BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

He could tie in with the National Bike Challenge.

Good bike parking with other visible signs of being bike friendly would go a long way for me. When I think about Bike-pgh discounts, I always regret not suing it more, but I rarely think about it.

wifi. Bike parking. ask to fill a cyclist's water bottles - several places do this. Floor pump near the door, and promote it on social media.

What is the cost of one of those bike fix-it stations such as in the Third Avenue garage? Something like that set up in lieu of one parking space (which could also be where your bike rack is) might go far toward attracting cyclists as THE bike hangout in town. Maybe even ask for help in financing the cost of the thing.

I guess I should post a bit of a disclaimer: The restaurant is farther from town than I think a lot of you are used to, Emsworth is a bit of a haul, fairly suburban and not much theft worry. Most people, families would not be concerned putting down a kickstand or leaning their bike up against the fence. (I lock mine to keep it from falling over) It's a very small business with street parking. (Also serves as housing parking in the evenings.) What he's curious about is: On your bikes to work, is there any incentive that would make you go out of your way for a quick breakfast and a coffee? Or even is there anything that you'd occasionally stop to get and go if it was offered? Vannevar - Huge fan of the water refills and air pump idea.

A U bike parking stand is like a big neon sign that says "Bikes Welcome." Even if locking is unneeded. If the U is visible from the store, then the owner could verbally encourage any riders and alert them to any specials for bikers. But if it off the beaten path? I'm not srue what kind of specials would work, and I'm especially not sure of how they could be advertised. Any advertizing that would approach the effectiveness of a bike rack would be - over the course of a couple of years - far more expensive, I think. The only other thing I could think of is to contact group rides and offer them bribes. Like maybe tall DAn from the decaf rides that he'll give all the Tuesday night riders a free gatorade slushy if the ride comes out there some evening. Same with other rides, I guess. That could put the shop on the map for bicyclists. As far as convincing someone to put extra time in on their morning commute? Good luck with that.

I think you could get more milage by trying to get the Saturday morning riders to make it their destination. Obviously, you need bike parking, that fence isn't going to work for a U lock. I don't care how quaint an area is, I will lock up my bike. And if I can't lock up my bike using my u lock, I won't stop. I see you don't have a website, but your facebook page is nice. Once that bike rack is in place, run a special like free breakfast for the first bike to use the rack. Take some pictures, make everyone know you have parking and welcome bikes. Possibly have someone help write up directions of how to get there by bike from a few popular places. If I had a sure fire tested way to get from the south side to the restaurant, I could see that being a fun trip with a few friends. Good luck, and thanks for taking the time to consider how you can benefit people who bike.

" On your bikes to work, is there any incentive that would make you go out of your way for a quick breakfast and a coffee?" I live in the east end and work in Monroeville, so I'm obviously not the target the owner is going for. However, I do tend to go out for morning rides on the weekend, and I would make a place Chev & Rachel's a destination if and only if I knew they were pro-cyclist and have a place to lock my bike. Just like everyone else ITT has echoed: having nowhere to lock up is an instant deal breaker, even if the area is "quaint" and I'm only stopping for a minute. It's such a simple and basic thing for a business to add that in my mind having a bike rack is the litmus test that tells whether or not they support cycling.

I agree with all of you regarding the Bike Rack. I'll let him know that it's very important to get for many reasons. Thanks for that everyone.

Will I stop by: 1. Do I know you exist? 2. Do you have bike parking? 3. Are you on or near a bike route I'm likely to take? 1. I didn't know “Chev and Rachel’s" was there. I do now. 2. This would help. I don't expect many surburban spots to have bike parking, this is something I want as a feature. 3. I don't know great routes outside of pittsburgh. We need a more comprehensive map of bike routes through allegheny county that spans outside of just the city limts. Where is the active allegheny plan on this? Does a map exist and why don't I already have a copy?

It's not the easiest place to get to from Pittsburgh. https://goo.gl/maps/X4JLB I'd guess the best way would be to follow the Ohio River trail and then switch to California as if you were going to cross the McKees Rocks bridge to Neville Island. But stay on California instead, heading out to I guess Church, which becomes Center, where the restaurant is. The whole idea being to avoid Route 65. But it does look like one of those places Saturday morning riders might want to target.

