Tribune-Review: Bike Pittsburgh puts out new map for two-wheelers

By Adam Brandolph
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, October 24, 2007

The streets of Pittsburgh look different when careening over potholes and dodging cars from the seat of a bicycle, according to Reid Andrews, a history professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

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A cyclist rides past the Sprout mural “Walk on Through” along the Eliza Furnace Trail near Oakland.Andrew Russell/Tribune-Review

Andrews has been riding nearly every day from his home in Point Breeze to Pitt for the past 26 years, even though he owns a car.

He’s a part of what advocates and bike-shop owners say is a growing segment of the local population that chooses two wheels over four.

To meet the needs of that growing group, advocacy group Bike Pittsburgh will introduce the city’s first bikers’ map in 15 years.

“Aside from the obvious reasons, like rising gas prices, parking costs and availability, people are becoming more aware about what they can do to help the environment,” says Scott Bricker, the group’s executive director.

Bike Pittsburgh officially will launch the map at a free event Nov. 2 at Edge Studio, 5411 Penn Ave., Garfield. The map was paid for by a grant from the Heinz Endowments and designed by DeepLocal, an East Liberty-based digital mapmaker.

Bricker says it’s already available at Bike Pittsburgh’s Web site — www.bike-pgh.com. An online, interactive map will be available within the next four months.

The map includes the safest routes through the city for bike riders and highlights bike shops, the Downtown business district and local attractions, such as Point State Park, the Carnegie Museums and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

“We talked to a bunch of experienced riders for their input,” Bricker says. “Every time we had something new, we made a draft. The final version is a compilation of the best, most informative input.”

David Blank, owner of Pittsburgh Pro Bicycles in Squirrel Hill and Monroeville, says he sees more people commuting on bikes for the health benefits. Two years ago, Blank opened a larger store in Squirrel Hill to meet rising demand.

“The East End is one of the meccas of cycling in Pittsburgh,” says Blank, who credits the area’s population density, mix of college students and families, and the 35 to 40 miles of trails within Frick and Schenley parks.

Andrews says riding his bike takes just as long as it does to drive because of the stoplights, “and since the buses are not always on time, biking is usually faster and more reliable than the bus.”

City officials acknowledged the growth of bicycle commuting last year, adding bike lanes on some high-traffic roads, and have committed to hiring a bicycle and pedestrian safety coordinator within the next year.

“(Biking in the city) takes a few times to get used to,” says Bricker, who commutes to his office on the South Side nearly everyday. “But it’s a lot safer than people imagine it to be when riders start to learn and anticipate traffic patterns.”

“Once you have that, it’s really quite easy,” he says. “Although you have to be vigilant on any street.”

Click here to find the map

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