Tony Ceoffe Jr., Pittsburgh City Council District 7

Website: http://www.neighborsfortonyceoffe.com/

1. Do you use a bicycle in the city? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often?

My wife and I frequently use the bike trail on the north side of the river. We like to enjoy the scenery of the water while biking primarily for exercise.

2. Have you championed or strongly supported any initiatives that are in line with Bike Pittsburgh’s mission of establishing Pittsburgh as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation?

To this point I really haven’t had the opportunity to become very active. I do know that something must be done regarding biker safety especially on Liberty Avenue during morning rush hour. It is not practical for my family to bike to and from work as I have a young daughter and I try to get home as much as I can during my lunch hour to visit with her. Also, my wife works in Oakland and does not possess a drivers license,

3. Given Pittsburgh’s relatively low rate of car ownership and the recent transit cuts, what specific ideas do you have to make active transportation choices like biking and walking more appealing?

As you may know I live in Lawrenceville, home to Bike Pittsburgh. Our neighborhood is known for its walkability. Just about every type of business that is needed to sustain life is located within walking distance. All neighborhoods should strive to bring complementary businesses to their communities so that the neighborhood can offer a number of choices for its residents. A community that has a supermarket, drug stores, restaurants, nightlife, and coffee shops all within walking distance serve to bring a community together. Residents become familiar with each other in this type of setting and familiarity breeds friendship and community.

4. What do you think is the number one risk to walkers and bicyclists both in your district and the city as a whole? What have you done/will you do as an elected official to remedy it?

Street configuration and traffic. I would work to accomplish similar transformation of infrastructure such as is now being enjoyed at Doughboy Square. Spatial Studios came up with a wonderful reconfiguration plan that has transformed the entrance of the community into a safe and more pedestrian friendly area. I don’t know what the answer is to keep bicyclists safe on the major thoroughfares, especially during rush hour but I would meet with Bike Pittsburgh and listen to suggestions that make sense.

5. Do you believe safe biking and walking infrastructure enhance a community’s quality of life? (yes or no)

Yes

6. Do you believe biking and walking are worth investing in as a city? (yes or no)

Yes

7. In what ways can enhanced bicycling and walking facilities and opportunities benefit your district and the city as a whole?

I think anything I say here would be a reiteration of my previous comments. The walkability of a community speaks for itself. In these tough economic times families must find recreational activities that are affordable and fun. Utilization of bike trails and bike paths provide just that.

8. Do you/Would you work to get more bike/ped safety projects underway in your district? If so, what is/would be your focus?

I would be interested in exploring ways to promote safety on Butler Street and Liberty Avenue especially during peak traffic hours.

9. Do you have a bicycling story you would like to share with our constituents?

Nothing specific comes to mind with the exception of just riding along the Allegheny River on a warm summer day with my wife and enjoying the beautiful city skyline.

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