If you haven't heard about one of the most exciting cycling related news, arguably in Pittsburgh history, check it out.  Working with the Mayor's office, City Planning, and Public Works, we helped the City fulfill another step in its Bicycle Plan, and secure funding to hire Pittsburgh's first full-time Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. 


Mayor Raventahl and Patrick Dowd talk to the media after the press conference at Enrico's Tazza D'Oro in Highland Park

Not only is this Pittsburgh's first, but it's a first in the whole state of Pennsylvania.  As demonstrated by other cities in the country, this position is instrumental in creating safer and better streets for cycling and walking.  The job description, filled by planner, cyclist, and local Stephen Patchan, is to work on making improvements to the bicycling and walking infrastructure in the city.  Quite the ambitious goal.

Councilman Patrick Dowd also announced his "Four E's" initiative for making cycling in the city safer and more accessible.  The "Four E's," Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Events, will guide the City to a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere.

These recent announcements led to a flood of media coverage, letters to the editor, and a healthy discussion on cycling in Pittsburgh.

CLICK HERE to check out the full story, with links to the media coverage.

Pittsburgh DPW and Councilwoman Tonya Payne recently announced that they have secured funding to fix the sidewalk along Fifth Ave between Craft Ave and Moultrie St, near the Birmingham Bridge.  The sidewalk is extremely dilapidated and cars are constantly parked on it.  It is even more glaring now that PennDot has installed a brand new sidewalk on about a third of this stretch.  This forces many pedestrians, wheelchair users, and bicyclists into the dangerous buslane in order to access Oakland from the Southside, Uptown and Downtown. 

Thanks to your 311 calls and writing letters and emails to elected officials, you helped get the city to take action.

For a brief history of the situation, CLICK HERE

Thank you to Councilwoman Tonya Payne and Public Works Director Guy Costa for making this happen.  The human-powered transportation community thanks you!

You can thank them too! Either call 3-1-1 to thank them or email them directly.

Councilwoman Tonya Payne
Public Works Director Guy Costa

Thursday, August 28th: Get Free Hot Dogs (kosher dogs as well as vegan), 1/2 off appetizers, and $1 off beers for Bike Pittsburgh members. Remember to bring your membership card!

 

Ride out to Buffalo Blues and enjoy some good beer, cheap and tasty eats, and meet other local cyclists!

 

The Thunderhead Alliance for Biking and Walking is the national coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations working in unison to break down the barriers to safe bicycling and walking in North American communities. They bring leaders of member organizations, such as Bike Pittsburgh together to help each other grow their organizations and become more effective. Scott is very excited to lend his knowledge and expertise to the board.

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Bike Pittsburgh gratefully acknowledges the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Heinz Endowments, The Benter Foundation and our members for their generous support.