Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240823.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 ("Landlord and Tenant") to add prohibitions and penalties related to anticompetitive rental practices, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.
Councilmembers Thomas and Jones were aye. Councilmember Landau.
And, Council President Johnson. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Congratulations, Councilmember O'Rourke. Y'all can clap for your colleague. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk read any additional resolutions on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia Academies, Inc. for its dedicated service to the students of Philadelphia since 1969 and for its ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower young people to succeed academically and professionally. Introduced by Councilmember 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President Kenyatta Johnson. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and congratulating Jeffrey W. Thompson on his appointment as Fire Commissioner by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution on behalf of Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution has 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING been adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. That completes our Calendar for today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution commending and recognizing the Honorable Lydia Y. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Kirkland on the occasion of her retirement from her distinguished career as a Judge for the Philadelphia Municipal Court and her service to the legal community. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It is has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution recognizing October as Black Male Educators Month in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the Center for Black Educator Development's dedication to the recruitment, development, and retention of Black male educators in schools. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Thomas, I move its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings to receive the 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING report of the PHL Gaming Taskforce, to learn about its findings and the actions thus far taken, and to review the impact of this work on the vital Gaming and Tech sectors in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia City Commissioners and the election poll workers in Philadelphia as they play a crucial role in conducting free and fair elections in the United States, acting as the vanguards of democracy. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Sunrise Movement Philadelphia for their outstanding work and contributions to the fight to 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING confront climate change and ensure that the generations to come have a sustainable future. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the NAACP Philadelphia ACT-SO Olympians for winning ten gold medals at the National NAACP ACT-SO Competition in Las Vegas. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the practice of "courtesy towing" by the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and private towing companies. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING for its 40th Year Anniversary at Temple University where it collects, preserves, and disseminates the history and culture of the global Black experience. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I do move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 26th through November 2nd, 2024, as STEM Equity Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 26th, 2024 as National Make A Difference Day in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring, and congratulating Thomas Jefferson University on the occasion of their 200th Anniversary and recognizing October 26, 2024 through November 1, 2024 as Jefferson Bicentennial 10/24/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Squilla.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Councilmember -- Council President Johnson, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. (Inaudible.)
We're just getting started. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. There is a word from the Minority today and that word is history. You think your pain, your heartbreak, I might even add your struggle are unprecedented in the and then you read as what Baldwin said. It makes me think about one of those great Protestant Theologians and thinkers Soren Kierkegaard, who said that life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards. That is to say that we have the benefit of hindsight, but then we're entrusted to have foresight. To prudently progress and move forward as a society, as a city, we need to know where we come from so that we can remain cleareyed about where we are going. That's why I'm reciprocally honored to honor the legacy of Charles Blockson, the resolution that we had introduced today. Let me just say that Charles Blockson was a resident of Norristown, began his lifelong mission of collecting Black 10 back in 1943. After a grade school teacher told him that Black people didn't have any history worth considering. That's what he was told. He made his transition and became ancestor in June of last year. The resolution honors 40 years since Blockson donated the bulk of his collection to Temple University. And at that time in 1984, that represented over 500,000 artifacts and then over 200,000 more have been added since. And there is a display here in City Hall to celebrate the anniversary of Blockson Collection at Temple University. I encourage folks to check it out. It holds items dating back to 1581, includes items from the Haitian Revolution. First edition works of Phyllis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, Douglas, W.E.B. Du Bois, Charles Blockson's loyalty to Black history, the story of the Freedmen that we hear often about every week here and of the Diaspora was near unmatched and his dedication to public access to history puts in the ranks of Arturo Schomburg and Jeannette B. Carson and other critical caretakers of our culture. And so, I am so honored today again to lift this resolution as I think about history and also as I look forward again we have the benefit of hindsight and thus are entrusted to have foresight. To be proactive in protecting that with which we are entrusted with namely our future, our present, let me lift the name of our tenants in Philadelphia, in the future and right now because we know how housing, a necessity for humans, to make a home has been leveraged by make a profit and consequently destroy and/or disappear many communities in this country throughout history. The tools, mind you, and means used to destroy and disappear those communities have been recognized and exposed. But the means and tools used today and on the horizon are not yet widely understood or known. But the alarm has been sounded, the flag's raised calling of our attention to a rapidly-spreading challenge to the many return -- renters, excuse me, who call our city home. I'm speaking about our rental price fixing ban bill that was just voted and passed by this great body. (Applause.)
