Ride a bike!

Ride a bike! blog transition

2006-11-10T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Thanks for reading/subscribing to Bike Pittsburgh's blog, but as of this post it is finito. Big changes have been made to our website and we now have a blog integrated that you can still subscribe to via RSS. Please check out the new site at www.bike-pgh.org and have a look around. Sign up for an account and feel free to contribute to our messageboard and comment on our blog. Thanks again for reading. Hope you like the new site.

Best,

Scott
Executive Director
Bike Pittsburgh

Port Authority Continues to Rack 'n Roll

2006-10-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

Watch a short video on how to use the racks.

Pittsburgh, PA – Port Authority has added four bus routes to its Rack ‘n Roll Program, continuing efforts to help make Pittsburgh more bike-friendly and public transportation more convenient.

Bicyclists can now load their non-motorized bikes aboard Port Authority’s 26A Ingram-Sheridan, 26D Chartiers City, 56C McKeesport-Lincoln Place and 59U South Side Works-Oakland-Waterfront buses, bringing to 12 the number of selected bus routes in the program.

Port Authority in 1999 permitted bicyclists throughout Allegheny County to take their bikes aboard the T and Monongahela Incline and in 2001 equipped 85 buses with bike racks serving eight routes: 11D Perrysville, 21A Coraopolis, 54C North Side-Strip District-Oakland-South Side, 71A Negley, 77D Highland-Friendship, 77F Morningside-Friendship, 77G Stanton Heights-Friendship and 500 Highland Park-Bellevue.

In partnership with Bike Pittsburgh, Sustainable Pittsburgh and the City of Pittsburgh, Port Authority selected bus routes to be included in Rack ‘n Roll because they operated to or near local colleges and universities and popular biking destinations such as the Allegheny River Bike Trails, Schenley Park and Three Rivers Heritage Trails.

One of the new routes, 56C McKeesport-Lincoln Place, offers a transit connection to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. This trail provides a direct bike connection from McKeesport to Cumberland, Md., with future plans linking it to Washington, D.C.

“With enthusiasts biking year-round, our bike-friendly vehicles allow us to be responsive to their needs while attracting new riders to the system,” said Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland. “Our Rack ‘n Roll program goal is to help enhance the convenience and reliability of our services, strengthen our community partnerships, and make it possible for many in our region to reach several venues throughout Allegheny County using bikes and transit.”

The new bike racks are funded by a federal Transportation Enhancement Program grant provided to Port Authority from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Port Authority will expand Rack ‘n Roll early next year, taking the number of Port Authority buses equipped with bike racks from the current 158 to 350.

Scott Bricker, the executive director of bicycle advocacy and awareness group Bike Pittsburgh, said, “We are very pleased with the devotion Port Authority has shown towards making the Rack 'n Roll program a success. Programs like this do an incredible service to individuals who wish to combine modes of transportation and make Pittsburgh more bike-friendly. We look forward to our continued partnership in expanding Rack ‘n Roll."

Rack ‘n Roll information is available on Port Authority’s newly redesigned Web site, www.portatuhority.org, including a video demonstrating the ease of using a bike rack. Each rack is attached to the front of the bus and accommodates two bicycles. Unless accompanied by an adult, bicyclists must be aged 12 or older to use the bike racks. Information pamphlets are available on the Web site, buses and T and also in Port Authority schedule racks.

Customers wishing additional information should contact Port Authority Customer Service at (412) 442-2000 or the TTY number, (412) 231-7007, for the speech and hearing impaired.

Bus lines outfitted with racks:

EXISTING bus routes that have been re-outfitted with racks:
11D Perrysville
21A Coraopolis
54C North Side-Strip District-Oakland-South Side
71A Negley
77D Highland-Friendship
77F Morningside-Friendship
77G Stanton Heights-Friendship
500 Highland Park-Bellevue.

NEW bus routes that will be in service as of October 2nd:
26A Ingram-Sheridan (West End)
26D Chartiers City (West End)
56C McKeesport-Lincoln Place (Take this bus to get to the Great Allegheny Passage Trailhead)
59U South Side Works-Oakland-Squirrel Hill-Waterfront

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you experience any issues with the bus racks – if one happens to be broken or a bus on a rack-designated route doesn't arrive with a rack just follow these simple steps:
1) Please contact Port Authority Customer Service at 412-442-2000
2) When you call, tell them the bus route, time and location of when you intended to board the bus (e.g. "the rack on the 54C route at 1:12 p.m. on South 18th Street at Carson Street...").
3) If you were able to obtain the four digit vehicle number, found on the back exterior or front interior of the bus, give that number to customer service as well.

Also, if you have a positive experience using a bus rack, call and tell your story

Town planning blamed for obesity

2006-09-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

"Poor town planning which limits opportunities for children to take exercise has been blamed for fuelling an increase in obesity.

Leading US paediatrician Professor Richard Jackson called for a rethink in the way towns and cities are developed."

"How a neighbourhood is designed dictates how people get around, for example walking or bicycling versus automobile use."

