Before: Smallman, Big Hole

Anyone who has biked eastbound on Smallman Street in the Strip District is aware of one of the worst drain grates in the City.  The drain at 14th St not only has a bike-wheel eating longitudinal grate, but is recessed in the street creating a permanent, yet well sculpted pot hole.  We’ve all had nightmares of hitting this thing and ending up on the pavement, becoming a pet peeve of many cyclists in town.

This catastrophe-in-the-waiting seemed like a great opportunity to run a pseudo-scientific test of the City’s 311 non-emergency reporting system.  Well, a few months ago, we emailed 311 to report it.  311 swiftly responded with a “Service Request ID” and we thought we were on our way.  Then nothing.  The important thing about calling 311 is that they give you this ID number so that you can follow up.

A month or so passed, then the follow up started.  Again nothing.  Another month, nothing.

Then yesterday, on our way back from the round table discussion about cycling in Council Chambers, a work crew was sweeping up the debris after removing the grate!  SUCCESS!

Anyone can call 311, and it’s fun!

Here’s How:  Pick something that really irritates you.  Call or email 311.  Wait.  Follow up with the request with the same ID number.  Wait and repeat until desired results.

After: SUCCESS!

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.bike-pgh.org/membership