Weekly Newsletter #28 — June 2, 2026

June 2, 2026
Weekly Newsletter #28 · June 02, 2026

5th Square Advocacy is an urbanist organization of grassroots advocates building a coalition for better transportation, housing, and public space in Philadelphia. Thanks to our growing network of sustaining members for making this work possible.

🌇 TUESDAY OPEN STREETS

For the month of June, Center City District is bringing open streets to the Gayborhood on Tuesdays from 4:00-9:00 PM--and the first one is today!

 

Five blocks will go car-free on 13th, Sansom, and Drury Streets. Check it out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

🚲 ARAMINGO AVE SAFETY UPGRADES

We recently asked for your help in calling on PennDOT to make Aramingo Ave safer following the death of Glen Colville at the hands of a driver who plowed through flex posts into the bike lane.

At a meeting last week, PennDOT announced that it will replace flexposts with Toronto-style concrete barriers. While we wish it was done sooner, it's a great change that will hopefully prevent more families from losing loved ones.

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Source: PBA

Thank you for signing the petition and thank you our partners at the Bicycle Coalition and PBA for supporting a safer Aramingo Ave.

💳 PUSH FOR UNIVERSAL STUDENT FARES BEFORE SUMMER

Summer is almost here which means student fare cards will soon stop working, cutting our city's kids off from jobs, internships, and extracurricular activities.
It shouldn't be this way--help us push for universal student fares before school lets out for the year!
We want student passes to work 24/7, 365 days a year, and for EVERY student in grades 7-12 to be eligible for SEPTA passes.
How can you help make this happen?
  1. Ask your school's administration, PTA/HSA organizations, and student clubs to sign on to this letter.
  2. Sign this petition from Transit Forward Philly
  3. Share your story of how expanded student transit access would impact you

🏟️ THE SPORTS COMPLEX NEEDS MORE TRANSIT

At a time when SEPTA is still facing a long-term funding crisis, last week's announcement from Gov. Shapiro of $30 million in state funds for Stadium District roadways was a major disappointment.

The best way to reduce congestion is by investing in transit, not more road capacity. We need the support of the Commonwealth to make that happen.

See our full statement here.

👶 BIKING WITH TODDLERS

Our streets are for everyone and that includes toddlers!

Want to try biking with your young child, but unsure how to do it safely?

Join Philly Bike Action's webinar on June 27th. This one-hour webinar will discuss strategies for biking safely with young children, featuring a presentation by local doctors, and a Q&A section at the end. 

🔍 TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT

This Saturday, June 6th, join Transit Forward Philly for an accessibility audit of bus and L stops in Kensington.

Kensington%20Transit%20Accessibility%20Audit.jpg

👋 BECOME A MEMBER

Thank you to everyone who has already joined as a member! Our members fuel our grassroots work for a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable Philadelphia.

BECOME A MEMBER

🗞️ 5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS

The Inquirer / Gov. Shapiro announces almost $30 million highway investment for Philly stadium district

“Today’s announcement from Gov. Shapiro spending $30 million in state funds for Stadium District roadways is a major disappointment when SEPTA is still facing a long-term funding crisis threatening transit service,” transit advocacy group Fifth Square said in a statement Thursday. “The most effective way to manage congestion at the Stadium District is to encourage spectators to take SEPTA instead.”

Metro Philadelphia / Philly rolls out traffic safety signs amid string of deadly crashes

“In a collision at 25 miles per hour, pedestrians have a 90% chance of surviving,” Miles Owen, of 5th Square , said at a news conference Monday morning. “That percentage drastically decreases as the speed goes up. This sign makes that visible and reinforces the stakes.”

🚨 ACTION ITEMS

🏫 UNIVERSAL STUDENT FARES PETITION

Sign this petition to support expanding student transit cards to cover more students and provide transit access on evenings, weekends, and summers.

 

✍️ TRAIL SURVEY

Take this quick, 3-minute survey to help the Bicycle Coalition and Circuit Trails understand how you use trails throughout the region.

 

🚲 LEGALIZE PARKING-PROTECTED BIKE LANES

Parking-protected bike lanes are a great way to make our bikes lanes safer and lower stress, but they are illegal on state roads! Sign the Bicycle Coalition's petition to legalize parking-protected bike lanes!

📅 EVENTS

Jun 03

Transit for All PA Harrisburg Day of Action

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM · PA Capitol Building / Travel from 30th St Station

Transit systems all across the Commonwealth are facing dire funding shortfalls--join transit riders and workers from across PA in Harrisburg to demand action from our legislators.
Jun 04

Statewide Active Transportation Summit

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM · Harrisburg: 212 Locust St

Pennsylvanians from across the state working on improving walking, biking, and accessibility will gather in Harrisburg to meet others doing this work in their communities, see examples of work underway, and discover key elements to help you bring active transportation improvements home for your area.
Jun 06

Belmont Water Treatment Plant Open House

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM · Belmont Water Treatment Plant, 4300 W Ford Rd

The Philadelphia Water Department is welcoming the public for tours of a drinking water treatment plant. Come see how PWD keeps your tap water safe to drink and use every day.
Jun 06

Kensington Transit Accessibility Audit

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM · Harrowgate Park, 3455 Kensington Ave

Join Transit Forward Philadelphia for accessibility audit of bus and L stops in Kensington.
Jun 09

Bridging Blocks | Streets for Everyone: Bikes, Cars, and Pedestrian Rights

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM · Parkway Central Library, 4FL Skyline Room

Join WHYY for a community conversation discussing the safety of people walking and biking in Philadelphia and what city leaders, decision-makers, and advocates can do to improve safety.
Jun 27

Biking with Toddlers 101 Webinar

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM · Online Webinar

Learn how to safely bike with young children. This webinar will feature a presentation by two local doctors followed by a Q&A section.
Aug 08

Philly Mayor's Cup

Belmont Plateau

The Philly Running Alliance is hosting a team race where runners compete for their chosen local running club, featuring races of varying length through historic West Fairmount Park.

 

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