BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Well, if you waste much time on the web, or lurking around comment sections you will find a large number of a particular portion of the population referring to our current Mayor as Bike Lane Billy. I have not seen this kind of label applied to any other politicians.

If you are just looking at bicycling infrastructure, Peduto certainly is on board with looking out for us as far as infrastructure goes.  I have been concerned about his stance on how people drive and with all the ATV's, dirt bikes and whatever else running around our streets, but that is a tradeoff. I don't have a strong opinion on who the mayor is however and just hope they see the benefits to riding a bicycle safety in our city.

IIRC, almost all of the cagers calling for Bike Lane Billy to be voted out were from the suburbs and will not be voting.

I am hoping the new mayor doesn't go backwards on bike lands and infrastructure.  Wow, I am a bit surprised, but not that surprised.  Peduto did a lot for cycling.  I still can't believe the amount of bike infrastructure there has been added in our city.  Just hoping it doesn't go away.  Good luck out there.  Interesting times.

I contacted Gainey's campaign to ask about his stance on bike lanes soon after posting the original thread, and didn't hear back. Hopefully BikePGH organizes some advocacy/outreach to form strong connections between our community and Gainey's office. I wish he had taken a stronger stance on bike lanes during the campaign, but he may yet.

A Gainey campaign worker had called me.   I asked about the proliferation of bike lanes, without revealing my bias. The worker was careful to assure me that bike lanes would not be put in if there was community opposition to them. I think we are going to miss Bike Lane Billy.

This is too late for the primary election, but here is BikePGH's survey of the candidates, shared in early May: http://localhost/2021/05/04/2021-mayoral-candidates-respond-to-bikepgh-survey/ When asked about biking and walking in Pittsburgh, Gainey wrote: "Rebuilding sidewalks and curb reveals to make walking more enjoyable for pedestrians and more accessible for those using wheelchairs and strollers, expanding protected bicycle lanes, and implementing self-enforcing street designs that encourage motorists to drive more safely..."

I too think we will miss Bike lane Billy.  Lets face it Gainey will be focused on one thing.  I don't think bike lanes are part of the plan. Hope I am wrong, but to be honest, I am not wrong on issues like this often.  We were lucky to have Peduto in there for a while though.  I still can't believe what was accomplished.  Hope they don't go away.  time will tell.  Peduto would probably win as an opposition as there will be more voters, but he won't for obvious reasons. Gainey is in the driver's seat these days.  He fits what the left wants. Thanks Peduto for creating such a great place to ride a bike.  Sure it can get better and better, but from way back in the 80's riding around here it is amazing to me.  I wish it would continue, but it won't.  Those of us that live in the "real world" know it is over.

I find it hard to believe that DOMI will become unemployed, BikePGH will disband, and all the the lanes and sharrows will be painted over. Especially if we don’t want that to happen. You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one