Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive

Website: http://www.voterichfitzgerald.com

1. Do you use a bicycle in Allegheny County? If so, for what purposes (commuting, recreation, errands) and how often?

Yes. In order to keep in shape, I spend at least some time during the weekend riding my bike up and down the streets of Squirrel Hill.

2. Have you championed or strongly supported any initiatives that are in line with Bike Pittsburgh’s mission of establishing Pittsburgh as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation?

Yes. As President of Allegheny County Council, I supported the Active Allegheny plan and I worked with our current Chief Executive Dan Onorato to secure easement agreements to complete the last portion of the Great Allegheny Passage.

3. Do you support Allegheny County’s new bicycle/pedestrian plan, Active Allegheny? (yes, no)

YES

4. If yes, how do you propose to implement the recommendations once elected?

As County Executive, I will work with our economic development department, local foundations, and non-profit organizations to move forward with the Allegheny County’s comprehensive transportation plan.

5. Given our area’s relatively low rate of car ownership and the recent transit cuts, what specific ideas do you have to make active transportation choices like biking and walking more appealing in Allegheny County?

As County Executive, I will continue to highlight our regions trails and bike paths as well as working with employers to offer racks for employees to safely leave their bikes during the day.

6. What do you think is the number one risk to walkers and bicyclists in Allegheny County? What have you done/will you do as an elected official to remedy it?

Lack of enforcement to shared roadways. I will work with our public works department and solicit ideas from local community organizations to better protect walkers and bicyclists.

7. Do you believe safe biking and walking infrastructure enhance a community’s quality of life? (yes or no)

YES

8. Do you believe biking and walking are worth investing in as a county? (yes or no)

YES

9. In what ways can enhanced bicycling and walking facilities and opportunities benefit the county?

A healthy business climate obviously contributes to the growth of Allegheny County but our residents benefit a plethora of recreational activities that provide access to our riverfronts, waterways, and bikeways. By taking initiative and working to improve our facilities, we are further marketing our region and enticing other to move here and call Allegheny County home.

10. Would you work to get more bike/ped safety projects underway in the county? If so, what would be your focus?

Yes. I would like to one day have a ‘Ciclovia’ in Allegheny County. Cities across the America have opened roadways to bikers and walkers and I believe an event in our region would be a great boost for encouraging more outdoor recreation in our region.

11. Do you have a bicycling story you would like to share with our constituents?

For many years my youngest son Jackson and I would take time every Sunday and ride in a different part of Pittsburgh.

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