I want to just say that this is the second ordinance of its kind in the nation, so we are making history today. Philly is showing the value of local government's ability to be nimble and swift in addressing issues that are on the rise before the crisis happens in a way as opposed to responding and reacting to things after the damage has already been done. Revenue management companies have already showed their hand, the companies and their clients which happened to be landlords, had been bragging about and advertising how this tech helped them raise prices for years. Then the Department of Justice had come calling and they realized they had said a little bit too much. We all know we're in the midst of a housing crisis and we have so much more to do for renters in Philadelphia, and I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining me in the bud for being proactive and protecting tenants. Thank you to the Chair of our Housing Committee, Chairwoman Gauthier, my Leader Minority Leader Brooks as well as our colleague Rue Landau for your long history of work in housing. I'm grateful for tenants for continuing to protect themselves through their organizing. If you're dealing with the bad landlords, check out the tenant unions popping up across our city, organize your buildings, lean into community as a creative to these matters. One more word and I'll wrap on the arena-sized elephant in the room. This is what democracy looks like, y'all. Pro or con we derive our just powers, as Jefferson said, from the consent of the governed. If we are as concerned about the the Western world including here in the states as we claim that we are, we will recognize the cry of the people before, during and after the election season as democracy in action, as the republic formally articulating their content or their discontent on any matter. That having been said, all or some of this legislation has now been introduced. There are questions that are before us to be answered. A lot to consider. Let me just say that obviously we're dealing with our constituents in opposition about a matter of deep historical residence and serious relevance for the future. We can't have our people leave this process no matter how it ends without trusting that our legislative body left no stone unturned. The critiques of feet those critiques land at should be heard as a challenge to all of us to give the people the sense of certainty that they deserve and that we all can resonate with, to go out of our way to make sure that they can affirm that their elected voices in this body hear them. Speak what they speak and contend for their rights and dreams and aspirations for this city that they call home and that democracy, not just voting, actually works. Let's do right by Philly as we always were to do. Thank you, Mr. President. God bless you.
You're welcome. Speeches on behalf of the Majority? Councilmember Phillips.
Good afternoon, Council President. Thank you so much. I introduced two resolutions today that emphasized the importance of supporting educational institutions and improving the outcomes for students. The first resolution honors Philadelphia Academies for its 56 years of dedicated service to students in Philadelphia. In 1969 it was established, and the resolution highlights its commitment to equity and innovation, calling attention to its mission of empowering young people to succeed. They have done incredible work for close to 5,000 students annually. The second resolution calls on the Board of Trustees at the Community College of Philadelphia to increase wages for all faculty and staff with ongoing contract negotiations and a recent $5 City Council, the resolution emphasizes the need for fair compensation to improve working conditions, retain quality staff, enhance student learning outcomes. Our Community College of Philadelphia's staff and faculty are working incredibly hard and they're doing it out of the love and passion of their hearts for students. They still deserve the best. Each resolution recognizes the vital role that faculty and staff play in the success of educational programs and the need for adequate support and compensation. Both highlight that working conditions and compensation of staff directly affects student learning and overall educational equity. So I want to be able to say strong support from their respective communities, including Philadelphia Academies through its education program and FAT 26 through -- 2026 through union membership. Both memberships aim for a future where educational institutions can thrive and better serve their communities. Tonight I also -- after Council today there's going to be a luncheon. I'm inviting all staff, all Councilmembers for lunch to learn about Philadelphia Academies right in the Caucus room. It's going to be a great time. m. And we invite you to join us for an evening of fun-filled activities for all. And I just wanted to quickly say that I want to thank Council President Johnson for inviting me and several other members of Council to this really, really productive visit at the Phoenix SCI Prison yesterday. When I tell you it touched me to be there in more ways than one. We are here on Council to make sure that our young Black men, Black women, just people in general beyond color are not going to be in a position to be in prison. And then when they do go to prison and when they got to come out of prison, we got to have supportive services for them so they can have great re-entry into society. It was touching to learn in prison who still have this love and care for their children and they're learning how to be parents and how desirable their children want to see their fathers involved in their lives when they get out of prison. And I just want to say thank you to Council President Johnson because one of the reasons why he brought us there was to help us understand the realities of our position, to really help us understand that this is what it takes to prevent gun violence prevention in our city, but most importantly to address a myriad of issues around our city to make sure folks are not set up to be in these positions to be in prison. And this wasn't even on the script, but in the next some-odd weeks and so forth we're going to be talking about the arena and so
And I'm not going to make a full statement here, but what I will say is that all of Council is going to have different ideas, different thoughts on this and Philadelphia seems like it's going to be a really riveting discussion. It's going to be difficult. But I want you to know that we will all get through this as a unit. We will all do this in some way together. I remain constantly supportive of our Mayor Cherelle Parker and what she's doing for or city right now. And I look forward to seeing how we work this out to make our city better. So I just want to say we're all going to come together to make this work for all parties involved. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. And thank you to our Council colleagues for sending our Get Out the Bike Lane Bill to Mayor Parker's desk today. (Applause.)