Professor Jackson, who is professor in both public health and urban design at the University of California at Berkeley, said technology had brought both "good" and "bad" news.

Labour saving technology

He said: "Technology has eliminated a lot of the really backbreaking labour from our lives.

"But we have also "designed" a lot of incidental exercise out of our lives, such as walking.

"In 1969, 48% of American students (90% of those who lived within a mile) walked or bicycled to school.

"In 1999, only 19% of children walked to or from school and 6% rode bicycles to school."

Dr Ian Campbell, medical director of the charity Weight Concern, said Professor Jackson was "absolutely right".

He said: "The development of obesity in the past 30 years is a direct result of environmental change.

"The fact that environment sustainability and health are inextricably linked needs to be recognised by politicians and public health officials and definitive action taken.

"Then, and only then, will we see decreases in levels of childhood obesity in this country."

Link to full story.

Bloomfield Bike Lane Letters to the Editor

2006-09-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

There's been quite a spirited debate going on in the Post-Gazette's letters to the editor section about the bike lanes and shared lane markings that will go through Bloomfield this spring. Here they are for your enjoyment. We'd love to read your thoughts so please post comments:

All From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Letter to the editor, 09/01/06
Inconsiderate cyclists
I read with interest the article about a new bike lane on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield ("Bicycle Lanes Gain Support on Long Stretch of Liberty Ave.," Aug. 28).
I work for a delivery service and cover the city very regularly; therefore the idea of sharing the road is laughable. Bike riders are consistently reckless and uncaring about traffic lights or signs or any driving protocol. They pass when and how they wish.
When they get licenses of some sort, or show some kind of road courtesy, then they will be entitled to road sharing.

JERRY MORRIS
 Lawrenceville

**********************

Letter to the editor, 09/07/06
Inconsiderate others
I sympathize with the dilemma that Jerry Morris faces with inconsiderate cyclists (Sept. 1 letter). But I do take umbrage at Mr. Morris seemingly putting all cyclists into this category.
I ride my bicycle from the Strip District to Downtown, and I make sure that I obey all traffic laws to the best of my ability. As a cyclist I have to deal with reckless and uncaring buses, cars and most often pedestrians. It is amazing how many pedestrians walk out in front of traffic either against the light or in the middle of the street.
So long as gas and parking prices remain high and the population Downtown and in surrounding areas increases, I can guarantee that the number of cyclists on the road is only going to increase.
Nothing would suit me better than if I didn't have to share the road with vehicles and pedestrians. The bottom line, Mr. Morris, is that if I have to put up with you on the road, then you have to put up with me.

ROBERT J. BOSCIA 
Ross

**********************

Letters to the editor, 09/11/06
Two-wheeled danger
Warmest thanks to Jerry Morris ("Inconsiderate Cyclists," Sept. 1 letter) for raising the serious problem of cyclists running through lights and ignoring the rules that the rest of us -- motorists and pedestrians -- have to obey.
Recently, I nearly killed a cyclist who, in complete darkness and without lights or a helmet, flew through a red light on Penn Avenue as I was edging forward on a green. This cyclist, traveling at 30-40 mph and completely invisible until about 6 feet away, shot through a light that had been solidly red for 10 or 15 seconds. I had to stop my car on the other side of the road to get over the shock of so nearly killing another person.
Many of us tend to sympathize with cyclists because cycling is healthy, ecologically friendly, etc. So we feel for them when they complain about being pushed off the road and abused by car owners. But many cyclists seem to be governed by a rebel spirit that rejects the mundane restrictions imposed on other road users -- when the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual specifically states that bicycles are covered by all its rules and even notes as an example that "All bicyclists, just like motorists, are required to stop at red lights."
What kind of "courage" or "individualism" is it that justifies so blatantly endangering other people and often ends up piling more work on already overworked doctors and nurses in emergency rooms? Why do cyclists feel they are above the law, yet entitled to emergency medical treatment when they flout it? Will some cyclist explain how and when cyclists acquired their immunity from reasonable rules and common courtesy? Doesn't "share the road" work both ways?

MARTIN STANILAND 
Point Breeze

**********************

Respect for cyclists
I have to take issue with Jerry Morris' Sept. 1 letter ("Inconsiderate Cyclists") concerning "consistently reckless and uncaring" bike riders and his idea that we need licenses to validate our rights.
There are certainly some bikers who fit this description, but I would say the same about some drivers. And legally, we don't need licenses to ride our bikes, so it isn't up to you or anyone else to decide on your own that we are not entitled to share the road with you. And until the laws are changed, that is the reality in which we live.
Unfortunately, many motorists labor under this delusion and act like we are simply some random obstacle. I have been knocked off my bike several times by drivers who tried to pass within 2 inches of my body. I have been hit by drivers who make sudden turns without signaling.
I do not ride recklessly. I wear a helmet and obey traffic laws. I stop when I am supposed to and signal my turns, which is more than I can say for many drivers who seem to feel that the rolling stop and unsignaled right turn is their birthright.
I deserve the same respect as other vehicles on the road, and I am happy the city is making strides to improve the lives of bikers.

