Letters: More bikes would make Eagles' games greener

If the Eagles truly want to make Lincoln Financial Field the greenest stadium in the world, they need to tackle transportation ("Eagles plan to take the gridiron off the grid," Thursday).

The most direct emissions generated from a Sunday home game are from the 25,000 motor vehicles that fill the 250 acres of hard-surfaced parking surrounding the sports complex. A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows that every game generates at least 550,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.

For a fraction of the money spent on the power-generation project, the Eagles could help reduce the number of vehicle trips to the game:

Work with the city and the Stadium Special Services District to make the last half-mile to the stadium more bikeable and walkable. Currently, the district forbids pedicabs, and Pattison Avenue lacks bicycle lanes.

Promote more express bus service from the suburbs, New Jersey, and Delaware to take hundreds more fans looking to avoid the congestion, tolls, and parking fees.

Add bike parking. There are currently zero bike racks at the stadium. Valet bike parking and a safe bike access route with orange cones could encourage fans to bike to the game.

John Boyle

Research Director

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

john@bicyclecoalition.org