Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Why a Struggling Industrial City Decided Bikes Are the Way Forward

Reading, Pennsylvania, isn't your stereotypical biking mecca. It's a low-income, largely Latino, post-industrial city of almost 90,000 people.

But without much of anything in the way of bike infrastructure, Reading has the third-highest rate of bike commuting in Pennsylvania and is among the top 15 cities on the East Coast.

Some civic leaders in Reading have seized on the idea of better serving people who bike as a way to improve safety and community, as well as to help reverse the legacy of sprawl and disinvestment.

We're excited to be the first to post this video from the Portland-based publishing crew Elly Blue and Joe Biel.

The film is part of a short series that Elly and Joe produced to show a broader cross-section of regions and people working on bike issues. They made the films while traveling around America on their Dinner and Bikes Tour.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Republican’s Demagogue on Suspending Gas Tax and Climate Fuel Rules — Again

Once every four years, the idea of pausing the gas tax emerges from its cave before being sent back to the shadows.

February 25, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

We'll have more on the Republican proposal to take a year off from the gas tax later today.

February 25, 2026

Competing Visions Emerge for the Future of Measure C in Fresno County

When a group of experts don't like a plan created through a community process, they just make their own.

February 24, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

Lots of news from up and down the state.

February 24, 2026

What It Would Take to Map Every Sidewalk In Your State

States and tech companies keep detailed records of virtually every driving lane in America — but not every sidewalk. Until now.

February 23, 2026
See all posts