By Judy Kroeger
DAILY COURIER
Friday, December 26, 2008

Stephen Patchan, a 1994 graduate of Connellsville Area Senior High School, is serving as Pittsburgh’s first full-time bicycle/pedestrian coordinator.

The Dunbar Township native is working closely with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Patchan earned a master’s degree in geography and community planning from California University of Pennsylvania.

“I’ve always been interested in geography and cycling. I’m able to combine both in this job,” Patchan said recently during a phone interview.

Ravenstahl has outlined four initiatives involving infrastructure, education, enforcement and events aimed at helping Pittsburgh earn a bicycle-friendly rating by the League of American Bicyclists.

The R.K. Mellon Foundation is funding the first two years of Patchan’s position, the first of its kind in the state. Read the rest of this article»