There's a very real possibility that bus and T service will come to a screeching halt within the next month.  This will be very difficult for the thousands of folks who rely on transit everyday to get to work, run errands, visit friends and family, or just to go out for a night on the town. Bike Pittsburgh is not taking sides in these negotiations between the transit operators and Port Authority management. We're just here to help you get to all the places you did with transit, but under the power of your own two feet.

We've created the website bikethestrike.org to help you get on your bike and reduce the impact that a strike or a lockout may have on your daily life.  You'll find resources and information on bike commuting, bike maintenance, as well as where to find "bike pools" so that you can meet up with other riders and get to work. 

We have a lot of other plans in the works to help new cyclists get to where they need to go.  Please check the website frequently or subscribe to our blog to find out about these as they develop.

Please forward this email to anyone you think may benefit.  We recognize that there will be many new riders on the streets, and we want them to be as safe as possible.

Although we've seen more folks with lights on their bikes at night than in years past, it could still be MUCH better. Did you know that it is ILLEGAL to not have a front headlight and at least a rear reflector on your bike? Now you do.

But let's ignore legality for a second and ask ourselves, "How does it make others on the road feel when they can't see me until the last second?" The answer is startled and frustrated. We should also ask ourselves, "What's more likely to happen when we can't be seen on the road?" The answer is get hit by a car. Not fun.

Lights only cost about $20-30 for a set and you can find them even cheaper if you look hard. Buy them, put them on your bike, and make sure the batteries are always fully charged. You'll feel safer because people can see you. You'll feel more at ease because you won't have to wonder whether or not a cop is going to pull you over for not being legal. And you'll be doing something more subtle, but just as important - showing respect for other road users. When you show this respect you are more likely to have it reciprocated.

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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.