Bike the Strike

Stuck without transportation thanks to SEPTA's strike? Dreading sitting in traffic or being packed like a sardine in an over crowded regional rail line, getting to work late, and feeling your blood pressure raise from all the added stress?

The easiest solution is to hop on your bike and pedal your way to work. Biking to work is faster than driving, walking, or using public transit. We don't even need to mention the obvious health benefits of getting that half hour or so of exercise daily. According to the Bicycle Coalition, around 11,000 Philadelphians commute to work via bicycle each day, a number that makes us the city with the highest number of folks biking to work each day. And to help out those who decide to commute by bike during the SEPTA strike, the Bicycle Coalition will be setting up a "Bike the Strike" stand at Dilworth Plaza starting this afternoon and every day until the strike is over. The stand will have bike racks, free bike maps, and free coffee. For those new to biking in the city, or for those with questions about route planning and safety, the Coalition's Bike Ambassadors will be available to give out advice.

Before you pull out your rusty bicycle and hop on it for the first time in ten years, make sure you're clear on the rules of the road. Despite the picture you may get from other cyclists, bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk, unless they are being walked by the owner, not ridden. Bicyclists also have to stop at red lights and stop signs. This Phillyist bikes to work daily, and finds that its easiest to just pretend she's a little, non-motorized car. Vroom.

Make the most of this stupid, stupid strike and ride your bike.