Fighting City Hall takes money, and will -FOPS has the will to fight the fight for everyone who feels abused by the city’s betrayal.
- Friends of Pine and Spruce
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
Commentary: A Broken Promise on Pine and Spruce
By Friends of Pine & Spruce (FOPS)
In 2009, when the City first proposed installing bike lanes along Pine and Spruce Streets, residents were understandably concerned. These are narrow, historic, residential streets—home to families, seniors, and small businesses. To gain public support, the late Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler, on behalf of Mayor Michael Nutter, made a clear and vital promise: residents would always have curbside access to their homes, even with the bike lanes in place.
That promise was honored for over a decade—
until now.
In 2025, the City has reversed course and turned its back on Pine and Spruce residents by implementing two unjust and unnecessary changes:
The “No Stopping Anytime” Rule:
The City has begun enforcing a total ban on stopping—even momentarily—in bike lanes. This change was made under the unsupported claim that it improves cyclist safety. But there is no data showing harm to cyclists from cars temporarily stopped for drop-offs or deliveries. Instead, this policy treats a parked car like a public threat, when it is often a lifeline for seniors, parents, and those with mobility challenges.
New Loading Zones That Eliminate Parking:
To “compensate” for the ban, the City has begun installing loading zones on every block, eliminating up to 30% of legal parking in a neighborhood that already suffers from a parking shortage. Worse still, these changes were made without proper code modifications—and, as FOPS alleges in its legal complaint, in violation of City procedure.
And still to come: Concrete barriers—height and placement unknown—promised as part of Phase Two. These structures, the City claims, will improve safety. But as FOPS President Lloyd Brotman warns, “Concrete barriers are more likely to make the streets more dangerous for all stakeholders: bikers, pedestrians, and residents.” They may divert cyclists into traffic, block emergency vehicles, and create dangerous delays for disabled and elderly residents trying to access their homes.
This is not a bike lane issue. It’s a trust issue. The City made a promise to its residents, and it broke it.
FOPS has retained respected Center City attorney George Bochetto and filed suit against the City to protect your rights. This is not a campaign against cycling. We support safe bike access. But we demand a return to a balanced status quo, where everyone—residents, cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency responders—can share our streets safely and respectfully.
If you agree, we ask: Join us. Support our legal challenge. Make a donation.
Fighting City Hall isn’t easy—and it isn’t cheap. But with your help, we can stand up for common sense, fairness, and our community’s future.
Make your contribution today.
