End Road Deaths in Pittsburgh and beyond

We see you found our page dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic of road traffic fatalities in Pittsburgh and the United States, leading even DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg to call this a “national crisis.”

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey agrees, and on March 5, 2024, committed Pittsburgh to eliminating fatal crashes and serious injuries on our roadways, joining the worldwide movement towards “Vision Zero.”

“We’re doing everything we can to make this the safest city in America.”
– City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey

City Council followed up with this announcement and passed a Resolution to formally commit the City to the goal of zero.

Safe Streets Save Lives

You may have seen these stickers posted up around town, sadly, in locations where people walking and biking have been killed by drivers. Frankly, we had to produce WAY too many of these stickers. It is imperative that that we work together as a city to act NOW and put an end to these senseless deaths.

Approximately 20-25 Pittsburghers die every year traveling our streets. About a third of these deaths every year are pedestrians. Between 2010 and 2020, we lost 200 Pittsburghers to traffic violence, 55 of whom were walking, with another six people who were riding a bicycle.

It may sound like a bold statement, but these deaths are entirely preventable.

2018-2022 Pedestrian Fatalities and Serious Injuries

This is why Bike Pittsburgh has been pushing, since 2014, for the City and region to adopt a goal of zero traffic fatalities, often called “Vision Zero.”

Zero. Zilch. None.

We can do this, Pittsburgh, but we need to put our minds and resources together to achieve this goal.

It will take a strong effort while confronting tough decisions.

However, there is hope. Mayor Gainey’s formal commitment, along with the City Council Resolution put the first pieces in place for city government to work toward zero.

If government, residents, advocates, and our political leaders come together, not only is this goal achievable, but it will ensure that no Pittsburgher will lose a loved one or have their life shattered due to drivers of automobiles ever again.

So, what can be done?

GET INVOLVED

While BikePGH works on improving biking and walking full time, we are only one piece of the puzzle. YOU are vital to the success of our movement for safer streets!

Find out how you can make a difference.

Picture of people gathered around the white ghost bike of Will Theisen near Stanton Ave.

VISION ZERO

Vision Zero is the concept that all traffic crashes are preventable, and that we can collectively work to achieve zero traffic deaths within a certain timeframe. In March of 2024, Mayor Gainey formally committed to ending traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Safe Trips in the Strip

Thousands of Pittsburghers travel to and through the Strip every day on their commutes and for shopping and visiting. Yet roads in the Strip remain some of the most confusing, aggressive, and dangerous. Every Pittsburgh resident deserves streets that are safe and accessible, no matter how they choose to get around.

Picture of someone biking along a two way bike lane on Penn Ave. Over the image are statistics: 66% of Americans want more transportation options so they have the freedom to choose how to get where they need to go. 73% currently feel they have no choice but to drive as much as they do. 57% would like to spend less time in the car.

COMPLETE STREETS

The City of Pittsburgh passed a Complete Streets Policy in 2016, and we’ve been working with other municipalities in the region to pass similar policies in order to institutionalize biking and walking in decision-making. The most recent was Dormont in June 2023!

Illustrated graphic of a woman and children walking with a baby carriage around a car parked on the sidewalk. Text reads "you're blocking our walking."

PROTECT PEDESTRIANS

BikePGH is reminding drivers about the importance of keeping sidewalks clear when choosing a parking space. The campaign uses visual storytelling to show how the decision to park on the sidewalk puts people in harm’s way.

Vote for people who care

Since 2007, BikePGH has been surveying candidates for public office about what they will do to combat the epidemic of road fatalities and serious injuries. Find out what the candidates say!