ANGELA M. VESCO 
South Side

We just keep growing, and growing...

2006-08-29T15:23:00.000-04:00

This is not a news flash. America is suffering from an obesity epidemic that's costing us billions of dollars every year. According to a study done by Trust for America's Health, 31 states saw an increase in obesity over the past year. Truly horrifying is the rise in adult-onset diabetes amonst children. In fact, they've had to rename it Type II since it doesn't just appear in adults any longer.

Trust for America's Health makes plenty of recommendations in their report, but one stood out most to us here at Bike Pittsburgh:

At the local level, governments should approve zoning and land use laws that give people more chances to walk or bike to the store or to work. Local governments also should set aside more funding for sidewalks.

Wouldn't that be something! Obviously a major part of the problem is that we're living in communities that were designed solely for personal automobiles. Somewhere along the lines our planners forgot that the need to exercise on a daily basis is a basic human necessity and that people shouldn't have to belong to a private gym to be able to be mobile. They also seemed to have forgotten that millions of people can't afford or do not have the ability to drive (too young, too old, or disabled). Well, I think the time has come for communities to start to pay attention to the fact that we're killing ourselves while costing us billions in obesity related health costs.

Link to article

If you're interested in learning more, please consider attending the Childhood Obesity Summit at the convention center in Downtown Pittsburgh on September 16th.

City of Pittsburgh Announces Bicycling Plans for Liberty Ave.

2006-08-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, August 19th Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning announced their plans for striping and marking pavement to better facilitate bicycle transportation through the neighborhood of Bloomfield. Richard Meritzer, the part-time bike/ped planner with the city, facilitated the presentation and follow-up discussion.

Over 50 bicyclists attended the meeting as well as a handful of neighborhood business owners and non-riding residents. An overwhelming majority of the folks present were very supportive of the city taking steps to do a better job accommodating bicyclists through this corridor including the president of the Bloomfield Business Association. A healthy question/answer session addressed concerns ranging from defining Shared Lane Markings and where they will be placed, to questioning the City's decision to only stripe one line for the bike lane despite the fact that there is on-street parking. Many feel, adding a second stripe will ensure that drivers park closer to the curb and not further into the middle of the bike lane - a practice common on the Beechwood Blvd bike lane, which is also striped with only a single line.

The City assured everyone there that they will take as many steps necessary to keep bicyclists as safe as possible through this corridor, and that they will constantly revisit this area to see if there are ways in which to make things safer.

The large turnout also reinforced that there is a huge cycling presence in the area who would like to see more cycling improvements in their neighborhood and throughout the city. Due to the success of the format, the city may hold future, similar "town hall" style meetings for cyclists, so stay tuned.

Aug 23-27: Allegheny Parks Mountain Bike Fest

2006-08-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

Check out the event listings for the first-ever Allegheny Parks Mt. Bike Fest, brought to you by Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group and Allegheny Parks: Mt. Bike Fest Calendar

An Event to Highlight Allegheny County's wonderful parks and singletrack and to meet other Mountain Bikers. All Events are FREE. For these rides, we are asking that you have a knobby tired mountain bike in good working order, a helmet, water, and can handle 2 hours of hills, roots, and rocks. We should cover 12-15 miles of singletrack per park. We hope that you can join us!!

***************************************

Recent Press Release:

Allegheny County Parks to Host Mountain Bike Fest
Organized biking excursions will showcase trails in six County parks

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato today announced the County Parks Department, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group (PTAG), will host a Mountain Bike Fest from August 23 through 27.

“Pittsburgh and Allegheny County arguably have some of the best mountain biking opportunities of any major urban area. Within an hour of downtown, there are an abundance of trails suitable for everyone from beginners to the most avid mountain bike enthusiasts, and many of these trails are conveniently located in Allegheny County Parks,” said Mike Connors of PTAG.

During the five-day fest, mountain bikers can participate in a number of free, organized rides in Boyce Park, Deer Lakes Park, Harrison Hills Park, Hartwood Acres, North Park and South Park. Cyclists are strongly encouraged to have proper equipment, including a helmet, water bottle and knobby-tired mountain bike in good working condition.

“The Allegheny County Mountain Bike Fest is an inventive way to reach out to the growing number of cyclists and acquaint them with the trail systems available in our County parks,” added Onorato. “We are pleased to partner with the Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group on this exciting endeavor, and we encourage anyone who likes mountain biking to come out and enjoy what our parks have to offer.”

The organized rides will last approximately two hours and will cover 12 to 15 miles per ride. All trips will be led by local cyclists who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with bike fest participants. Following each excursion, bikers are invited to take advantage of the pools, picnic shelters, free concerts and other recreational activities and amenities available in the County parks.

For information on the Allegheny County Mountain Bike Fest, including designated meeting times and locations for the organized rides, contact Mike Connors at 724-934-9293 or mtbmike@bike-pgh.org. A detailed events calendar is available at www.bike-pgh.org. Information on Allegheny County Parks and directions to each facility are available at www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks.