I live in Brighton Heights, which is but a short hop from Emsworth - I've biked past this place a number of times and never noticed it was there... so I'll add to the chorus: a bike rack or two is a great signifier of a bike friendly business as long as they're visible from the road. As some others have said, its a bit out of the way for the majority of commuters, but would be good for a weekend destination. I'd consider partnering with some other Emsworth businesses and hosting some sort of bike related event this summer. Make the goal getting cyclists into the neighborhood first, and traffic into the restaurant will follow. Good to know about the BikePgh discount. I'll definitely make my way out there one of these weekends to try some breakfast.

This is really awesome. I am so in love with direct communication right now, and the idea of just asking people what they want, and hearing what they have to say is making me smile. I am never in Emsworth but will totally stop by (... if there's a bike rack!).

...paging @swalfoort... This must be right around the corner from you. Speaking for myself, I'm not likely to head past there on a bicycle very often, but if I'm out for a ride on my Suzuki, a little place like that might be just the stop, and I wouldn't know about it other than through my bicycling connections. And that weighs significantly. To pass on to the proprietors, I am _not_ a dressed in leathers big Harley guy. Nor am I the Lycra bicyclist. Emsworth is an pleasant ride from McCandless with a 250cc engine, though, so I'm definitely in your orbit of influence.

@jonawebb: From town. Trail to West Penitentiary. Westhall, right eckert, left Mclure, left Benton, slight right on California (changes names on its way to Emsworth. Small diner on your left towards the end of Emsworth.

Yes, indeed, it is right around the corner from me, practically. While I frequently support another bike friendly business just a few blocks from Chev and Rachels (Anchor and Anvil Coffee House), I rarely visit their establishment. When I think of why, this is what I come up with: 1. Visibility. Chev and Rachel's is easy to pass by without really noticing it, as it blends in with the surrounding businesses. I don;t know that the sidewalk is wide enough to permit a bike rack, or if that would even solve the visibility problem due to on street parking. A small flag or window sign might do as much good. 2. Direction. Chev and Rachel's is about 4 blocks from where the road (for a cyclist) effectively ends (at Hazelwood). Going any further north/west requires a ride on a shady section of Ohio River Boulevard. 3. and 4. Ease and cost. I know I can duck into the other business mentioned, and grab a drink, a cup of coffee or a muffin and be out the door in a couple of minutes. Chev and Rachels is more of a "come on in, sit down, take your time" sort of place. When I stop, it is usually for breakfast. I need to allow a minimum of 40 minutes (assuming I wolf down my food), and it will set me back $10, with tip and all that. Unless it is my destination, I don't have that kind of time/money index to spend (when commuting). 5. Hours. I KNOW this is a breakfast and lunch place. But, what I "know" from experience is that 60 percent of the time that I go past, the restaurant is closed.....because it is later in the day, etc. If you are only going to open from 6 am to 2 pm, or whatever, you will limit your customer base. Especially if they are starting from a location an hour away (by bike). My recommendations on what would make me want to stop more often? 1. a "quick service" option. A stand up counter for orders, instead of having to wait for table service. Perhaps with a call ahead or quick serve breakfast sandwich, or coffee to go option, for example. 2. Options that are easier to "take away" - There are few refreshment options in this area, (and it IS on a great route for riding), so giving people a reason to stop even if they are not in search of a full meal would be helpful. Maybe bottles of water or juice; energy bars or wrapped muffins, things you could throw into your pack for consumption later. 3. A reason to stop. Being as close as I am, I tend to ride further before I stop. But, most people would be riding "further" to get to their location, bypassing other options. Perhaps they could become the local resource for maps, route information, local activities, fixit equipment, etc, thereby giving people a reason to stop. Just a few ideas......I'd be happy to talk with you (or Chev and Rachel) at greater length....

Oh, and the all important directions, to add to those already provided.... My route from town: Point State Park Pedestrian Bridge to north side Up behind the Clark bar Building (Scotland/Merchant) to West Park Pick up Brighton at the west end of the park Follow Brighton to stoplight at California/Charles (near the Urban Gardener and the big bootie bride mural). Left on California. Stay on California for several miles to stoplight at Brighton Heights Road (top of McKees Rocks Bridge.) Right on Brighton Heights Road (2-3 blocks) Left at stoplight onto California. Within blocks you will enter Bellevue and the road name will change to Lincoln. Stay on this road about 3 miles, as it passes through Bellevue (where it is called Lincoln), Avalon and Ben Avon (where it changes names to Church) and then Emsworth (where it becomes Center). Chev and Rachels will be on the left, about a block past the Emsworth Municipal Building (standing clock, etc). If you get to a T at the Emsworth Inn, you've gone about 3 blocks too far. Distance from downtown Pittsburgh, just about 8 miles. Other than the slope from Marshall Avenue to Brighton Heights Road, its actually relatively flat. I am a wimp, and I can do that hill..... Routing you could incorporate into this ride: Two blocks uphill from Chev and Rachels is Roosevelt Road. This will take you up a five mile gentle slope to the top of Mt. Nebo Road. From there you could head west toward Sewickley, north along Nicholson Road further into the north hills (Franklin Park, Wexford) or a great descent to either Arndt (Yellow Belt) or further to Camp Horne/Lowries Run. Just a few ideas.

