Launch Party, Thursday October 16th

When we first laid our eyes on the 2008 Pittsburgh Bike Map, designed with the help of deepLocal, we thought that we created the best bike map of any city in existence, and couldn’t possibly improve it. While we still think we have the best bike map ever, we did make some changes for the 2009 version.

After a year of getting comments from cyclists like you, we made some changes to make it even more handy for us. The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s a bit smaller. We found that four panels tall was a bit much, especially when you are trying to look at it with some wind blowing. Shrinking it also makes it easier to fold. The next thing that you’ll notice is that the green “on-street bike routes” have been changed to blue. We got a comment that people with red-green color blindness, the most common type, had trouble reading the map. The green became gray, and gray on our map means “highway (cars only).” We also think the blue stands out a bit more and looks sharp to boot.

We were also able to zoom out on the city so that we now include ways to get to outlying communities such as Braddock, Neville Island, Crafton, Wilkinsburg, etc. Some other major additions include High Schools, shopping areas, and descriptions for crossing major bridges. We’ve also incorporated transit into this version, providing the T stops where you can board with your bike and East Busway stops, as well as the Greyhound and Amtrak stations.

Also available will be the Premium Pittsburgh Bike Map that is printed on a rip-proof, waterproof paper. These will be for sale on our website as well as in some bike shops. Stay tuned!

Don’t worry, favorite features like the cycling cartoon, landmarks, and information bubbles are still there. We just updated the design so that they don’t cover important streets anymore.

Oh yeah, and we now spell “cemetery” correctly.

As usual, we like to celebrate!
Join us at the launch party and be the first to get a copy of the new map!

What: Bike Pittsburgh 2009 Map Launch Party
Music, food, art and good company.
We’ll provide snacks and beer from the East End Brewing Company (the official beer of Bike PGH)
Where: deepLocal’s Office in East Liberty: 6101 Penn Ave suite 602 (sixth floor), corner of Penn Ave and Sheridan Ave
When: Thursday, October 16, 2008 7pm-10pm (we’ll be going to Kelly’s afterward to hang out)

Some things to know about the party:

* We’ll have unfolded maps available so that you can make it look pretty on your wall. Be sure to bring a poster tube if you want to get them home undamaged.
* We’ll also have some Premium Pittsburgh Bike Maps available on rip-proof, waterproof paper, available for $10 (suggested donation).
* Become a member or renew at this event! Get your membership card immediately!
* We’ll have plenty of Bike Pittsburgh and Bike Fest ’08 shirts on hand for sale

**PARTY EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL***

* Become a member or renew at this event and get the Premium Bike Map for half-price!!! Only $5 for the limited-edition Premium Bike Map.