# # #

Allegheny County operates nine public parks that span 12,000 acres and offer a wide array of sporting, leisure, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The Allegheny County Parks system serves to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the citizens of Allegheny County and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Various seasonal and year-round programs, activities and amenities provide residents with educational and recreational opportunities, while also contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

The purpose of the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group is to protect and encourage multi-use trail access. PTAG members are especially concerned with single-track trails used by mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. PTAG works with City, County and State landowners to ensure that all trails are approved, constructed and maintained to International Mountain Bicycling Association standards, with minimal impact on the environment. It also strives to educate all users on responsible trail use with the goal of fostering improved relations among landowners and trail users.

Re-designing Cities

2006-08-10T15:07:00.000-04:00

Architect Hillary Brown offers some tips on how to make the most of miles of concrete and pavement rights-of-way in big cities.

"First off, we noticed that cars, surface transit, pedestrians, and bike riders all compete for the right-of-way. But too often, autos win out. So, we proposed carving out more space for bikers, and separating them from cars and walkers with islands and corridors of trees and vegetation."

Link

2006-08-09T14:04:00.000-04:00

Potluck to Welcome 18 Cross-Country Cyclists to Pittsburgh

2006-08-04T11:28:00.000-04:00

Monday, August 7th

6:30 PM
Friends Meeting House
4836 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15213

18 people are riding their bikes across the country with Bike Aid, a project of Global Exchange, a national human rights, environmental and economic justice organization. They have been meeting with communities across the country to talk about peace and counter-recruitment as well as empowerment of marginalized communities. The riders have also participated in service projects along the way and will be volunteering at Healcrest Urban Farm in Garfield when they arrive Monday afternoon.

Brian Stagno, a local activist and member of PUSH, Bike Pittsburgh and the Thomas Merton Center is one of the riders. Please come and give them a warm welcome to Pittsburgh.

Trading Ads for Bikes

2006-07-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

An interesting idea for sure. JC Decaux, the second largest outdoor ad company in the world behind Clear Channel is offering hundreds of specially adapted bikes and racks to cities in turn for contracts to install more ad-based bus shelters. Maybe Pittsburgh could work out a similar deal with AdShell, the subsidiary of Clear Channel who provides Pittsburgh's shelters.

Bikes aren't free - people must register first with a credit card and pay a deposit to discourage theft. I think that's a decent idea as long as the deposit is affordable even for those with limited income. Link

July 13th - Transportation Brief with Dan Onorato & Pittsburgh League of Young Voters - PLEASE ATTEND!

2006-07-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

Please join the Pittsburgh League of Young Voters for a Transportation Briefing with Dan Onorato.

Q: How do you move around Pittsburgh?

County Executive Dan Onorato is briefing the Pittsburgh League of Young Voters and partner organizations (including P2) on his 6-point transportation vision and forthcoming white paper. We want the plans to reflect what young people think ... It's our city and our transit system.

Come to the Union Project, have a free beer courtesy of the League, eat some grub and get involved in the conversation.

If you can't show up by bike, the following buses stop in front of the Union Project:

71A - Negley
77F - Morningside-friendship
77G - Stanton Heights-Friendship
94A - Stanton Heights
94B - Morningside
Schedule of Events:
6:30 - 7:00pm: Special guest DJ spinning. Come early to mingle and snack.
7:15pm: Regional Director of the League of Young Voters, Khari Mosley, to introduce County Executive Dan Onorato. Onorato to brief the audience.
7:45 - 8:15pm: Question and answer session.
8:15 - 8:30pm: Closing remarks, program ends.

Event Day: Thursday, July 13th
Location: Union Project @ Stanton & Negley in Highland Park
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $FREE!

BikeFest Party + Fundraiser @ Free Ride

2006-06-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

June 30th
7:30pm-2am
Food, Beer, Bands, DJs, Games, and Bike Raffles
Free for Bike Pittsburgh members, $5 otherwise
All proceeds benefit Bike Pittsburgh

Beer by East End Brewery and Troegs
Food by Whole Foods Market

One of the hottest parties of the year. Don't miss it!

Bands: Poisoned Era (ex-ACGC, punk influenced electronic dub/dancehall), More Humans (fmrly We're Wolves, rock n roll!)
DJs: Edgar Um, Juddy (Soulcialism), Pete Spynda (Pandemic), and Boyd + Kirker (Modey Lemon)

Poster by Swoon

Action Alert: If more public money is to be spent on bicycle infrastructure it needs to start here!

2006-06-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

SPC Public Meeting on Transportation Infrastructure

How do you get where you're going? Ride a bike, walk, take the bus, drive? What's next for our transportation system?

Come to a public meeting and hear about transportation projects planned for your area and across the region.

Be informed, get involved, tell SPC what you think!

