🗳️ VOTE TODAY!
It's election day! If you haven't voted already, polls will be open until 8:00 p.m. tonight.
As a reminder, we are endorsing the following candidates for this election:
In addition to our endorsements, our Steering Committee recommends VOTING NO to the retention of Anne Marie B Coyle for Court of Common Pleas. We join the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Inquirer, and several wards and advocacy groups in this recommendation.
Judge Coyle has a history of draconian punishments in criminal cases and multiple land use rulings overturning zoning board decisions to block affordable housing.
Want to have a say in our future endorsements? Become a 5th Square member today for $5 a month. New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!
🛣️ NARROW LANES SAVE LIVES
A new paper from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health provides data supporting what many of us intuitively know, narrower lanes are safer than wider ones. But how does this work?
As the paper notes, "the conventional theory of roadway design is that wider, straighter, flatter, and more open is better from the standpoint of traffic safety", but in practice, wider lanes encourage faster driving which leads to more traffic fatalities.
Narrower lanes instead force drivers to slow down and be more aware of their surroundings, creating safer streets in the process. And in addition to slowing down drivers, reducing travel lane width frees up space for wider sidewalks and more bike lanes.
View the full paper here, or the summary here.
🚲 BIKE LANE UPDATES
If you bike around Philly, you may have noticed that a large portion of the city's bike network is currently under construction. Currently, eight miles of separated bike lanes are under construction.
For more on the status of these bike lane projects and important safety updates, see this update from OTIS.
🍂 SCENIC SEPTA SIGHTSEEING
You don't need a car to access the wonderful nature of our region—Billy Penn's Asha Prihar wrote a guide to the best fall sightseeing accessible via SEPTA.
So grab your SEPTA key, hop on a train, and catch a glimpse of some red and golden leaves before they're all gone for the winter!
Source: Asha Prihar
🧥 NEW BLVD SUBWAY HOODIES
Winter is quickly approaching—stay warm in style with our brand new Blvd Subway hoodies!
Pick one up for $50 with free shipping to show your support for your favorite proposed transit project and look good while doing it. Supplies are very limited so don't miss out!
We still have plenty of T-Shirts and crop tops in stock too! New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!
💸 SUPPORT SEPTA FUNDING
SEPTA is facing an urgent fiscal cliff which may see drastic service cuts and higher fares. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 1219 which would increase the portion of sales tax that is allocated to public transit funding without increasing the tax itself.
This bill still needs to pass the State Senate, so contact you legislator to ensure SEPTA gets the funding it needs!
EVENTS
ELECTION DAY!
November 7 (TODAY), 7:00 am to 8:00 p.m.
See the candidates we're endorsing here
Love Your Park Weekend
November 10-12, Various Philadelphia Parks
This fall, show your favorite neighborhood park some love! In partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy, Park Friends Groups across Philadelphia will be hosting volunteer events the weekend of November 10th - 12th for Love Your Park Fall 2023.
Philly Bike Action November 2023 Citywide Meeting
November 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Philadelphia Ethical Society (1906 Rittenhouse Sq)
The November 2023 PBA Citywide Meeting will be at 7pm on Monday, November 13th at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. We will be sharing news, a quick recap of our organization, and introducing new members. We will also have a breakout session for those interested in getting involved with one of our teams.
StreetBoxPHL Right of Way Roundtable: Digging into Paving
Friday, November 17 · 12 - 1pm EST, Virtual
Designing public spaces in the streets is challenging. Learn from local designers and how they've navigated these challenges to make streets safer and more livable. This month's theme is: Digging into Paving - Demystifying how paving happens and dreaming about about how it could.
World Day of Remembrance 2023
November 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Lil Safety Village Hunting Parking
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia present World Day of Remembrance 2023. This annual event is scheduled to honor the people who’ve lost their lives to traffic violence in the Philadelphia area. #WDoR2023 is run in conjunction with cities all across the country on the third Sunday of November.
SEPTA Santa Express
November 24, Various trains before 11am
Bicycle Coalition Holiday Lights Ride 2023
December 13, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
It's time to dust off your bike decorations, bundle up and ride with us on our Annual Holiday Lights Ride! This ride is family-friendly and free to attend but an RSVP is required so we can plan our rollout & ride buddies accordingly!
SURVEYS
Center City District Customer Satisfaction Survey
This survey seeks to measure how well the CCD staff is performing and to gauge the public's experience and perceptions of the recovery in Center City. CCD on-street staff consists of daytime sidewalk cleaners, Community Service Representatives, bike safety patrols, and park staff.
Delaware River Trail Extension Prioritization
With the completion of the Delaware River Trail (DRT) from Penn Treaty Park to Pier 68, DRWC is focused on closing the gap in the trail network. The Delaware River Trail; Columbia Ave to Lehigh Ave Extension project is currently in the planning phase. To learn more about the project, including to view the boards from the most recent public meeting, please click here. As part of this planning effort, DRWC wants YOUR feedback. What Would You Prioritize?
DVRPC 2050 VISION SURVEY
The DVRPC is asking for feedback on its vision for Greater Philadelphia in 2050. Tell the DVRPC what they should prioritize over the next 30 years. Let them know if you think Philadelphia should have a new subway line by then. Survey closes December 15th.
AGING AND DISABILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The University of Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania-based partners are supporting the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, led by the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. Responses will be used to create a profile of the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities that will inform the Commonwealth's planning process.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
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Johns Hopkins University / Narrow Lanes Save Lives: A Way to Make Our Communities Safer and Healthier
GRANTS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
City of Philadelphia
- Fiscal Operations Manager
- Administrative Manager (OTIS)
- Staff Attorney
- GIS Analyst (Airport)
- Director, Research, Analytics & Evaluation (IDEA)
Rue Landau Team / Open Application
Robert D Gilmore & Associates Inc /
Earth Quaker Action Team / Director of Organizing
WHYY / Transportation Reporter
DVRPC / Planning Data Analyst
Philadelphia Energy Authority /
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee.
We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns.
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