tell your councilperson that you support it!!
2009-01-23 19:54:04
13
Bike racks
Every Little bit helps!
Ravenstahl calls for more bike racks
Friday, January 23, 2009
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
In an effort to encourage the construction of bike racks, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl yesterday proposed legislation that would allow businesses to install any number of racks on a given stretch of city sidewalk after payment of a $25 permit fee and a City Planning Department review.
"It's important that we show residents and our bicycle community that we are serious about Pittsburgh's role as a bike-friendly and green city," Mr. Ravenstahl said in a news release.
The legislation requires that the bike racks conform to city standards, and that they leave 5 feet of unobstructed sidewalk.
Since the 2004 installation of bike racks in a partnership with Bike Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, there has been continued demand for new racks. The city is putting up 100 more racks as part of its neighborhood business district improvement effort, and expediting private companies' requests to put up racks is another way to make the city more bike friendly, according to administration officials.
City Council could cast an initial vote next week.
First published on January 23, 2009 at 12:00 am
2009-01-23 19:25:28
I just sent a note into 311 today because the last time I was down in lower Frick for a group, non-biking, activity, I noticed that there are NO bike racks around the Lancaster parking lot.
I know there were some there before because I remember people in other groups I'd been with biking down and parking their bike at a rack. Luckily, I have a U-Lock with a flexible cord, so I could lock up my and a friend's bike to one of the wooden fence sections--not ideal, but better than nothing.
I know most of us go down to Frick to bike, but it would be nice to be able to easily lock your bike up if you need to run into the port-a-potty or if you want to bike to the park for a hike or other activity.
Since squeaky wheels tend to get noticed, I thought I'd post this here and if others felt so moved, perhaps you'd also send a note to 311 or make a call and maybe we can get some racks down there. Thanks!
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/mayor/html/311_request_form.html
In the City of Pittsburgh, dial 3-1-1.
Outside of Pittsburgh & cellphones, call (412) 255-2621.
2010-09-24 18:27:06
So how can I get specific places to get bike racks: Wholey's (Who flipped out on my boss and said we can't park out bikes in front of the store [they own the building mancini's in the strip rents]), Anything on Smithfield st (The side with the bus lane has NOTHING to lock to, due to lack of parking meters), etc.
2010-09-24 20:21:41
kxm: we just had a meeting this morning with the bike/ped coordinator about making sure all of the parks have bike racks. any other locations in the parks that need them, please post in this thread
2010-09-24 22:53:21
@erok -- Thanks!!
It would be good to have one by the lot at Commercial Rd. too. Maybe on the side where the Irish Center is b/c there is a bigger lot over there (as opposed to the ~6 parking spots on the other side).
2010-09-27 02:16:27
311 generic reply....
Reply Thread
311 reply: 09/27/2010 @ 9:41 am
We have notified the appropriate personnel about this issue. The Service Request ID number associated with this request is 206869.
Thank you for contacting our 311 Response Center!
2010-09-27 13:44:18
E-mail from City today....
This is to inform you that the City of Pittsburgh has completed and closed your Service Request.
The Service Request Identification-Number is: 207013
Summary of action taken:
Per DPW Parks:
We are evaluating locations to put bike racks. Working with the Bike Coordinator (Stephen Patchen) in City Planning. Will discuss this location. 9/28/10
Summary of Service-Request:
Complainant believes that a bike rack should be installed at Commercial Rd as well in Frick Park. (Probably the larger parking lot on the Irish Center-side would be the best location).
If you need to contact the city again concerning this issue, please refer to your Service Request Identification-Number.
Thank you again for allowing the City of Pittsburgh to serve you.
We appreciate your help!
10/07/2010 09:56:10
2010-10-07 14:02:21
so this is the response i got when i requested a rack on the 46th block of butler street:
Summary of action taken:
Per DPW 2nd Div:
Bike racks are not provided for private businesses.
Summary of Service-Request:
Per complainant:
"There are no bike racks on butler between 46th and Home Street, not even meters to lock to. i go to the bakery on that block on a weekly basis and id really appreciate a rack."
If you need to contact the city again concerning this issue, please
refer to your Service Request Identification-Number.
Thank you again for allowing the City of Pittsburgh to serve you.
We appreciate your help!
10/07/2010 10:10:14
2010-10-07 14:25:54
As far as I've read, the 3 rivers rack was a one-time deal, and they've all been claimed. From what has been posted here, private businesses can purchase a rack and install it on private property, but they need a special permit to put it on the sidewalk. A permit that does not exist.
2010-10-07 14:35:07
dwillen, I have a copy of that permit 
It states that you just do whatever you want until somebody complains to the city. In that instance you then have ten additional years before the complaint reaches the desk of the person responsible for enforcement. Then, you get five more years before they act apon it.
2010-10-07 15:50:37
There are no bike racks in Regent Square either. Super annoying. I had to chain up to a tree. 
Thankfully, the flower bed was full of weeds.
2010-10-08 02:30:11
I go to the broadway army navy store on liberty downtown, a lot, and I also had to lock to a tree. I felt bad, esp since the tree and my lock were about the same size, I feel like I might damage the tree
2010-10-08 08:25:31