Requesting the Administration through the Office of Transportation and Utilities to commission a study to provide recommendations on the location, demand, and usage for Public Use Bicycle stations for the entire area of Philadelphia and to explore the various business models for such systems.

WHEREAS,

A Public Use Bicycle Program can serve as a financial lifeline as a compliment and alternative to other methods of public transportation as the price of gasoline soars past $4.00 per gallon; and

WHEREAS,

A cycling-friendly city is consistent with the City’s Sustainability initiative and aligns well with the Mayor’s six results; and

WHEREAS,

City Council adopted Resolution #080055 (adopted January 24, 2008) calling for joint public hearings by City Council’s Committees on the Environment and Transportation and Public Utilities to investigate the creation of a Public Use Bicycle Programs for the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS,

On April 30, 2008 City Council received testimony on Resolution #080055 and learned that bicycle programs reduce urban automobile usage and congestion, reduce carbon dioxide pollution, and significantly improve public health through aerobic and anaerobic activity; and

WHEREAS,

This administration must be supportive of increasing the use of cycling within the City and needs to support a study that will identify specific resources on how the system will be structured, how it will operate, and what commitment will be needed from the City for it to be successful; and

WHEREAS,

The findings of this study can be used by the Office of Transportation and Utilities, the Office of Urban Sustainability and various City Departments to create a Public Use Bicycle Program as an additional method of urban transportation to enhance the personal mobility of Philadelphia residents, workers, and visitors to our great City; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

THAT

Council hereby request the Administration through the Office of Transportation and Utilities to commission a study to provide recommendations on the location, demand, and usage for Public Use Bicycle stations for the entire area of Philadelphia and to explore the various business models for such systems.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

The results of this study should be completed and presented within 6 months of passage of this resolution

End