Speak Easy: Philadelphia Streets Under Pressure

Streets are shared spaces, but often they’re contested spaces too. Cyclists jockey with buses next to pedestrians tangoing with motorists. What should we do to make sure streets are safe for all users? 

Our partners at NewsWorks are hosting a Speak Easy forum at WHYY (150 N. 6th Street) on Tuesday, June 30 on “Philadelphia Streets Under Pressure” – explore the most pressing issues and discuss what our priorities be when it comes to sharing street space. Doors open at 6pm, panel and group discussion from 6:30-8:30. The event is free, but please register online in advance. 

Speakers include Greg Krykewycz (Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission), Sarah Clark Stuart (Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia), Thaddeus Robinson (SEPTA’s Citizen Advisory Committee), Darin Gatti (Philadelphia Streets Department), and our very own Jon Geeting. To go along with the forum each are contributing an essay: 

• Philadelphia’s ever-changing right of way, adapting to the needs of users by Darin Gatti, Philadelphia Streets Department
• My evolution as an urban cyclist by Sarah Clark Stuart, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
• Fair streets in Philadelphia require trade-offs by Greg Krykewycz, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• Progres made, more expected, toward making Philly transit fully accessible, by Thaddeus Robinson, accessibility advocate
• How to squeeze more pedestrian space out of Philly’s narrow streets, by Jon Geeting, PlanPhilly