The abundance of folks who gave public comment in support of this bill confirms the physical and mental toll traffic violence has on our city as well as the need for action. Every day I hear another story about a fatal hit-and-run or car crash. I never lose sight of the fact that each story represents another family who will have an empty seat at the dining table and an entire community who is grieving the loss of a beloved neighbor, classmate, coworker and friend. It does not have to be like this. violence and it is preventable. We can and must do more to make sure every Philadelphian is safe as they travel about our city, no matter how they get around. We must also remember that workingclass Black and Brown communities like those I represent experience a disproportionate share of traffic violence. And as the Chair of the Committee on Environment, I have not lost sight of the fact that cycling is one of the cheapest and most sustainable ways to travel. As we lead our city into a greener future, we must ensure our neighbors remain safe as they bike around. That's why I've made it a priority to introduce road diets on major thoroughfares in my Council District, including Market, Chestnut and Walnut Streets and the Cobbs Creek Parkway as well as 48th Street. And just today Council voted in support of my bill authorizing a bike lane on Woodland Avenue. But we know that our work is not done when we legislate a bike lane into existence, because far too many drivers use these bike lanes as loading, parking and passing. I think almost every Philadelphian agrees that sidewalks are for pedestrians and that parking lanes are for stopping, loading and parking. But the culture in our city is that bike lanes are first-come-first-serveflex spaces. This dangerous double standard has been tolerated for too long. It makes everyone unsafe and discourages one of the most affordable and green ways to move why I salute Council President Johnson for putting a stake in the ground with the Get Out the Bike Lane Bill. I hope that one day soon Harrisburg will allow the City to deploy protected bike lanes on more of our state routes. But in the meantime I'm confident that this legislation will prevent drivers from usurping bike lanes so we can keep them safe and clear from cyclists. I know our work to make our city streets safer for everyone is far from complete. But today let's celebrate this important milestone in our effort to make Vision Zero into reality and not just a name. I also want to thank all of the advocates that have been fighting for these changes for too long. And I urge Mayor Parker to into law so PPA can immediately begin enforcement. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much for your leadership on this issue. The Chair recognizes Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I want to thank my colleagues for passing a bill today that would increase penalties for those who double park in front of available parking spaces because that has been something that I've seen throughout the city, that folks are just lazy essentially. And I modeled this legislation off of a bill that was passed in Allentown, which they dubbed the Lazy Parking Bill. It is no reason why we can't take an 15 to 30 seconds to park in front of a legally available parking spot, which you double parking creates a lot of safety hazards in our city. Having to travel around double parkers a lot in this city, we have to make sure that all passageways are safe for travel. So I want to thank my colleagues for that. We have to change some of the driving behaviors here in our city. Also want to give a special shout-out to Tom Conway at CLIP, Rich Lazer at the Parking Authority and Mary Bebow of the Nuisance Enforcement Unit of the Philadelphia Police. Yesterday and in partnership with our office, we removed 59 abandoned vehicles in North Philadelphia from vacant lots in the 16th Ward, in 28th Ward, totaling 39 locations. So I want to give a special shout-out to (Applause.)
These abandoned vehicles have been a nuisance in North Philadelphia for years and we have to make sure we stay on top of this to keep improving the quality of life for residents in North Philly. So again, I want to give a special shout-out to CLIP, the Parking Authority and the Philadelphia Police for working with us on improving the lives of residents in North Philly.
