Market Square event also welcomes car free commuters this Friday

It’s hard to believe that we’re well into September, arguably the best bicycling month of the year!  Time to start a light layering of some of your favorite bike clothes and accessories. Rachel from Free Ride just stopped by the office and with a twinkle in her eye she mentioned the good feeling a favorite scarf or sweater gives you when the temperature starts to head south of 70°.

We have been highlighting the South Side, in this our fifth edition of Car Free Fridays 2010. The South Side is one of Pittsburgh’s most eclectic and exciting neighborhoods. Historic preservationists and dedicated residents have worked hard to keep the neighborhood’s legacy in tact and at the same time prepare for its future. Carson Street is recognized as a “Great American Main Street” with adjacent residential areas composed of historic row houses, new townhouses, and ethnic churches. The neighborhood is also home to a high concentration of groups focused on environmental sustainability and stewardship. Characterized by narrow streets, walkable blocks, many locally-owned businesses, and riverfront trails, the South Side enjoys a new kind vibrancy in it’s 247th year.

On September 4th the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation lead off the month with one of their popular Car Free Walking tours. Organized in conjunction with Car Free Fridays these tours have been full every month. Be sure to sign up for the season finale in Lawrenceville.

Check out the following events taking place this week on the South Side to celebrate car free transportation!

Bike Commuting Forum – September 14 – 7:00pm – 8:30pm TONIGHT!
Where: WYEP 67 Bedford Square Pittsburgh PA 15203

The forum engages participants in a conversation that explores how comfort, convenience, and safety can help make your commute to and from work one of the best parts of your day.

South Side Bike Tour – September 17 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm                                                                                                                                                           Where: REI South Side Works

Explore the flats and slopes of the South Side including some of the wonderful views, history, and amenities of the neighborhood. The ride will end at OTB Bicycle Cafe on Carson Street. This is a no drop ride. It will regroup at key points along the route. Parts of it will be hilly. This is a loosely organized ride not sponsored or organized by anyone in particular.

Two places to sign up in person this Friday

Agree to go car free and receive the South Side property card full of discounts for South Side, Downtown, and Oakland businesses. Also win an entry for the Car Free Fridays September raffle. You can sign up online here or show up at one of the following locations Friday morning.

REI South Side Works – September 17 – 7:30am – 10:00am                                                                                                                                                    Hosted by REI and the South Side Local Development Company. If you ride your bike there enjoy a light breakfast courtesy of Bruegger’s Bagels and Big Dog Coffee.

Market Square – September 17 – 7:30 – 10:00am

Hosted by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to celebrate the re-opening of Pittsburgh’s central plaza. If you ride your bike there enjoy a light breakfast courtesy of the East End Food Coop.

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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