Bike enforcement push launched in Center City

Philadelphia police officers biked through Center City on a mission today: to make bicyclists more aware of their surroundings, their fellow travelers on the streets, and most important, the laws they're supposed to follow.

The targeted enforcement was aimed at ticketing cyclists while educating them on what constitutes good behavior (stopping at red lights, signaling to turn) and what's punishable by a fine (biking on the sidewalk, riding against traffic).

"We think this is a good way to get the message out," said Philadelphia Capt. Dennis Wilson of the Ninth Police District, who helped coordinate the officers fanning out from Rittenhouse Square across Center City. "We're not trying to make things harder for bikers, we're trying to make things safer."

Bicycle safety has gained attention in the past week, after The Inquirer reported that two pedestrians died last month after being struck by bicycles, and that untold numbers of people suffer serious injuries from rogue cyclists who break traffic laws.

Cyclists are subject to many of the same laws as drivers, but those laws are rarely enforced. The police department handed out just 14 tickets to cyclists last year. Read more

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Go Green: Peter Pan Bus to NYC

The "Green" & Environmentally-Friendly Bus Company

When you travel by Peter Pan motorcoach…you go “Green!”

Peter Pan buses are the most energy-efficient mode of transportation…twice as fuel-efficient as Amtrak and other train services…three times as efficient as automobiles…and four times as efficient as commercial aviation.

All Peter Pan vehicles operate using Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and/or biodiesel fuel making Peter Pan buses a huge part of America’s energy solution.

All Peter Pan vehicles are purchased with state-of-the-art emissions-lowering technology to reduce polluting particulate emissions by 90%.

Our maintenance facilities use low mercury, high-energy efficient fluorescent bulbs that are recycled upon replacement.

All Peter Pan coaches use a unique Global Positioning System ( GPS) which enables us to control/eliminate unnecessary idling. GPS allows us to monitor speed and braking patterns thereby saving 5% on tire wear and saving 8% in fuel economy.

Efficiency Facts

•Each Peter Pan motorcoach can replace 55 autos from the highway…saving fuel, cutting emissions, and reducing congestion.

•Peter Pan motorcoaches currently provide 184 passenger miles per gallon (MPG)…more than double the second most fuel-efficient transportation alternative.

•Peter Pan motorcoaches produce carbon emissions of only 56 grams per passenger, compared to 371 grams for a passenger car.

•Peter Pan motorcoaches use 946 BTUs per passenger mile compared to 3,890 for planes and 2,134 for trains.

•Peter Pan motorcoaches emit the least amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger than any other transportation vehicle. CO2 emissions are reduced by an average of 85%per passenger mile for every person who chooses to travel on a Peter Pan coach vs. driving alone.

www.peterpanbus.com

MyBikeLane: Drivers Beware!

Philadelphia has 215 miles of bike lanes (and an additional 32 miles of multiuse trails without cars), but only four miles are in Center City.

On September 23, Mayor Nutter cut the ribbon ceremonially opening new bike lanes on Pine and Spruce Streets in Center City.

The lanes are part of a pilot program to determine if dedicated bike routes are useful, safe and don’t increase vehicular traffic congestion in Center City.

Unfortunately, there are still people who continue to make riding in the city difficult.

MyBikelane was conceived after repeated frustration at having to dodge cars illegally parked in the bike lanes.

MyBikelane is built on the notion that:
•Cyclists are sick of having to dodge cars and trucks using the bikelane illegally.
•These illegally parked cars force cyclists into traffic, making their commute more dangerous.
•Those cyclists have cameras or cell phones w/ cameras.
•Using the power of the community, we can hopefully make the problem more obvious and get the city to do something about it.
•This makes it safer to cycle for fun or to commute.

How MyBikelane works:
•You the cyclist see a car parked illegally.
•You snap a picture, taking care to capture the license plate of the vehicle and proof that the vehicle is parked illegally.
•You upload the photo, tell us when and where the incident occurred and the license plate info.
•We make the site available to media, city officials, and the web to show the problem.

