This is my daily commute and I am thinking about getting a bike. It's about 4 miles. Can someone tell me if there are any bike routes this way? I am also new in town so that doesn't help either. Much appreciated!
Where in Lawrenceville? It'd be fairly easy to cross the 32nd Street Bridge, left onto River road (just before you get to the Route 28 intersection) and take that all the way to the North Shore and you are there, or jump on the bike trail that leads from Herr's Island all the way down.
This would definitely be a great bicycle commute. As Jeff said, make your way to the 32nd Street Bridge, and then take the first left onto River Road. If you are heading to Allegheny Center Mall, it's actually easier to stay on River Road (as opposed to using the trail). There are two or three railroad tracks that are not quite at right angles with the road, so be sure to cross them as head on as possible. THere aren't many trains to worry about -- just tracks. As you approach the Lincoln Place apartments/condos, you'll have to merge into traffic for about 1/10 of a mile. (There might be a sidewalk here that you could use -- I can't remember for sure.
After that merge, the first right (at the stoplight on Anderson) will take you under the highways/railroad tracks to the basketball courts in East Park, a block east of Allegheny Center Mall. You can cut through the park to get to the Mall.
As noted, there is a trail that paralllels River Road that you could use. But, at the apartment/condos. you'd veer left, and down. When you got to the first bridge (Anderson Street) or second bridge (Sandusky Street) you'd have to make your way up to street level. There are ramps, but they are not convenient, and many people find it easier to carry their bikes up the stairs. I think River Road to Anderson to the Park is your best bet. Just be careful on the railroad tracks, especially if they are wet.
do two people here know something i don't? where's the 32nd street bridge?
that being said (i'm pretty sure folks up there are suffering from a disease common in pgh that makes them forget road names and are referring to the 31st st bridge, ya know, right after the old isaly's...) the rest of their routes were pretty solid suggestions. you can make it from lawrenceville to allegheny center in 15 minutes if you push it a little... definitely one of the more enjoyable commutes in the city.
OOOPS! So true. 31st street it is. I use the 62nd street bridge so often that I can't help but make it a _2nd.
If we're talking about the 31st street bridge, then you can take the sidewalk on the downstream side of the bridge from penn avenue and follow it unimpeded by traffic lights all the way to washington's landing (herr's island, for the old folks).
from washington's landing you can follow the pedestrian bridge and/or trail as jeffinpgh and swalfoort suggested.
If you take the lane over the bridge, then you'll get caught at the series of lights and inbound traffic at the intersections with river road and route 28. Waiting to make the left onto river road would add a few minutes to the commute.
If you don't like the 31st Street bridge, you can also head through the strip to the 16th Street bridge. After you get over it, make a right at the first light, then a right at the stop sign 1 block down. Go another block, and you're at the river, with the trail just across from you. Take a right, and head along the trail until you get to the big weird sculpture. Cut up to the right through the plaza, and you're on a small street - I forget the name. Be careful entering traffic - don't just blast in, look both ways, signal, etc. Go half a block to the left, and you're at Federal Street. Turn right, and that takes you straight to Allegheny Center.
Duh! New keyboard, old fingers. Of course I MEANT the 31st Street Bridge.
wow, thanks everyone for nice step by step description. I live on 46th st so 40th st bridge would maybe be better as I am not a big fan of Butler St. traffic/street parking. Another question which everyone can relate to. Should I start now or wait for the spring? I have been debating about that. Of course when it's snowing and/or it's really, really cold I can take the bus but I think I could handle it if I bundle up. Thanks again
@magic I think you will get a heavily biased response to start as soon as possible!
as for bundling up, go for it! the only place you might have an issue getting too warm is ascending the 31st street bridge... or maybe it is only me who sweats on my bike on 30 degree days.
No time like the present to check it out. River Road can be beautiful this time of year.....
But, be sure to have a light/blinkie for visibility.
As for 40th Street Bridge, my suggestion is to not even consider it. There is NO good connection down to the river level, which is where you will want to be.
Is there something riverward from Butler than you can use between 40th and 31st?
Any advice on what bike to buy? I'm cheap so don't go overboard 
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wow, thanks everyone for nice step by step description. I live on 46th st so 40th st bridge would maybe be better as I am not a big fan of Butler St. traffic/street parking.
You'll probably be a tad nervous when you start if you haven't been biking a lot in Pittsburgh, but Butler street is really just fine and I'm 100% with Swalfoot on the 40th street bridge--don't take it (unless to get to Millvale but even then it's scary). But really, the going might be a bit cramped between 46th and 40th but the road gets better after 40th in my book. You could take 36th street to Smallman, come back up 32nd street (yes, 32nd) and right on Penn to 31st and the bridge. But I would guess you'd find that silly after a few days. @Sloaps suggestion of the downstream sidewalk sounds promising. The intersection with River Road could well be a pain in the morning.
Check out Craigslist too. You can often find a good buy there on a department store type bike -- which is all you need for a commute of this length on mostly flat terrain.
as for blinkies, I personally recommend the planet bike superflash/blaze 1watt combo. It isnt terribly cheap(I think its like 50 for the set) But it is really friggin bright and has one of the most distinctive and visible flash patters out there. The head light is even bright enough to use by itself on dark trails at night if you are careful. Also budget for fenders if your bike doesnt come with them and a good U-Lock.
I also recommend freeride or craigslist for a bike. Although if you wanted a new bike, 3-400 would get you a fine commuter bike at most of the shops around town.
I recommend taking the route over herr's island. I work at the restaurant on the island and its a very nice scenic ride. If you have time throw some bread off the deck of the restaurant and watch the carp and ducks fight over it. Also the other end of the island has a great view of the 31st street bridge.
Note that you don't need to bundle up that much when you're biking. If you're going at any quick pace, you're pumping out a lot of heat in your chest. The places I actually need to wrap up are my feet, hands, and ears. Sometimes I'm wearing gloves, an earwarmer, wool socks, and a short-sleeve shirt. Beyond that, a breathable windbreaker makes a good top layer.
how tall are you/whats your price range, i might have something for you.
mark to the rescue!
On really cold days (well below freezing) I find it's my hands that give me the most trouble, followed closely by ears. It's an odd feeling, being overheated while parts of you are screaming frostbite. I use a simple sweatband over the ears under the helmet, and throw an old pair of socks over my gloves, and I'm good to go.
I feel like we ought to point the new bike commuting guide too. It covers a lot of stuff if you've never commuted by bike before--including wet and cold weather gear..
I have spent much way too much on bike clothes for cold weather--some of which work pretty well--but I highly recommend glove liners if your hands get really cold. They make a huge difference and are worth the (fairly small) investment.
