PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Urban Cycling Committe Meets
by Andalusia/Rustbelt Radio Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005 at 10:30 AM

The Urban Cycling Committee of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the bicycling advocacy organization Bike Pittsburgh met to discuss transportation infrastructure in the city last Thursday. They covered issues of bike lanes and the new Rack & Roll program, expansion of which will likely be delayed by the recent Port Authority cuts.

Last Thursday The Urban Cycling Committee of Sustainable Pittsburgh and the bicycling advocacy organization Bike Pittsburgh met to discuss transportation infrastructure in the city. Richard Meritzer from the City of Pittsburgh Planning office reported that the city’s bike facility guidelines, which establish standards for the creation of bike lanes, have been finalized, and plans to create 5 new bike lanes in the city this year are still on course. Public input is encouraged to help the city decide where to place the bike lanes. More new bike lanes may be possible in the future, especially if public support is demonstrated for the first round. When questioned about criteria for citing bike lanes, Meritzer reported that low traffic volumes and connectivity to desired locations are important—and also that current city policy is that on-street parking cannot be sacrificed to create a bike lane, and a strong demonstration of public support for bike lanes instead of parking would be required to change this policy.

Jake Milofsky, bicycling intern at the city planning office spoke about plans to create a bike trail and route system linking the four major parks in the city. A proposed route will run from central Lawrenceville to Highland Park, and then to Mellon Park. Bike Pittsburgh members reported that plans are underway for BikeFest, a week-long celebration of all things bicycle-related that will be held June 17-24. Port Authority representative David Wullwill reported that plans to expand the ride-rack-and-roll program by installing bike racks on more Port Authority routes have been put on hold until the outcome to this year’s funding crisis is determined. Although the funds for ride-rack-and-roll are not related to the operating funds that are in crisis, planning staff currently have no time to devote to the program.

If you would like to give the city your input about possible bike lanes you can Email Richard Meritzer at Richard.meritzer@city.Pittsburgh.pa.state.us. If you would like to get involved with bike fest and suggest or organize events you can contact Bike Pittsburgh at bikefest@bike-pgh.org The next Urban Cycling Committee meeting is scheduled for 6 pm, Thursday April 14th, at the Bike Pittsburgh offices at 33 Terminal Way on the South Side. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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