Posts Tagged ‘Philadelphia sidewalks’

Has the increase in sidewalk cafés in Philadelphia become a nuisance for pedestrians?  Stu Bykofsky of the Daily News says they have become a hazard for people on crutches and in wheelchairs and have limited the pedestrian’s right away.  The Philadelphia code for sidewalks states that a 13 ft. wide sidewalk must have at least 5 feet of clear sidewalk space.  Any sidewalk greater than 13 feet wide must be at least half cleared.   Enforcing this law is the job of the Streets Department but they have only written 20 tickets all year and 17 tickets last year.

Outdoor cafes have absolutely benefited Philly neighborhoods overall.   They have increased socializing, people watching, chance encounters, natural surveillance/street safety, and greatly improved the atmosphere and mood of the city.  But Stu is right; it doesn’t need to be abused.  Anyone who walks around Philly on any given day has probably noticed the cramped sidewalks.  It would be nice to be able to walk side by side with your friend without being inches away from getting nailed by a SEPTA bus.  It’s definitely time for owners to start following the regulations before the city is forced to get rid of outdoor seating altogether.

Check out the video from Philly.com: Get off my sidewalk

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