Advocacy: It's an All-Weather Affair

Exactly one month ago today, cyclist Emily Fredricks was killed in Center City Philadelphia while riding on her morning commute. There have been two other incidents since then, including a pedestrian fatality just last week. I can't believe I'm about to type this sentence, but these events have become so frequent, I almost can't keep up with them. If you read the Bicycle Coalition blog, it paints a rather grim picture of the state of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the greater Philadelphia area. Grim, but also accurate to those of us who utilize it on a daily basis.

If there is one positive out of all of this, it's rallied support among cycling and pedestrian safety advocates. The changes we want to see happen won't occur without some sort of a spark, some sort of notoriety. That's why we've continued to demonstrate in the streets, including braving temperatures in the teens to create our 3rd human protected bike lane this month:

Photo credit: Jameson Gitto

We are a little crazy, but it doesn't feel crazy to us. People have to get from point A to point B in any weather, and accidents can happen (and be prevented) in any weather just the same, so why should that deter us?

At the same time, we all recognize that standing in the street isn't enough. After all was said and done, the 30 or so of us that braved this morning's brutal cold and wind huddled together to remind ourselves of our next steps that never end: signing the petitions; calling the representatives; educating the community; and so on, and so forth. Standing in the cold is easy. It's all the other stuff and the bureaucracy and etc. that's tough, but when we win, it will be worth it.

I implore you, even if you're just a casual reader and even if you don't live in Philly, help us by spreading the message and getting involved with Vision Zero. Research your city or town and see if there's a similar grassroots cause that you can support. It's not about cyclists. It's not about pedestrians. It's about all of us working together to make sure we can all do the things we need to do safely. You never know whose life you could save...

Alright, enough soapboxing. Now it's time to brave the cold once again and ride home. Enjoy your evening.

#bikeyourbirthmonth