HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving roadway safety by approving bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting bicyclists and pedestrians. On Monday, House Bill 291 was passed, granting local authorities the option to install parking-protected bicycle lanes on roadways within their jurisdictions. The move has been hailed as a pivotal advancement for safer transportation infrastructure statewide.
The proposed bill seeks to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, addressing parking regulations to better accommodate bicycle traffic. Current state law mandates that vehicles park no more than 12 inches from the curb, leaving bicyclists highly exposed to moving vehicles—often with tragic consequences. The legislation, if enacted, would allow for the creation of bicycle lanes positioned between curbs and parked vehicles, providing bicyclists with a protected, dedicated area far removed from vehicular traffic.
Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, underscored the importance of the measure as part of a larger mission to enhance road safety for all users. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson stated in support of the legislation. “We worked hard during the last legislative session to pass legislation that protects children in school zones, enforcing speeding violations through work zones, and we strengthened our distracted driving laws.”
The urgency for this legislation was amplified by the tragic death of Dr. Barbara Friedes last summer. Dr. Friedes, a pediatrician from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while riding in an unprotected bike lane in Philadelphia. Personalizing the impact, Neilson reflected, “We all have people we care deeply about; I have five kids myself and three grandkids; the thought of having to bury one of them before their time is devastating itself, but knowing it could have been prevented with a protected bike lane would amplify that grief.”
Enhancing Safety on Pennsylvania Roads
Supporters of H.B. 291 have highlighted the multi-pronged safety benefits the new parking-protected bike lanes can provide. For bicyclists, the physical barrier of parked vehicles serves as a shield from moving traffic, reducing the likelihood of collisions, particularly in busy urban areas. On the other hand, pedestrians will benefit from reduced sidewalk congestion, as bicyclists are less likely to divert to walking areas when feeling unsafe on the road. Drivers, too, are seen as beneficiaries of the legislation, as clearer lane demarcations can potentially cut down confusion and unsafe passing behavior.
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has long advocated for such infrastructure improvements, citing data that parking-protected bike lanes significantly reduce injuries for all road users. Pennsylvania’s adoption of such measures has the potential to place the state among leading regional examples of forward-thinking traffic planning.
The Road Ahead
House Bill 291 now advances to the Senate, where it awaits further consideration. Neilson extended gratitude to colleagues state Reps. Mary Jo Daley and David Maloney for championing the measure and rallying bipartisan support.
This legislation represents a growing recognition of the role infrastructure improvements play in saving lives. While the debate continues in the Senate, advocates argue that Pennsylvania has an opportunity to set a new standard for road safety. By uniting stakeholders across communities, the proposed law not only addresses current hazards but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and functional transportation system.
If enacted, the bill will mark a decisive shift toward prioritizing vulnerable road users and adapting urban design for the realities of shared spaces. The ultimate goal is securing safer commutes and fostering confidence in road systems across the Commonwealth.
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