Thursday, June 29th @ 4:30PM
31st Floor, Regional Enterprise Tower
425 Sixth Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) wants to hear what you think about three important draft documents that will impact the region's transportation system:
1) Draft 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
2) Amendments to the 2030 Transportation and Development Plan
3) Air Quality Conformity Determination for the TIP and Long Range Plan

go to www.spcregion.org starting June 27th to view these documents online. They are also available at SPC's office, at the office of the Dept. of Econ Dev. (Allegheny County), and Pittsburgh Department of City Planning as well as all the branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

If you can't make this meeting, be sure to attend one of the many others in our region: http://www.spcregion.org/meet.shtml

Oral and written comments may be given at any meeting. Written comments can be submitted online to: SPC Comments, 425 Sixth Ave., Suite 2500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. By fax to TIP Comments 412.391.9160 or by email to comments@spcregion.org *ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4:30PM JULY 27TH, 2006

Help spread the word about BikeFest '06!

2006-06-21T11:10:00.000-04:00

Just cut and paste the following and put it in an email and send it to your friends:

Subject: BikeFest '06 - Get on your bike and ride!

BikeFest '06: Get on your bike and ride!
Starting Friday, June 23rd and running through the 4th of July, Bike Pittsburgh will be holding its second annual BikeFest celebration. Please help us get the word out by sending this email to everyone you know who rides (or just owns) a bike: BMX, mountain bike, road bike, hybrid, cross - it doesn't matter. Help us make this an event to remember!

Tons of Events!
This year's BikeFest has over 50 events to choose from organized by cycling organizations, community volunteers, Bike Pittsburgh and Free Ride. These events include wrenching workshops, races, lectures, kids events, and movies! For a complete listing of all the events with in-depth descriptions visit our online BikeFest calendar at www.bike-pgh.org or pick up a poster/calendar of events at your local bike shop. Some highlights are:

Warhol Bike Swap | Pittsburgh Mural Ride | Beginner Mt. Bike Rides | ByCycle Demo | Urban Farm Ride (into the sunset)

Bucco's Bike Ride on July 2nd ($16/ticket please RSVP to scott@bike-pgh.org by June 26th!!!!!) | Scenic Views Ride followed by the movie Breaking Away

Bike Commuting 101 Workshop | Wastewater Treatment Ride | Kid Art on Wheels Workshop and Parade | The Bicycle: Vehicle to Social Equality and Health

Citiparks movie in the park BikeFest edition - E.T. | Nights at the Track | Northside History Tour | Women in Business Ride | Family Pedal to the Pool

Rub-a-Dub Bike Scavenger Hunt | Pittsburgh Rallycat | 2nd Annual Ladies Bridge Night | Mystery Bike Bash | In search of Roberto Clemente's House Ride

Trail Maintenance and Repair | Urban Ecology Ride | War Profiteers Ride | Fireworks Ride | Tons of Mt. Bike rides | and much much more!

Pick up a poster/calendar events at your local bike shop and visit us online at www.bike-pgh.org to learn more about BikeFest and check out details about all the different events.

Be sure to wear a helmet on all rides, and if you're riding at night you need to have reflectors and lights! Planet Bike is donating tons of front and rear blinkies so if you don't already have lights, ask your ride leader for a set.

BikeFest Party + Fundraiser - June 30th 7:30pm - 2am @ Free Ride
A party not to be missed! Bands, DJs, Food, Beer, Games and Raffles! FREE for Bike Pittsburgh members, $5 for nonmembers (sign up at the door and receive $5 off your membership that is good for a year!). Starts after the Critical Mass ride and goes late. Bring some extra ducats for raffles, BikeFest t-shirts, and donations for food and beer. All proceeds benefit Bike Pittsburgh!

Bands: More Humans (formerly called We're Wolves - danceable rock/pop) | Poisoned Era (ex-ACGC/New Alcindors - electronic dub/dancehall with a dash of punk)

DJs: Jason Kirker + Phil Boyd (Modey Lemon) | Juddy (Soulcialism) | Edgar Um (tcrps) | Pete Spynda (Air Axe Mag/Pandemic)

Beer: Provided by Pittsburgh's own East End Brewery and another PA favorite, Troegs

Food: Whole Foods Market will be providing the spread while volunteers will be providing vegetarian burritos!

Raffles: We'll be raffling off a Gary Fisher Tassajara disc Mt. Bike - retail value ~$800 AND a Gary Fisher commuter bike! We'll also be raffling off lots of other goodies from Planet Bike, Dirt Rag and more!

Free Ride is located inside Construction Junction at 214 N. Lexington Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Thank You, BikeFest '06 Sponsors!
UPMC Center for Sports Medicine | Gary Fisher Bicycles
Planet Bike | Big Bang Bicycles | East End Brewing | Dirt Rag Magazine
Enrico's Tazza D'Oro Cafe | Gatto Cycle & Fitness
Henry J. Simonds Foundation | Troegs
Iron City Bikes | REI | Pfaltzgraphics
TRM Bicycles | Trek of Pittsburgh | Venture Outdoors | Whole Foods Market
City Paper | The Andy Warhol Museum
& Nathan, Mary, and August Franzen!

