnny. I do not ride a bike, but I checked in with two residents who ride in the area and promote safe bicycling infrastructure to help answer your question.
Denis Devine, a Fishtown resident and bike-safety advocate, wants people interested in bicycling in the area to have “no illusions” about Fishtown’s bicycle infrastructure, which isn’t the best.
First, Fishtown roads are quite narrow. Almost all streets in Fishtown have parking on both sides, making roads shared by cars and bicyclists smaller. The neighborhood is then broken up by larger, more traffic-heavy roads, like Frankford, Girard and Delaware avenues. On these roads, bicyclists are unprotected and share the road with more vehicles.
If you’re biking throughout the neighborhood, you’ll notice sharrows, which are not bike lanes, but markings that indicate when bicyclists share the road with a car. You’ll also notice flex posts along Delaware Avenue, which are small plastic posts separating bike lanes from motor vehicle lanes.
For off-road bicycling, there’s a trail along the Delaware River at Penn Treaty Park and Rivers Casino. This connects to a two-way protected bike lane at Penn Street, which can take you to Spring Garden Street. However, be aware that crossing Aramingo Avenue and Richmond Street to get to the riverfront trails can be a challenge, Devine said.
View the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s map of the city’s bicycling infrastructure.
There are a few upcoming projects in and around the neighborhood that Devine and Randy LoBasso, the policy director at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and a Fishtown resident, said could improve the current bicycling infrastructure.
First, the Delaware River Trail will eventually be connected from Oregon Avenue to Allegheny Avenue, parts of which are complete, like at Penn Treaty Park. This will increase safe bicycling connectivity across the city.
“When this is done, it’ll be huge for recreation and commuting,” LoBasso said, adding that the existing trails are great for people who want to bike but are concerned with the safety of the roadways.
Also, the Fishtown-adjacent American Street improvement project will result in new bike lanes and the removal of old trolley tracks (which can be dangerous for bicyclists, LoBasso said.)
As for now, LoBasso and Devine shared tips for people bicycling in the area.
First, try to stay off of Frankford, Girard and Delaware avenues, or other larger roadways. Opt for smaller streets, and you’ll encounter less fast vehicles, they said.
Front Street was recently repaved and has more shoulder space in some stretches, Devine said. He opts to ride on this street over Frankford Avenue.
Devine also suggested planning out your route in a “zig-zag” pattern.
“Long stretches down one street are more likely to incur the wrath of a driver behind you,” he said.
If you want to get used to riding in the city, check out the Bicycle Coalition’s classes that teach residents how to ride a bike or how to bike safely in the city.
Thanks for reaching out, Johnny. I hope this answered your question and safe riding!