@Swalfort: dittoes on Anchor and Anvil Coffee House. I love that place. Huge space, great coffee, fast wifi, bike parking.

@Vannevar ....and Bike Pittsburgh membership discounts! Try the new homemade breakfast bars if they are your thing. I love them. Have to figure out how to make them at home!

Maybe talk to Larry at Ambridge Bike Shop and see if you can drop down some free coffee coupons or something? I imagine a fair amount of cyclists in the area go there. I did when I lived in nearby Leetsdale.

@Swalfoort I'll second that Roosevelt Road route. Just did it for the first time last week and was floored by how nice a biking road that is (granted I rode it in the opposite direction). Mt. Nebo carries a bit more traffic, but certainly not the worst road I've ever been on. Roosevelt was up there with the best though. Roosevelt to Mt. Nebo to Camp Horne would be a nice quick loop worthy of the trip out to Emsworth for some morning grub.

@MichaelArtman Alternate for the Mt Nebo to Camp Horne section would be a right onto Crawford about 7/8 of a mile before you get to Mt Nebo. At traffic circle exit onto Cobblestone. Take it to the end (3/4 mile). Path leads to high school lot. Exit high school lot by making a left onto Joseph and take the long and steep descent down to Camp Horne. Mt Nebo between Roosevelt and Camp Horne (Lowries Run) is narrow with a lot of sharp curves and blind hills. I wouldn't recommend riding it. I second the route down Mt Nebo towards Sewickley. There are lots of options that way, I have a few if anyone is interested.

The ride further north on Nicholson (a short jog to the right from the intersection of Roosevelt and Mt. Nebo) is also very nice.

Sounds like a group ride needs to be organized out to this place at some point. Just a business expressly stating that they have a desire to attract bike riders should initially be enough to attract some bike riders. It's 9 miles, for Merckxs sake. Seems like kindofa nice ride. Somebody record a route, put it on Strava or Map my ride, and it's on the radar. So to speak. Perhaps a one-time-free cup of joe to increase the motivation? Also makes me think of a possible project - Pittsburgh Diner Rides.

I am pretty sure I did coffeaneur from Chev and Rachels one year.

There's a Bike Train leaving from Chev&Rachels at 7:30 this Friday; I'm planning to head out for breakfast around 6:45, then ride in with the train. Of course, I'm not exactly following the Bike to Work day plan...I have a yearly tradition of taking PTO and enjoying a Bike Instead Of Work day. [ETA:]@edmonds, I'd be all about a greasy spoon ride series, especially if it's explicitly NOT to staples like Pamelas, Ritters, etc.

definitely in for recurring greasy-spoon ride. love deluca's, not fond of ritter's, need to find other options.

I'm going to ride there on Sunday morning if anyone would like to join in. Was going to grab a bite at Starbucks in Sewickley but might hold off and have an early lunch at Chev and Rachel's

bb - highly recommend Eggs R Us, 2350 Noblestown Rd. Not to be confused with Eggs N'At out in Moon, which I can't vouch for. The real old school deal. A nice ride through the West End and a nice climb up Noblestown. Breakfasts as big as your head, cheap.

How did the bike train from Chev and Rachels go? How was the turnout? I wanted to participate, but had to be in Robinson Township by 8:00. Could not meet that deadline and participate in the ride.

Another breakfast gem: Mary Ann's in McKees Rocks.

And more importantly, was the food and service commensurate with the prices?

The Train ended up just being @reddan and myself. I know reddan and Chev also talked a bit about some bike friendly additions that could be made as well. I also reached out about BTWD on Nextdoor, and while none of those people joined me, I did get an inquiry regarding my route and/or a future bike train coming from here.