About Bike Pittsburgh, Free Ride, + BikeFest
BIKE PITTSBURGH is a nonprofit, membership-based, bike advocacy organization working to make Pittsburgh increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation. FREE RIDE is a recycled bike project of Bike Pittsburgh, that enables people of all ages to obtain, recycle, and maintain bicycles. Through educating people on how to recondition used, donated bicycles, we are putting forgotten bikes back on the streets in a reliable, safe condition. We aim to enhance the health of our community and environment by promoting active living and encouraging bicycle transportation. BIKE FEST is our flagship event that serves to focus on the unique beauty of Pittsburgh while having fun and promoting bicycling.

June 19th: No war bike tour and concert

2006-06-14T13:31:00.000-04:00

Darryl Purpose & Kevin Deame are stopping in Pittsburgh on Monday while on their cross-country bike tour.

Omar Abdul, Vale & Year, Darryl Purpose, & more!
With speakers including Khari Mosley & Bill Peduto

Monday, June 19, 6-9pm
Union Project Great Hall @ Stanton & N. Negley Ave.
Free Food, Drink, & Live music!

Info: www.pidop.org or 412.291.3323

Gas Savings Calculator

2006-06-14T13:13:00.000-04:00

Check it out!

June 17th: Join Bike Pittsburgh @ HOTHOUSE

2006-06-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

HOTHOUSE 06 Tickets on Sale Now!

On Saturday, June 17, 2006, The Sprout Fund will hold its fourth annual showcase event and fundraiser at the new EastSide development on Centre Avenue near Whole Foods Market and Motor Square Garden, at the intersection of Pittsburgh's East Liberty and Shadyside neighborhoods. HOTHOUSE is The Sprout Fund's "live annual report" to the community and annual fundraiser. Buy your tickets now!

Doors open at 7pm for Spotlight ticket holders and 9pm for Limelight ticket holders. The night will continue at the after party at the nearby Shadow Lounge starting at 12am.

Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door:
Spotlight Ticket ($100): includes VIP reception from 7pm to 9pm, complimentary valet parking, goodie bag, admission to the main party from 9pm to 12am, and complimentary food and beverages from Pittsburgh favorites
Limelight Ticket ($35 in advance / $40 at the door / $15 students): includes admission to the main party from 9pm to 12am and complimentary food and beverages from Pittsburgh favorites

Bike Pittsburgh will be there alongside ByCycle and Steel City BioFuels to show how Pittsburgh is becoming a leader in alternative transportation.

BBQ Fundraiser @ Whole Foods

2006-06-01T15:31:00.000-04:00

The eMessenger

2006-05-26T12:32:00.000-04:00

Sign up to receive the eMessenger, Bike Pittsburgh's free monthly email newsletter. Through the eMessenger we inform you of all things cycling in the Burgh. Just click on the link below and then go to "newsletters."

Subscribe today!

WDUQ 90.5 FM Examines Biking in the Pittsburgh Area

2006-05-23T20:38:00.000-04:00

WDUQ 90.5 FM presents a new summer-long series, "On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond." DUQ news reporter Mark Nootbaar examines bicycling in the Pittsburgh region, including stories on the biking community and the places they ride. From June 18 - 24, he will ride from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh along the C & O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage offering on-air updates and web journal entries along the way.

Hear all the stories on WDUQ 90.5 FM or archived on on-line at www.wduq.org.

Thank you!

2006-05-22T12:55:00.000-04:00

This is going to read like a an acceptance speech, but I want to make sure to publicly thank everyone who has helped us out recently:

Bike Pittsburgh wants to thank all our volunteers who helped out with Bike to Work Week, Venture Outdoors Festival, and Pedal Pittsburgh. We also want to thank the Brillobox, Carnegie Mellon, Enrico's Tazza D'oro Cafe, Whole Foods, Crazy Mocha, and REI for all their donations during Bike to Work Week. Thanks to the bike shops who gave free safety inspections and thanks to all the folks to braved the rain to stop by and say hi and meet us at our various events. We hope to see a lot more of you at BikeFest!

Save a life, look twice

2006-05-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, this week (May 15-19th) is Bike to Work Week. PennDOT has responded positively to a request by Bike Pittsburgh to display a bike-friendly message on its overhead signs during the week in locations along the Parkway East, West, and North.

Bike Pittsburgh needs your support!

2006-05-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

Bike Pittsburgh needs your support. We are doing great things to make bicycling a more viable transportation and form of recreation in this city and we want you to be a part of our exciting organization! We can't continue expanding biking opportunities throughout the city, and growing/networking the bicycling community without your help. If you ride a bike in and around Pittsburgh for any reason - to get to work, if you use it at work, to run errands, to recreate - become a member of Bike Pittsburgh today! MEMBERS GET DISCOUNTS AT LOTS OF LOCAL BIKE SHOPS! Check out our website for more details.

Some highlights of our accomplishments:
1) Installed bike racks throughout Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
2) Partnering with Free Ride recycle-a-bike to get more people on more bikes more often
3) Worked with maphub.org to map bike routes and bike accidents
4) Working with Port Authority to improve and expand the Rack n Roll program that will be rolling out in the coming months
5) Worked with Port Authority to get permission to bring bikes on the Monongahela Incline
6) Working with City Planning and various City Council members to make the city more bike-friendly
7) Coordinators of BikeFest for two years running
8) Corrdinators of Bike to Work Week locally for 5 years!
9) Edit monthly eNewsletters, quarterly print newsletters, and Action Alerts to keep bicyclists up-to-date on everything important to biking in and around Pittsburgh.