Thank you. Great work, Councilmember Jay Young. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a quick moment to invite everyone here to 3 o'clock today at the National Liberty Museum where a team of experts will be talking about the Generative AI on the spread of election disinformation as well as strategies and solutions to safeguard democracy in the technology age. With the growth of AI tools, it has become easier than ever to create fake and harmful disinformation. We must learn how best to secure the public's trust in elections and democracy. This panel of conversation with amazing speakers covers the public and private sectors and will be moderated by the Committee of Seventy. Please join me today at 3 o'clock. And second, for anybody who is still listening out there, which we hope are a lot of people, we are out from the 2024 election. And I just want to take a moment, as I will again next week, to say please vote on or before November 5. The 2024 election is one of those critical moments in our lifetime and your voice matters now more than ever. Every vote cast shapes the future of our city and our nation impacting issues from health care and education to climate change and civil rights. This is about who leads us and ensuring that every one of us has a say in how we're governed. So please make your plan to vote. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors and strangers to do the same. Our future depends on it. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Council President. Very quickly, I also want to reiterate something that Councilmember Young just mentioned. I've also been partnering with PPA and the Philadelphia Police Department throughout the 7th District. And a lot of folks are quick to complain about those two departments, but I believe that over the last year, year and a half, they've been really responsive to all of us on this legislative body and have shown up when we've asked for their support to remove abandoned vehicles or vehicles that are just very problematic throughout the District. And so, I just want to reiterate my support and my gratitude to them. that, inspired by a friend and colleague State Representative Darisha Parker of the 198th Legislative District who advocated and was successful in passing HB Bills 850 and 851 to make menstrual products more accessible to young women in our community. For my birthday November 13th, I've asked my friends who have asked me to come out for dinner or come out for lunch or who just consistently have sent me small tokens of appreciation, I've asked them to partner with me on a day of action. So November 13th, I will be collecting at the Juniata Boys and Girl Club period-poverty products to distribute them with partnering schools in the 7th Council District to ensure that every young woman has the access they need to be able to respond to ask all of you, all of you should have received a flyer on your desk, I ask you to partner with me and help me collect and be able to distribute to as many schools in the 7th Council District and throughout the city of Philadelphia for those who have reached out to say, hey, I know you're collecting, can we be a part of receiving some of those contributions. There is a recycle bucket outside of my office at the moment and it's ready to receive items today. And if you would like to collect and partner, please reach out to us. We'd love to receive as many partnerships as possible. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. And I appreciate everybody's patience today. And it was really important to make sure that we hear from people in the community who are going to be impacted by legislation that we introduce. I introduced a legislation package for the arena today after 30 days of review and input from stakeholders. In partnership with the Mayor, we incorporated and funded an Arena District and a Transit Oversight Plan in the Community Benefits Agreement. We added legislation for a our Chinatown zoning overlay that is going to be worked out with the community to include affordable housing, protect small businesses and implement use controls. a cultural TIF intended to help preserve and support, maintain and improve the legacy of Chinatown and adds a great value to the City of Philadelphia. The TIF will capture an increase in tax revenues to reinvest in the Chinatown community. Now that we begin the legislative process, we will still have continued public hearings in City Council, which we will deliberate on the bills and testimonies and make possible changes as all our voices are heard during this legislative process. Thank you.
Thank you for your leadership, Councilmember Squilla. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. C. org. P. m. S. B.
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We all want safety and there are many ways to achieve it other than in the disruptive ways being proposed. We could drop the speed limit to 5 mph, and I know some in this room would like that. But even that would not be effective without enforcement, and enforcement, ladies and gentlemen, is what we do not have. On June 16, the Inquirer reported traffic citations have plunged since the 1990s. A decade ago, while I was a Daily News columnist, I reported annually on the lack of enforcement against bad drivers, bad bicyclists, bad pedestrians. Enforcement decreased each year. So let’s start here: Enforce the laws we already have on the books. Have police ticket speeding or reckless drivers. And also ticket the vast majority of cyclists who recklessly ignore red lights and stop signs. Yes, I said it. Enforcement of those laws is all but nonexistent. How else to slow speeders? Speed bumps, speed cameras, synchronized lights that actually work. The big push for concrete humps is being driven by the tragic death of Dr. Barbara Friedes. The humps would not have prevented her death because a drunk driver was going so fast he would have jumped the low barrier. As you should know, almost all bicycle fatalities occur at the intersection, not mid-block, and I know of no opposition to planters at the intersection. Now I turn to the low hanging fruit of the “no stopping” bill. At my request, the Philadelphia Police Department did some research. It went back five years and found not a single report of a cyclist being killed or injured at a stopped car. Not one. Is Council aware of that? Why were there no injuries? Because when a car stops in a bike lane, every bicyclist I have ever seen either goes up on the sidewalk — yes, they do — or carefully rides around the stopped car. The bill the committee approved in great haste offers a solution to a problem that just does not exist. Here’s another fact: Using the Bicycle Coalition’s own stats, bike commuters are about 2% of the city’s work force. That number has not budged even as bike lanes expanded across the city. By the way, the Coalition is a partisan lobbying group that has been given partnership status with the city, something that ordinary residents and taxpayers like me do not enjoy. The interests of the 98% of nonbikers have not been addressed. This bill should be held until it is amended. Call it the pause that refreshes. Thank you. Stu Bykofsky