Ngani’s ride.

A bus + bike commute between East Liberty/Shadyside and Downtown.

Biking to work is great, but for some it can present a myriad of logistical challenges. Sweat, helmet hair, early wake-up times, and work clothing restrictions are just a few of the concerns some would-be riders have. If this sounds like you, bussing to work and then enjoying a leisurely bike ride home – a convenient, multi-modal commute – may solve your problems. Just pack your biking clothes in a backpack or pannier and head out to work. There is a bike rack on every Port Authority bus with space for two bicycles.

So when your co-workers ask how you’re getting to and from work on Bike to Work Day 2014, you can tell them that you’re commuting by “buscycle.”

To go to Downtown from East Liberty/Shadyside by bus with your bike:

• Walk or ride your bike to the Negley East Busway station. If you travel to downtown from the east end, the bus routes on the East Busway are some of your fastest options. Plus, there’s a handy ramp down to the busway from Negley Ave, so you won’t have to lift your bike down any stairs at this stop.
• When your bus comes, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and then signal to the driver that you will be loading your bike. Read our tips if you’re new to putting your bike on the bus’s rack.
• You’ll arrive downtown in no time. Don’t forget to take your bike off of the rack when you get off. And remember to put the bike rack back up once you’ve unloaded your bike.

To return to East Liberty from Downtown by bike:

1. Starting from Katz Plaza in the Cultural District (also known as “Eyeball Park”) bike along 7th street towards the river and 7th Street Bridge. Head onto the sidewalk at the 7th Street bridge for just a few yards to connect to the ramp that will take you down to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
2. Make a right onto 25th Street, where the trail comes to an end.
3. As you make a left on to Smallman Street and you will pass Pittsburgh’s newest bike shop, Kindred Cycles. Continue through the strip district on Smallman.
4. At 34th Street, make a right to head over to Liberty Ave, where you’ll make a left. Take your time up the hill and consider stopping at Bloomfield Bridge Tavern after you have passed the bridge for for some pierogi.
5. Enjoy the rest of the stretch along Liberty Ave through Bloomfield’s business district and then make a left at Baum Boulevard and you’re back in East Liberty.

Having the option to take bikes on the bus is great; it increases flexibility for all bike commuters. Consider buscycling on Bike to Work Day 2014.

This post is part of a series from BikePGH staff sharing their favorite bike routes around the city for Bike to Work Day 2014. If you are interested in biking to work on May 16 as part of a group, there will be casual group rides or “Bike Trains” leaving from various areas of  city. Check out this previous blog post if you are interested in joining a Bike Train.

Aero Tech Designs is a cycling apparel manufacture located in Pittsburgh Pa with 30 years of industry experience. Keeping true to their roots Aero Tech Designs has produced cyclewear in the USA since the early 80’s. ATD specializes in comfortable road, mtb, commuter, and touring clothing, and are located in Coraopolis, PA. They are also available for any custom apparel needs you may have. www.aerotechdesigns.com