In the next year we plan on coming out with the city's first handheld commuter-oriented bike map! We need your help to make this happen, though. Become a member today!

BECOME A BIKEFEST SPONSOR!

Help us make BikeFest one of the most amazing events in Pittsburgh this summer. We want to try to keep as many events as possible FREE to the public. In order to keep it free, Bike Pittsburgh needs financial support to offset our costs. Any money generated over and above our BikeFest costs will go directly towards supporting our important work on the behalf of all local bicyclists. If you're not yet a member, please join today. If you are a member and would like to be an individual sponsor of BikeFest, please click here to find out more about our sponsor levels. We also want to do a Member Challenge ala NPR at the BikeFest party. We already have over $200 lined up for this, but need to grow it to $2,000 to "unlock" when we get get enough people to join during the event.

Contact us today about donating to the member challenge!

If your company wishes to learn more about our corporate sponsorship package please email us at info@bike-pgh.org

Pittsburgh's 250 year anniversary bike race

2006-05-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

This is the greatest idea I've heard in a long time. What a brilliant way to celebrate and show off all the wonderful things about Pittsburgh. This international event could bring in millions of dollars in tourism revenue while spotlighting the beauty of PA and the hidden gem that is Pittsburgh. This would be a great way to fill the void left after the Thrift Drug Classic dried up. Remember, Lance Armstrong won the Thrift Drug Classic three years in a row from 92-94 and helped him get to where he is today. This race across PA and Pittsburgh could reignite the drive to have a yearly race in the city, and bring in visitors from all around the globe.

I just hope the city and county and state start to see the high value in putting money and political capital into making Pittsburgh more bike-friendly. It would be a tragedy to have such a high profile event, get thousands of people from all over the world to our city with their bikes, only to have it still be daunting to ride in for many of them.

Link to article.

Carsharing: Is Pittsburgh ready for it?

2006-05-08T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sure we're ready!

Carsharing, a hot topic in the Pittsburgh area, allows members to have access to a car when they need it, but to pay only the cost of the actual vehicle use. Interested in learning more about this concept? Join the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for an information meeting on Wednesday, May 17 from 7:30 - 9:30 AM at the Regional Enterprise Tower (31st Floor). RSVP by calling 412.566.4190 by May 12.

Giant Eagle's New Bike Racks!

2006-05-04T17:51:00.000-04:00

Check it out - Giant Eagle's Store #40 (corner of Negley and Centre) purchased seven three-rivers bike racks from Bike Pittsburgh, with enough room to park 12 bikes. Thank Giant Eagle at their store and by using the racks.

Thank you DPW!

2006-05-03T19:12:00.000-04:00

On behalf of all bicyclists who have to use this bridge to connect to work, school, entertainment, and shopping, thank you DPW for responding to Bike Pittsburgh's request, and sweeping the shoulders of the Birmingham Bridge two weeks in a row! This is absolutely awesome!

To thank DPW click here

Local High School Students Pedal to Class

2006-05-03T19:07:00.000-04:00

In protest of high gas prices, Chartiers Valley students are riding their bikes to school. Nice job kids! Now if we can just get more people protesting too much petroleum use in general, then we'll be getting somewhere. link

Hang up and drive!

2006-04-23T14:30:00.002-04:00

If Pennsylvania is serious about protecting its citizens, then PA legislators ought to pass a bill banning driver cell phone use. It's already been done in NY, Connecticut, and DC. PA should follow suit. New studies, such as this one released last week by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute, are showing just how dangerous driving and talking on cell phones is. Link to article in Pittsburg Post-Gazette.

Slate rates bike locks

2006-04-20T11:22:00.000-04:00

Which is the best bike lock for the money? Which ones did the best job of fending off these menacing bike-thief tools? Read a review of 9 locks rated on secuity, portability/ease of use, and value.

Announcing: Bike to Work Week

2006-04-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

May 15-19 is Bike to Work Week. Bike Pittsburgh has planned a bunch of fun stuff for the week. Check out the calendar of events for more information.

Newsflash: Allegheny County too car-friendly

2006-04-13T15:19:00.000-04:00

Seems people are finally getting what we've been saying for years. Our region is facing SERIOUS issues as far as adult and especially childhood obesity is concerned. The reason? According to this article it's because our neighborhoods are being designed too often with only cars in mind.

It's true - poor urban design has been happening in this area for way too long. However, all the blame shouldn't only be put on Urban Designers and City Planners. Fingers should also be pointed at many federal, state, and local politicians, who for too long, have shown little interest in bike/ped-friendly communities.

Businesses can also step up to the plate. More corporations need to provide bicycle parking, showers and lockers for their employees. Local businesses should welcome people to shop by bike by installing bike racks outside their stores. Companies could also start providing commuter incentives to employees who ride their bikes X days a week to work. Healthcare companies could offer discounts on insurance to companies who have a certain percentage of their employees biking to work X days a year. The more people who ride their bikes every day, the more bike-friendly a place becomes. It's that simple.

