Since Bill Peduto entered the mayor’s office, he’s been a champion for health and wellness programs and advocated a stronger bicycle culture. Now his ideas are seeing the light of day.
Installation of two-way bike-only lanes is scheduled to begin Wednesday, weather permitting, on the eastbound side of Penn Avenue, Downtown, from Sixth Street to 16th Street.
The project should be finished by Sept. 8 in time for the 18th Pro Bike/Pro Walk/Pro Place conference, which is expected to bring 1,000 people to Pittsburgh. The bike lanes are the first of three protected bike lane projects that are part of the PeopleForBikes Green Lane Project, a two-year national initiative announced in March.
The protected lanes should reduce bicycle-related accidents. Between 2005 and 2009, Allegheny County reported 457 bicycle accidents, with mishaps on Penn Avenue topping the list, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
More protected lanes for bicyclists will help Pittsburgh promote an image and culture of public health and wellness that will attract young professionals and boost the local economy. The lanes will encourage people to think of biking as more than just a fun and healthy pastime, but as a reliable method of transportation that will ease traffic congestion and reduce the carbon footprint.
Modern Pittsburghers will welcome these new lanes and look forward to additional installations.
First Published: September 2, 2014, 4:00 a.m.
