I would be shocked to see free parking that close to town that wasn't filled up on weekdays by car commuters.
2012-06-08 15:13:17
10
South Side Park N Ride
The Pittsburgh bike map shows free trail head parking between 4th and 6th street in the South Side. I'm guessing that's the big lot right next to the South Side Trail. Anyone familiar with this lot? I'd like to use this on Monday but wanted to make sure it's viable. Any input is welcome!
On a side note, it's too bad there aren't any free park and ride lots on the Chateau Trail on the Ohio River since that's the direction I'll be headed after work.
2012-06-08 15:08:28
Yeah, it fills up pretty damn quickly on weekdays.
2012-06-08 15:21:27
At least around 7-7:30 AM, there is plenty of parking available in that lot. I don't recall ever seeing it completely full.
And, if it is full, the 18th St lot is only a few blocks away.
WRT the Chateau Trail, there are several small lots, including one at the end by the penitentiary; the lot by Peggy's Marina (next to the welding gas supply place) is used by some multi-modal commuters.
2012-06-08 15:23:45
I use it frequently (I really should lie out my rear end and say DON'T USE IT!!!), I have never seen it completely full and have always been able to get a space.
Just be sure not to cut your time too close, about a third of the time I will get blocked out or in by trains (5 minutes +-) But it's fun to watch the trains, and imagine putting pennies on the tracks.
2012-06-08 16:10:56
Not exactly south, but there is the official park & ride near the Port Authority office & Local 85 HQ, on Chateau just before Island. The entrance is not obvious. It's directly underneath the elevated part of Rt 65. You may have to circle around a couple of times to figure out the exact entrance.
It holds about 250 cars. Huge. It used to be (and somewhat still is) the PAT employee lot before they moved most clerical operations Downtown.
From there, though, it's a pretty easy ride to the Chateau Trail. Very handy for ball games, parades, fireworks, etc.
2012-06-08 16:54:38
@Stu: At the moment, I believe said Park&Ride is closed due to the construction on 65.
2012-06-08 17:01:13
Thanks for the input guys!
2012-06-08 17:17:57
I think the Chateau parking near the former Western Penitentiary, now the Pittsburgh SCI (and what I like to call the Bastille) may be the most secure. The road is patrolled by the prison guards, they make a round every few minutes.
2012-06-08 18:53:23
In my mind, Western Penitentiary = "The Chateau"
2012-06-08 18:55:02