Councilman Bobby Wilson’s bill highlights City’s commitment to promote transportation options

Every so often, a generational opportunity shows up that has the potential to transform how we see and interact with the world around us. Due to the current intersection of technology, culture, and safer bike infrastructure, Pittsburgh’s POGOH bike share system is one of those transformational projects.

That’s why it’s such a big deal that today, Pittsburgh’s City Council passed Councilman Bobby Wilson’s bill to provide free POGOH memberships to all City employees. This small investment goes a long way to show that the City, as a large employer, recognizes not only the utility of bike share, but sees it as a way to add value to working for the City.

POGOH predicts that between 10-25% of the 3,400 City employees will sign up for this benefit. These memberships will include unlimited 30-minute rides, and City employees will be able to utilize a POGOH network of 60 station locations boasting 240 traditional pedal bicycles and 360 electric-assist bicycles.

By removing the hurdle of access and needing to own, maintain and secure a bike, POGOH has shown Pittsburghers young and old that the bicycle is a practical and affordable way to get around. Bike share bikes, now electrified, help ensure that Pittsburgh’s transportation mix remains convenient and most importantly, affordable, even as housing prices and other costs of living go up. 

David White, Executive Director of POGOH says that “we all benefit from increased transportation options, and whether City workers use POGOH for a lunch-time loop, a weekend ride, or a morning commute, we are excited to serve them!”

Regionally, the City of Pittsburgh’s policy initiatives are often mimicked by other local municipalities and large businesses. We’ve seen this play out in all fields, from 2016’s Complete Streets Policy to climate initiatives to paid sick leave. 

The City’s support for bike share is no different, and will serve as a regional model for how other large employers can support their workers’ transportation and healthy living needs, while showing a commitment to reducing single occupancy vehicles and improving air quality.

It will also help reinforce the best of City living, namely that working in town is desirable and attractive to employees, at a time when we’re competing with suburban businesses parks, the private sector, and working from home.

Pittsburgh’s City Council made the right call in providing this benefit to our hard working city staffers and are leading the way regionally and nationally on this initiative. We hope that our region’s other large employers are paying attention and follow this model.