A rider enjoying the near complete Saline St two-way protected bike lane

Green Lane Project beginning to take shape

Many have noticed the brand new two-way bike lane on Saline St in “the Run” section of Greenfield. As of publishing, the paint is about 90% complete, and the bollards that will separate the bike lane from cars, as well as the signs, still need to be installed.

This is the first of three planned protected bike lanes in the city, stemming from Pittsburgh’s selection in the national Green Lane Project 2.0 and Mayor Peduto’s push to increase cycling. These bike lanes will add a physical on-street separation between bikes and cars, a first in Pittsburgh, and a strong indicator that the City is taking bicycle transportation seriously.

This project adds a large section to the much needed connection between the Eliza Furnance Trail and the Junction Hollow Trial. The trails have proven extremely popular, attracting users of all ages and abilities, and the new 2-way bike lane will help maintain the safe trail experience on the roadway as riders navigate between the two trails.

The bike lane was installed on a section of road on the outer edge of a neighborhood, where people were previously parking for free. The spaces were mainly used as a park and ride lot for a UPMC shuttle service (which has it’s own parking lot) and a Port Authority bus stop. Neighbors often complained about the increase in traffic and trash due to the people parking in this area.

Click map to enlarge

This project does not, however, deal with the very complicated short section under the overpass, nor the infamous Second Ave “shoot,” where riders are asked to walk their bicycles through the narrow Jersey-barrier protected connector and sidewalk.

Stay tuned for more information on protected bike lanes later this week.

Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bikepgh.org/membership