A New Protected Bike Lane is On the Way

Bike Lane Installation Scheduled For East Street in Spring Hill-City ViewPITTSBURGH, PA (Oct. 26, 2015) – The City of Pittsburgh Departments of Public Works and City Planning advise that protected bike lanes will be installed on East Street — between Lareda Street and Suffolk Street in Spring Hill-City ViewPDF File — in conjunction with planned street resurfacing work.Weather permitting, East Street installation work will begin the week of Monday, October 26, 2015 and last approximately three weeks. Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and stay alert for changing traffic patterns.

The new configuration on East Street includes new protected bike lanes, shorter pedestrian crossings, the removal of one of the northbound travel lanes and an overall narrowing of the lanes that will provide a traffic calming effect. The bike lanes are separated from traffic using plastic bollards designed to provide more safety and security from vehicular traffic.

The East Street project is one of the first examples of a united and coordinated street maintenance effort. DPW and City Planning worked together to design the lanes and incorporate the installation into the planned street resurfacing work, resulting in a more efficient and cost effective project.

“We’d like to thank the City of Pittsburgh for the opportunity to reconnect Northside neighborhoods divided by highway construction and topography with safe, equitable transportation options for all residents,” said Nick Ross, Chairperson, Northside Leadership Conference Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee.

Over the past nine months City Planning and DPW worked on external coordination with community groups and immediate stakeholders, developing design improvements to East Street intended to make the street safer for all users.

“I am grateful to representatives of the City, who worked diligently with the parish to craft an arrangement that allows bike lanes on East Street and full access to Holy Wisdom Parish,” said Father Lawrence DiNardo, pastor of Holy Wisdom Parish on the North Side, which includes St. Boniface Church on East Street. Father DiNardo is also the vicar general-general secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“As Catholics these lanes are a way to protect the lives of bicyclists. They are also one way we can help to fulfill Pope Francis’ call to care for God’s creation,” Father DiNardo said. “Thanks to this compromise, our elderly parishioners will continue to be able to park in front of the church for Mass, and there will be no barriers to entering our parking lot. Access to the church and parking lot will be unimpeded for weddings and funerals, and we have the ability to expand on-street parking for special events.

“In working with us, the city has created a model of collaboration that should continue with all houses of worship and secular institutions. In that way, all Pittsburghers can contribute to our common good.”

The estimated cost of the East Street bike lane project is $66,100.
A detailed map of recommended Northside Bike Loops, courtesy of the Northside Leadership Conference Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, can be found here.
###