November

13, 2017
Public Testimony, KOP EIS

On behalf of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, I would like to offer our support
for the expansion of the Route 100 to King of Prussia and Greater Valley Forge
Expanded high-speed rail service will offer more opportunities for connections to The
Circuit Trails. In particular, we recommend that the proposed 1st and Moore/Convention
Center Station just outside Valley Forge NHP include a safe bicycle and pedestrian
connection to the Valley Forge Trail Network. We recommend that the Henderson Road
station be explicitly connected to the Chester Valley Trail. We encourage SEPTA to closely
coordinate with Montgomery County Planning Commission to assure that both stations
create seamlessly with the Circuit Trails.

The Environmental Impact Statement does not indicate whether or not a third track will be
required between the existing HSL corridor between 69th St and Hughes Park. Portions of
the unused right of way have been proposed for a possible rail with trail alignment for the
Forge to Refuge Trail. We strongly encourage SEPTA to be open to allowing usage of the
Route 100 ROW for a future Rail with Trail alignment for the Forge to Refuge Trail
between Haverford and Radnor.

The PECO/FIRST Ave Action Alternative looks like it may share the right of way of the
Chester Valley Trail along the Hansen Access Road. We request that the final EIS
specifically state that the future CVT Trail Extension will not be negatively impacted by the
construction of the rail line if this alternative is chosen.

New rail cars need to include dedicated hanging bike racks similar to those installed in NJ
Transits RiverLINE to safely secure bicycles. Even SEPTAs existing rail cars (N5) already
have space for at least 3 or 4 bicyclists to hold their bicycles in the rear vestibule. The
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia believe that carrying bikes on rush hour trains
should not be an issue unless the vehicle is standing room only.

Finally, at the 69th St Transportation Center we would like to see more direct platform
access between the NHSL and Market Frankford El. Even if an across-the-platform transfer
could not be installed initially due to cost, it should be included as a future option



dependent on ridership demand. We also recommend that SEPTA improve upon the
directional signage between the two lines for customers seeking to make a transfer. It is
not easy to discern, especially for the first time user.

Best Regards

John Boyle
BCGP Research Director

RiverLINE bike hangers.

Bike parked in the rear vestibule of a Norristown High Speed Line car.