Rules on road sharing get City Council approval

Philadelphia drivers and bicyclists will likely see new regulations about sharing the road.

City Council members unanimously passed the “Complete Streets” bill Thursday.

Councilman Mark Squilla, the primary sponsor, says the measure lays out some specific guidelines that didn’t exist before.

They include “paying certain attention to riding on pavements or paying direct attention to the specific laws, red light laws, and other things,” he said.

“By doing that, we’re making the motorist aware that there are going to be more bicyclists down the road and that we have to pay attention to them and also learn to share the road with them,” Squilla said.

The plan also makes it illegal for cars to park in bike lanes and raise fines for cycling on sidewalks.

The bill is now on Mayor Michael Nutter’s desk.