Learn more at My Bike Lane.

Philadelphia Flights and Travel Guide

When to Fly to Philadelphia

Peak Season:
Spring and fall are the best times to book flights to Philadelphia . Be aware, however, that Philadelphia is home to 300,000 students and 80 regional colleges and universities so plan your trip to avoid the fall arrival and spring exodus of all those students.

Off Peak Season
Winter is cold in Philadelphia, but if you can brave the weather you're likely to find cheap flights to Philadelphia and reduced hotel rates.

Getting Downtown Philadelphia
The airport is easily accessible from I-76, I-95, and I-476. The Ground Transportation System at the Airport provides taxicab ($28.50 Flat Fee to Center City), car rentals , shuttle-bus (Lady Liberty - $10 to Center City), limousine, and van operations. In addition, the Airport also offers SEPTA bus and regional rail service to Downtown Philadelphia and points in between.

Information phones are available at all baggage claim areas for each of the on-airport car rental agencies.

Getting Around Philadelphia
The Philly Phlash, a gas-engine trolley, provides quick and easy transportation between the Center City and most downtown hotels in Philadelphia. It is one of the best ways to get around to the 27 key locations including the Independence Visitor Center, Penn's Landing, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Phlash service runs every 12 minutes daily and cost $2 each time you board (children under 6 always ride free and seniors, 65 and over, ride free).

Phlash provides direct connections to all SEPTA and PATCO rail lines.

Where to stay:
Philadelphia has it all: history, diversity, and hidden beauty. No matter where you stay in Philadelphia, there's a hotel that's perfect for you. Search for Philadelphia hotels in Fairmount and South Street, Center City or Old City, or in South Philadelphia. The options are endless.

*Prices for taxi and shuttle service to Center City are subject to change without notice.

Amtrak Deals: The Northeast is Going for a Great Price

- Valid on Northeast Regional service only.
- Discounted one-way Coach fares only.
- Valid for travel through December 16, 2009.
- 14-day advance purchase required.

Book Early and Save up to 25% on Northeast Regional

Just in time for the summer travel season. Amtrak has lowered fares on the Northeast Regional. You can save up to 25% off lowest available fares when you book 14 days in advance. Just choose the Adult or Child passenger type when booking to receive the promotional discount.

Philly Phlash - Your gateway around the city

A great way to get around Philadelphia reasonably is to use the Philly Phlash. It's a purple trolley that runs throughout center city, stopping at more than 27 key locations and is just $2 each time you board!

Price
•$2 dollars each time you board (children under 6 and seniors, 65 and over, ride FREE!*

All-Day Passes
•Passes: $5 all-day individual pass or $10 all-day family pass (2 adults and 2 children, 6-17 years old)

•Tickets can be purchased at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets, or when getting on the trolley

Philly Phlash Map Click for PDF
Phlash Stops
1) Penn’s Landing
2) 3rd and Market Streets
3) 6th and Market Streets
4) 7th and Arch Streets
5) 6th and Race Streets
6) 8th and Market Streets
7) 12th and Market Streets
8) Juniper and Market Streets
9) 16th Street and JFK Boulevard
10) Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 16th Street
11) Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 20th Street
12) 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
13) Fairmount and Pennsylvania Avenues
14) 26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
15) 34th Street and Girard Avenue
16) Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
17) 34th Street and Girard Avenue
18) Eakins Oval
19) 22nd & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
20) Logan Square, 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
21) Logan Square, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
22) 17th and Arch Streets
23) 16th and Market Streets
24) 12th and Market Streets
25) 8th and Market Streets
26) 6th and Market Streets
27) 2nd and Market Streets

Low Cost Bus Service to NYC

Most philadelphians know about the chinatown to chinatown bus service. However, Mega Bus has entered the Philadelphia market and has been growing fast.

NYC as low as $10 one-way!

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