Philly Plain Dealer

It was another small win for everyday cyclists in Philadelphia, earlier this month PennDot created an addition to the bus only lanes in center city. From 21st and Chestnut up to Broad Chestnut  and then additional lanes through and on Walnut Street from 19th street up to Broad Street, bikers will have what should be a slightly safer commute to share a lane with Septa buses. Something that seems small, but is a step in the right direction for recognition of the daily cyclist commuter in Philadelphia.

The purpose of these newly added joint bike and bus lanes is simple: improve travel time for buses by giving them a designated lane, crack down on double parking, minimize bikers shifting in and out lanes by giving them a designated lane, traffic congestion and overall efficiency. But, as nice as it is the bikers and buses will be able to share a lane in harmony, the importance of the smooth commutes for the buses and the  financial incentive for the two agencies of Septa & PPA , are unfortunately higher on the list than safety of cyclists, which in reality isn’t either of those agencies jobs. It’s the city’s responsibility. Philadelphia residents ask for concrete barriers and other measures for bike safety and get minimal in response, at most just the same unprotected bike lanes, no change towards advanced safety. 

In May 2025, SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) collaborated and launched a citywide program. The goal of the program is to use computer vision technology to spot vehicles blocking bus lanes and scan license plates to identify the vehicles breaking the rules i.e. double parking, clogging the lane and general driving in the lane, ( via the conversation).  More than 150 buses and 38 trolleys across the city are fitted with the artificial intelligence systems that scan license plates for possible violations. The system uses AI-powered cameras. If the system flags a possible infraction, it gets sent into septa, then a  human reviewer confirms it was an infraction, before a fine is issued Prices of tickets can be as high as 76 dollars in Center City, (via the conversation). 

The city has continuously stated that it was going to implement new lanes and measures to incorporate cyclists into major streets and directions of travel such as Broad Street, but it hasn’t happened.  Especially after the tragic death of Barbara Frieds in July of 2024. The cyclist who was in her third year of residency at CHOP , was struck in a bike lane by an intoxicated driver. She was struck 20 feet, while wearing a helmet, and died. City officials had vowed that cyclists safety would be a priority in Philadelphia, but not much has happened after that. 

As great as it is that penn dot made this step, there is also the financial incentive for drivers not to disrupt these lanes, the city must continue its efforts in respect to its safety incentive of cyclists in Philadelphia. The amount of serious injuries and fatalities that have occurred, especially the incidents that were never reported are inexcusable, in 2024 3 cyclists total were killed and a total of 125 traffic violence deaths were reported (BCGP) . Cyclists’ advocates and organizations such as PBA and Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia in the city are fighting for their bikers safety more than ever, something any and every city should strive to take as priority.