May 2015 be the year that our politicians find the will to build a protected bike lane in Center City – starting with one already designed and tested.

Dreams of protected bike lanes on JFK and Market Street, from roughly City Hall to the Schuylkill River, have been floated since at least 2009. For Park(ing) Day 2011 Center City District (CCD) and the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU) showcased the project and installed a mockup of what the planted buffer might look like, separating car and bike traffic. For two weeks in fall 2011 CCD and MOTU also tested the impact of lane closures that would accommodate a cycle track, confirming that three traffic lanes could handle traffic flow well. Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities Rina Cutler confirmed last year that while designs are done, the project is waiting on political will.

But it’s high time to reclaim JFK and Market from their auto-centric urban renewal beginnings and offer a 21st century alternative. Work could begin on JFK/Market with protections installed on the cheap, using flexible bollards or Jersey barriers, and make the eventual upgrade to a planted median or large planters. Last year Pittsburgh installed a one-mile protected bike lane for under $75,000.

Protected lanes on JFK/Market would provide key bike infrastructure between Center City and University City, create a stronger connection to Schuylkill Banks, and help future bike share users (who may be unsure city cyclists) feel safer on two wheels. More broadly, protected bike lanes would make JFK and Market better for all users. Pedestrians would have shorter crossings on the wide streets. Bikes and cars would no longer be jockeying for common space, which could reduce conflict and crashes. The buffer’s medians or planters are a beautification opportunity that would make these business corridors more attractive and send a business-oriented message about Philadelphia’s growing green values.