Editorial | Walk this way

If Philadelphia wants to continue billing itself as a "walking city," it can't stop where the sidewalk ends.

The renovation of the South Street bridge has often found itself mired in controversy. The $45 million project will require the bridge to fully close from fall 2007 through 2009, undoubtedly causing major traffic problems, and has been delayed repeatedly by the city.

There is no longer debate about whether the bridge will close, but the proposed design has come under fire. The current model is car-friendly, with pedestrian sidewalks immediately adjacent to the road, a la the Walnut Street bridge.

But this model is all wrong. As Penn prepares to remake the Walnut Street bridge into a cultural destination, there is no reason for the South Street bridge to discourage pedestrian and bicycle access between Center City and West Philadelphia.

Keeping in mind that the bridge is supposed to be complete by 2009, this is relevant to a significant chunk of the current Penn community. The proximity of the South Street bridge to the medical buildings, athletic complexes and soon-to-be-redeveloped postal lands - not to mention students, staff and faculty living around it - makes it just as relevant as the more-centralized Walnut Street bridge.

At 10 a.m. on Feb. 14, the City Council's Committee on Streets and Services is holding a public hearing, and a proposed widening of the South Street bridge is on the agenda. This is an opportunity for the community to convince city officials that walking face-to-face with cars does nothing to encourage a leisurely post-dinner stroll to admire the Schuylkill.

There is no guarantee that city officials will listen to what advocates of a more pedestrian-friendly bridge have to say. But they definitely won't if no one comes.

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