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 BikePGH to Host Pedal Pittsburgh in 2012
CDCP transfers hosting of iconic ride to BikePGH
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Thousands of people enjoy riding in the popular event Pedal Pittsburgh. The annual event has grown from 1,000 in 1994 to 2,800 riders in 2011. The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP) started the event in the mid 90s when the Thrift Drug Classic and the Great Ride were also local bicycling traditions. Much has changed in nearly two decades as the latter two rides faded away while the number of recreational and commuting bicyclists has steadily risen.
The time has come where BikePGH is now prepared to take over the hosting of Pedal Pittsburgh from CDCP, and plan to add our own unique twist to the iconic Pittsburgh event. Up until now, the event has promoted experienced and novice riders to share the streets with cars. We aim to make the event more user friendly, first by reducing the number of routes to choose from, and secondly, by making the course as car-free as possible.
To take on this huge endeavor, we've hired Seth Gernot as our Events Coordinator. With experience as an event organizer throughout the region, combined with years of volunteering for the organization, he brings the skills and energy to truly make this event succeed.
Cities across the country have shown that, while it is expensive to close roads for cycling events, it has proven worth it as car-free events are enticing to people of all skill levels. To do so comes with a hefty price tag, as miles of road closures require numerous police officers to control the intersections. We are actively raising funds to remake Pedal Pittsburgh in 2012. Membership, individual and corporate donations are now critical to support this bold new step for a long-cherished local event.
Learn more about this important development or make a donation to support it |
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 City Installing New Bike Lanes and Sharrows
First on-street bike infrastructure in the Northside, Liberty Ave bike lanes branch toward Oakland
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The City has been installing bike lanes and sharrows over the past couple weeks. You may have noticed the Northside's first on-street cycling infrastructure, as well as some branches off of the popular Liberty Ave bike lane in Bloomfield.
In the Northside, bike lanes and sharrows are set to connect the North Shore Trail, through the park and community to Riverview Park. The markings pass many Northside attractions like CCAC, the Aviary, the Children's Museum, and the Commons.
 | | An animated play-by-play of Pittsburgh's on-street bike markings. Click on image to see a larger version and the full story. |
Meanwhile, over in Bloomfield and North Oakland, the City installed branches off of the Liberty Ave bike lanes. A combination of bike lanes and sharrows follow Millvale Ave south from Liberty Ave to Centre Ave, then over to Neville St and into Oakland. North of Liberty Ave, the markings head to Friendship Park, where there are planned bike lanes and sharrows along Friendship to Negley or to Penn.
Ellsworth Ave has become a major bike commuter route, and the City also installed sharrows along the narrow street, establishing it's importance to the on-street bike network.
To find out more about "shared lane markings" or sharrows, see our FAQ. Please be sure to thank the City for these safety improvements!
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 Help Us Reach 2012 Members by 2012
Join today and help expand Pittsburgh's bike network, unlock a $2012 gift!
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If you've ever wanted more bike lanes and markings, secure bike parking, a bike-friendly workplace, or more fun biking events, you understand by now that membership in Bike Pittsburgh is essential to make these things a reality. We are the only local organization working to protect the rights of people who ride bikes and work towards the dream of a truly bike-friendly Pittsburgh. But we need your support to both amplify our voice and help fun the programs and projects to make it all happen!
Without a doubt, 2011 has been an exciting year for Bike Pittsburgh. Between taking on Pedal Pittsburgh, new bike lanes in the works, more bike racks in our business districts and parks, a brand new edition of the award-winning Pittsburgh Bike Map, better bike access on public transit, the development of a bike-friendly employer program, the Car Free Calculator, and our biggest and baddest BikeFest to date, you can see we've been busy making Pittsburgh an even better place to ride a bike.
But, none of this would be possible without our members
Already a member? Thank you! You can still help out by forwarding this email to your friends or link to 2012 by 2012 on the social networking site of your choice.
We're sweetening the deal. Become a new member or refer a friend and be entered into a drawing for a Kona AfricaBike
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Give the Gift of Safe Streets
Looking for something unique to give to that special bicyclist in your life? Look no further.
| | You might not be able to put a bow on bike lanes, but you can do the next best thing |
Your loved ones deserve to be safe on the streets. So give them a gift that not only helps them, but the entire Pittsburgh community. A membership in BikePGH is the best way to realize the vision of a safe, green, bike-friendly, Pittsburgh. We expand the network of bicycle infrastructure, publish the award winning Pittsburgh Bike Map and Bike Commuting 101 guide. We install bike racks, create better access on public transit, engage businesses to become bike friendly, and host lots of fun biking events.
Membership also has its privileges. Our members receive discounts at lots of local shops and to many of our events. So what are you waiting for? Get a gift membership for that special bike rider in your life and help make Pittsburgh a better, safer place to live, work and ride.
