Highlighting health benefits and safety for bicyclists

The streets of South Philadelphia are often flooded with bicyclists. 

Some may be out for a joyride or running an errand, but studies show that South Philly has one of the highest rates of workers using a bike for their morning and evening commutes.

The city celebrated those bicyclists during the 2025 Bike To Work & Whenever Day on May 14 as city and state officials biked through different sections of the city to arrive at City Hall.

“The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is working to ensure everyone can start anywhere, choose how to travel there and arrive safely to their destination. Bike to Work & Wherever Day is a great way to highlight the fun aspect of cycling around our great city,” said Chris Gale, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Councilmembers Mark Squilla, Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau, along with state Sens. Nikil Saval and Anthony Williams, took part in the festivities.

The ride highlighted health benefits and the importance of high-quality bike lanes for rider safety. Biking for transportation and recreation is also integral to address the climate crisis, traffic congestion and road safety.

“By ensuring safe, reliable travel options – including biking – are available for all our residents, we are one major step closer to securing a safer, cleaner, greener city with economic opportunity for all,” said Kelley Yemen, director of the Office of Multimodal Planning.

Philadelphia experienced another tragedy this month as Jeff Ishibasi was killed biking on his way to work. He will be remembered along with 12 other riders who were killed in the last year at the 21st annual Ride of Silence on May 21.

According to reports from Indego Bike Share, Center City District, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and Strava Metro, bike and e-scooter traffic is increasing in the city. Indego saw a 17 percent increase, with more than 1.2 million trips taken in 2024. According to Census data estimates, South Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of bicycling in the nation, with more than 5 percent of all work trips taken by bicycle.

“Bicycling is a core component of Philly’s transportation ecosystem,” said Saval. “Among the 10 largest cities in the United States, Philadelphia has the highest percentage of bicycle commuters. 

“National Bike Month is a recognition of the right to safe, joyful freedom of movement, and events like today’s Bike to Work & Wherever Day help us celebrate this right while simultaneously uplifting the urgent need to increase safety and accessibility. When we prioritize people’s ability to move safely through our streets, we make communities safer, increase accessibility, enhance local economies and foster connection.”