BikePGH’s advocacy director talks Complete Streets with Pop City

As Pittsburgh moves forward in developing its transportation infrastructure, a classic simple machine of the mid-1800s is in the foreground of development discussions: the bicycle. This artifact of the past may be Pittsburgh’s key to a successful future. But as Pittsburgh’s development continues to evolve, the city’s top transportation advocacy organizations are accounting for a range of transit options through initiatives and collaborations.

Cyclist and pedestrian organization BikePGH formed in 2002 in response to cyclist David Hoffman’s collision with a car. Since then, the group has been working with Port Authority of Allegheny County and pedestrians to create a safer environment for all street users. They’re also responsible for most of Pittsburgh’s bike lanes and sharrows, which are the arrow-like markings on streets that announce the road as a common cyclist route.

“About 25 percent of traffic fatalities in the city are pedestrians. We are moving toward a Complete Streets approach in general, where all users, including cars, bikes, pedestrians and transit, are accommodated for,” says BikePGH Advocacy Director Eric Boerer. “Every neighborhood, regardless of location, income level, class, etc., lists speeding cars and unsafe streets at the top of their quality of life lists. If we can help decrease confusion, increase predictability, slow cars, and create a more bike- and pedestrian-friendly environment, everyone benefits.”