James Knox | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

By Margaret Harding
Published: Sunday, August 19, 2012, 11:59 p.m.

Cyclists have a response for motorists who complain about two-wheel renegades: Don’t blame the messenger.

Weaving through traffic, running red lights and generally racing around Downtown was once the norm for bike messengers, said Bill Westover, who has worked as a bike messenger in Pittsburgh for about 15 years.

“It’s much more professional now,” said Westover, 37, of Regent Square. “It’s encouraged — riding safely and not putting yourself in dangerous positions.”

During a recent day of work, Westover used his arm to signal turns, stopped at all red lights and tried to make eye contact with drivers.

He said that’s now the rule, not cutting off other vehicles.

“Usually, the guy who is doing that stuff is playing bike messenger for a day,” Westover said. “You have to explain it’s probably someone who’s watched too much YouTube. We respect the job too much. One of those people you cut off could be a client.”

Read the full article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

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