Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes
Rep. Ed Neilson September 30, 2024 | 4:13 PM
Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, chaired by state Rep. Ed Neilson, advanced legislation that would give local authorities the option to install parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction.
Senate Bill 1147 was amended by the committee today to add the provisions regarding parking-protected bicycle lanes.
“My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “You can see that reflected in the legislation we’ve passed this year, a lot of which surrounds the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Pennsylvania.”
The House previously passed legislation on parking protected bicycle lanes in June 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan support, but it was never considered in the Senate.
Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in a bike lane over the summer in Philadelphia.
“I’ve got five kids and three grandkids; I can’t imagine having to bury one of my own over something which could have been prevented with a protected bike lane.” Neilson said. “I hope this bill moves quickly and we can avoid more tragic fatalities in Pennsylvania.”
Neilson thanked his colleagues, state Reps. David Maloney and Mary Jo Daley for advancing the issue with their own legislation, H.B. 35 and H.B. 1283, respectively.
Senate Bill 1147 was also amended to add provisions related to motorcycle helmets and motorcycle safety classes.
The bill now awaits further consideration in the House.