Important: When you checkout, you'll be able to choose where to send the gift membership. If you would like to give the gift in person we'll be happy to send it to you. If you want us to send it directly to the recipient, we'll include a card with a customizable gift message. Also, if you would like the gift membership in a stocking, under the tree or exchanged by the light of the menorah, please order it no later than December 17th to ensure delivery for the holidays. Thanks and if you have any questions please email membership@bike-pgh.org.
Click here to purchase a gift membership
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Bike Friendly Employer Program Adds Eight New Businesses
Local Tech companies and Universities figure prominently
Since our Bike Friendly Employer Program launched earlier in the year, the interest shown by local organizations and businesses has been brisk. In February, BikePGH recognized eleven employers. Now we welcome eight more.
We are proud to announce that Pashek Associates, pair Networks, the Priory Hotel, Deeplocal, InspectTech and the University of Pittsburgh all made the grade. Carnegie Mellon University and CMU's Mechanical Engineering Department also qualified for BFE designation. Congratulations everyone!
All of these bike friendly employers have several things in common. They all provide good bike parking solutions for their employees, they all foster a culture that promotes bike commuting, and they all have at least one champion who inspires their organization to be bike friendly.
Help make Pittsburgh become a bike-friendly city by applying to the Bike Friendly Employer program.
Find out more about the program on our website
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Car Free Calculator Exceeds 100,000 Miles
Calculator participants collectively saved over $50,000 in 2011
We are only 39 subscribers shy of our goal of 500 for the year. When we meet this goal, BikePGH will hold our biggest raffle drawing yet.
BikePGH is working on revamping the Calculator in the coming year. We have an exciting announcement in the works about the upgrades for the Car Free Calculator, so stay tuned!
If you still haven't entered your miles sign up today to help us reach 500 subscribers and unveil the latest raffle prize. We will draw the next prize with the 475th subscriber.
Click here to sign up to the Car Free Calculator and start logging your miles!
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BikePGH Holiday Party
Join us on Wed. Dec 21 at OTB in the South Side
On Wednesday, December 21st from 7-9pm come celebrate a great year for bicycling in Pittsburgh! Bring your BikePGH membership card for tasty specials and hang with the BikePGH crew.
The full menu is available, but with your membership card, you'll also get:
$5 Bicycle Advocate Burger
$5 Iron City Bites......mmmmm......seitan
OTB also saved one keg of Pedal Pale Ale just for Bike Pittsburgh members. It's the last keg in the universe, so come with your membership card and your first pint is on us! Come early for your free brew, because when it's gone, it's gone!
BikePGH Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
7pm-9pm
OTB Bicycle Cafe
2518 East Carson St
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
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BikePGH in the News
Keeping bikes in the media
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- Pop City reports on the Northside getting their first on-street bike infrastructure
- The Post-Gazette shows how bike racks on buses can enhance both city and suburban residents' recreational choices
- We got a nod in Bicycle Retailer in an article about bicycle-themed bars and cafes
- Munhall installs the state's first physically separated bike lane according to NACTO standards, and the Tribune-Review wanted our input
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Local Cycling Events Calendar
Come out and play, learn, get active
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Listed below are some of the upcoming highlights.
BikePGH Events
- BikePGH Volunteer Night at the Office - Mon Dec 12, 5:30-7:30 PM - We'll provide the food and materials, you bring your hands. No experience necessary. 3410 Penn Ave, Lawrenceville. More info HERE
- BikePGH Holiday Party - Wed Dec 21, 7:00-9:00 PM - Join us at OTB in the South Side for some great food and beverages. Details above.
Other Events
- Trek of PGH's Weekly Workshops Just about every Tues, Wed, Thurs thru Feb. - Next workshop: Winter Bike Maintenance. See website for details.
- North Park Lake Area Master Plan Presentation - Wed Dec 14 - Help shape a vision for North Park
- Icycle Bicycle Ride - Sun Jan 1 - The annual Pittsburgh tradition
If you have an event you'd like to see listed on the Pittsburgh cycling events calendar, click here to submit.
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Bike Pittsburgh gratefully acknowledges the
Richard King Mellon Foundation, Heinz Endowments, The Sprout Fund, The Benter Foundation, The Alliance for Biking & Walking and our members for their generous support.
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Bike Pittsburgh / 3410 Penn Ave / Pittsburgh / PA / 15201 / 412-325-4334 news@bike-pgh.orgThe eMessenger is an electronic newsletter published once a month. Bike Pittsburgh, Inc. does not rent, sell, or make available any personal information, including email addresses. If you would like to be removed from the list, simply click "SafeUnsubscribe" at the bottom of this email. |
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