If this is as big of a crisis as everyone seems to think it is, then everyone should pitch in and do whatever they can in making Pittsburgh more bike-friendly in order to keep our citizens (especially our children) safe and healthy.

By the way, thanks to all the companies such as Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, and REI who have purchased bike racks for their businesses, and the Sprout Fund and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership who were so foreward thinking to invest in bike racks for the city!

Link

Fight global warming. Ride a bike!

2006-04-04T15:46:00.000-04:00

According to a recent poll by Environmental Defense, 71 percent of Americans think global warming is real, 53 percent think human activities are to blame, 70 percent think it global warming can be reduced, and best of all 70 percent are willing to make lifestyle changes like driving less, BICYCLING, walking, taking public transportation, or carpooling!

All right, Pittsburgher's, now's your chance. Get linked in to the local bicycling community through Bike Pittsburgh, and Free Ride and start making a difference in global warming!

Link to the full story here as it appears in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Poll: Americans Ready To Fight Global Warming

Ever wonder what to do if you're involved in an accident with a Port Authority bus (assuming it's not your fault)?

2006-03-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

This article that appeared yesterday in the Post-Gazette doesn't mention bicycles, but I'm sure the same goes for bikes as goes for cars:

If you're ever involved in an accident with a Port Authority be sure to:

1. Write down the four digit bus identifier number on the back of the bus along with the route number
2. Call the police
3. File a claim with Port Authority by calling 412.442.2000
4. Go directly to your Magisterial District Judge

Find a commuting partner!

2006-03-27T12:57:00.000-05:00

New to commuting by bike? Lonely on your ride to work and back home? Find a commuting partner! Bike Pittsburgh and SPC's CommutInfo program are partnering to help regional commuters who want to get to their jobs or school by bike, find bike partners with whom to share the ride - forming "BikePools." Be one of the first to sign up to participate in the region's first "BikePooling" initiative! Signing up is quick and easy and does not cost you anything. In return you will get a personalized report listing other people interested in biking to work/school. If you want to be listed as a BikePool Leader just mention that in the "Other Comments" section. Sign up today!

BikeFest 2006

2006-03-24T16:53:00.000-05:00

Check out our BikeFest Trailer (there is sound so make sure to have your speakers on)

We're hard at work planning BikeFest for this summer. This year BikeFest will be held from June 23rd - July 4th. That's twelve fun days filled to the rim with bicycle-goodness!

We're looking for individuals and companies of all sizes to sponsor BikeFest this year. Please contact us at info@bike-pgh.org for more information.

Heavy Pedal: An interview with BP's ED

2006-03-20T15:16:00.000-05:00

Heavy Pedal: Scott Bricker leads up Pittsburgh-based bicycle advocacy group

"Many people don’t realize this, but the cities that are consistently ranked as very good for bicycling – Portland, Chicago and San Francisco to name a few - have strong advocacy organizations working to increase bicycling opportunities there."

New bike racks at Whole Foods

2006-03-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

Most of us who have shopped by bike at Whole Foods here in Pittsburgh have been frustrated by their lack of decent bike parking in the past. Well, as of Thursday of last week they installed three brand new three-rivers racks outside their store that will accommodate six bikes. Tell them how much you appreciate their effort by using the new racks and by calling them up and thanking them 412.441.7960.

Crash Hub Press

2006-03-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

Bike Pittsburgh is partnering with MapHub to collect info about bike accidents in the city. Up until a week ago, we were collecting all this info online. Now we have drop box locations where individuals can submit their stories. All of this info will help Bike Pittsburgh and City Planning make the city safer for bicycling. Story can be found here: Hit Hub Story

Drop Box locations are found on the MapHub website. In case you're lazy, though, here's the list:

Kiva Han (Craig St.)
Beehive (E. Carson)
East End Food Co-op
Crazy Mocha (Liberty Ave.)
Free Ride (Construction Junction)
Bike Pittsburgh office (33 Terminal Way)
Tazza D'Oro (Highland Park)
Coffee Tree Roasters in Shadyside (Walnut St)
61c (Murray Ave.)

City Paper article on Rt. 28

2006-03-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

We were interviewed in the City Paper last week regarding PennDOT's Alternative 7 design for Rt. 28. The designs are solid as far as moving motorized traffic, but are problematic for nonmotorized transportation. Check out the article here. If you would like to download a copy of the PennDOT feedback form, please go to our website at www.bike-pgh.org. The link is at the top of the page. Please submit comments by Wednesday, March 8th.

Bring your bike on the Mon Incline

2006-03-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

Bike Pittsburgh has been consulting with the Port Authority of Allegheny County on bike racks on buses as well as other bike-friendly policies regarding bikes on the T and the inclines. We have just been informed that bicyclists can now bring our bikes on the Mon Incline any time. For more info contact the Port Authority's customer service line 412.442.2000.

Bike Pittsburgh has a blog!

2006-01-14T16:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome us to the 21st Century.