WARNING: Get Your Old Bike Off Philly Sidewalks

City of Philadelphia begins their annual removal of abandoned bicycles in Center City

Have an abandoned bike that has been taking up space in your neighborhood? By this weekend, the matter will be history.

Starting Thursday through next Thursday (Dec. 6) the City of Philadelphia hold their annual removal of uninhibited bicycles in Center City.

All bicycles scheduled by the Street Department for removal from racks, posts or other structures will be tagged with an alert notice to the owner at least one week prior to the removal date. These bicycles are considered in un-useable condition and that have been locked in the same location for one month or more with damaged or missing parts.

The following bicycles’ tags will be bright yellow and will contain information pertaining to the current status and pick-up information of the bikes. All bikes and parts will be donated to local charities.

Why is this such a big deal, you ask? The City of Philadelphia believes this will help free up existing space for cyclists in sometimes hard-to-find sidewalk parking areas.

To help with the cause, report an abandoned bicycle by calling 3-1-1 or use the Philly311 smart phone app to report it. Be sure to include the description of the bike, its location, and any damage or where it is locked to (i.e. tree, parking meter, etc).

But what if your bike has been caught up mistakenly in the sweep-up? Simply remove the yellow tag and relocate the bike to nearby bicycle rack. Call the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities at 215-686-9000 if you are unable to move your tagged bicycle or if you have any questions.

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