Philly Bike Action Leads 'Demand a Safer Fairmount Park' Petition
Philly Bike Action, joined by nine other local organizations, has initiated a petition named 'Demand a Safer Fairmount Park'. Launched on September 22, the campaign aims to improve safety in the national park through infrastructure changes and traffic calming measures.
The petition, which has already gathered over 1,000 signatures, calls for a significant reduction in speed limits within the park. Advocates propose lowering the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph, mirroring the successful reduction implemented on Kelly Drive two years ago. Dave Talone, an organizer with Philly Bike Action, is leading the campaign.
Among the organizations supporting the petition is the Philly Running Alliance. They seek safer roads for runners previewing the Philadelphia Marathon course through the park near me. The alliance joins other groups, such as the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, in pushing for these changes.
Belmont Avenue, a stretch within the park, is a particular concern. Part of Vision Zero Philadelphia's High Injury Network, it has witnessed numerous crashes and eight fatalities over the past six years. The city is currently planning to reconstruct a path along Belmont Avenue, with completion expected in two years.
The 'Demand a Safer Fairmount Park' petition, backed by Philly Bike Action and nine other organizations, is gaining traction. With over 1,000 signatures, it calls for traffic calming measures and a speed reduction to 25 mph. The campaign aims to make the parks near me safer for all users, from runners to cyclists and pedestrians. Changes to park roads will require collaboration between PennDOT and the Philadelphia Streets Department.
