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Local news stories & LTE 2016

New year, new list of articles from local media on cycling. Last year's thread made it to 15 pages.
stuinmccandless
2016-01-08 16:49:16
^ Looks to be Liberty near 16th street. It also looks cold.
marko82
2016-01-13 12:56:45
Follow-up to the Jan. 14 incident where a guy ran through a stop at Forbes and Murray past a police officer directing traffic, hit a woman at that intersection, hit another car, then plowed into some parked cars, got out, and was chased down by police: guess what, he's still at it: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2016/01/25/Braddock-man-charged-with-new-set-of-driving-offenses/stories/201601250135 If only there was some sort of "driver certification" system we could enforce which would keep people like this off the road. I know, keep on dreaming.
jonawebb
2016-01-25 13:59:44
DCNR's Secretary will be in town Thursday to announce their C2P2 Grant awards for last (?) year. Among the grants awarded: - a $100,000 grant for development at McClean Playground and Frick Park - a $160,000 grant for the Great Allegheny Passage - Homestead Connector development, which will add a new trail running between the railroad tracks from Amity Street near Blue Dust to Waterfront Drive/the GAP near the Pump House. The grant award event will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Pump House. Details via Steel Valley Trail: https://www.facebook.com/events/207525832928426/
epanastrophe
2016-01-25 17:14:20
Person hit and killed by driver while biking on Ardmore Blvd in Wilkinsburg last night. Haha, just kidding, headline is "Bicyclist killed on Ardmore Blvd. in Wilkinsburg" PG: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2016/01/26/Bicyclist-killed-on-Ardmore-Blvd-in-Wilkinsburg/stories/201601260133 My comment, the only one so far: "'The identity of the bicyclist has not been released.' What about the identity of the driver who killed them? Did they stop? Were they drunk, stoned, texting, speeding, ...? "Unless the rider had a heart attack and dropped in the middle of the road, there were at least two people involved in this incident. Why is one of them not even mentioned?"
epanastrophe
2016-01-26 09:14:10
Elizabeth Township considers gas plant: http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2016/01/27/Illinois-company-mulling-new-gas-plant-in-Elizabeth-Township/stories/201601270176 An Illinois energy company is eyeing a patch of long-contaminated land in Elizabeth Township to build a new 550-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant... Additionally, the property is bordered on three sides by the Youghiogheny River. FYI - I believe the GAP trail runs along the boundary of this property.
marko82
2016-01-28 11:44:35
Chicago-based Invenergy LLC is considering building the plant on a former industrial landfill on Henderson Road near Buena Vista
Per Google Maps, the majority of Henderson Road is within the North Buena Vista Historical Site, terminating at Dravo Cemetery. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0a0m1_9vBN-Vi1YWGxxYjFNSE0/preview The thin line roughly paralleling the river is the trail.
epanastrophe
2016-01-28 11:56:15
Was the official notification for this meeting posted at our regional office in Tanzania? Why is it that we only find out about these things *hours* beforehand? A couple of days, at best? They really didn't cook up this idea late last week, did they? If someone makes it to the meeting, please ask this.
stuinmccandless
2016-01-28 15:42:46
A meeting this evening about lower hill district redevelopment: Architecture at CMOA: Reimagining Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill with Kai-Uwe Bergmann of BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group Thursday, January 28 6—8 p.m. FREE Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland "What is currently an enormous parking lot is set to become a new home to thousands of Pittsburghers, a center of commerce and retail, and a major open space that builds upon the city’s reinvestment in the city center and its public spaces, while acting as a catalyst for underserved parts of the city." —BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group Join Carnegie Museum of Art’s Heinz Architectural Center and Kai-Uwe Bergmann of architectural practice BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group for a presentation on the firm's innovative work. Recently tasked with envisioning a master plan for the Lower Hill and the former Civic Arena site, BIG has drawn attention and praise for public projects in Europe, Asia, and North America. The always impassioned and energetic Bergmann presents big ideas on architecture and urbanism from projects around the world and here in Pittsburgh. The Civic Arena site has been divisive since its initial development in the 1960s. Learn how BIG’s designs strive to create public spaces in the Lower Hill that connect Pittsburgh’s Hill District with its downtown.
paulheckbert
2016-01-28 17:29:04
State allocates funds for local improvements; looks like some will benefit cyclists. http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2016/01/29/State-doles-out-28-million-for-outdoor-recreation/stories/201601290152 One is intended for development of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Etna, including a pedestrian bridge, handicapped access, landscaping and signage. The other goes to development of 5.6 miles of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in Monroeville, Penn, Murrysville and Trafford. The project will include rehabilitation of four bridges and other improvements.
ahlir
2016-01-29 09:10:33
In the Post-Gazette, assistant manager David Garth wrote a story "I love Pittsburgh, except for the things I hate" and listed 5 things. They were: * Bike Lanes * "Blue-collar Pittsburgh" label * Pitt football fans * Light Up Night * Parades About the first, he griped: What is up with the sudden push to make this city the two-wheeler capital of the world? Mayor Bill Peduto is on a roll when it comes to creating bike lanes in the city. The most annoying one goes through the heart of the Cultural District in Downtown, making busy Penn Avenue a maddening one-way street and causing numerous motorists to make loops through town in a guessing game of Where to Turn? And the mayor is aiming for even more bike lanes on our narrow and meandering roads. Sorry, Bill, but some of us have places to go. http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2016/01/30/Saturday-Diary-I-love-Pittsburgh-except-for-the-things-I-hate/stories/201601160001 Ignore, or rebut? I chose the latter.
paulheckbert
2016-01-30 02:01:21
Ignore. If the first thing that comes to his mind about things he hates about Pittsburgh is essentially paint, signage, and, occasionally, some plastic sticks, then he's either an easily irritable individual, or he knows what brings the clicks to his site and is taking advantage of that. Or maybe he's both.
chrishent
2016-01-30 07:00:52
If this piece from last week was linked somewhere, I looked but didn't see it. About complete streets out the Ohio valley. http://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/sewickley/9859403-74/streets-orndorff-sewickley This, from one of the councilpeople: "Edgeworth Councilman David Aloe raised concerns about encouraging more bicyclists on Beaver Road, citing state law requiring vehicles to remain several feet away from bicyclists." I'm going to be writing a letter to the Borough council, as I can't let that stand. I have to keep it professional as I may have to go to the council for approval of one thing or another. But do feel free to communicate yourselves. Councilman David Aloe Edgworth Borough 301 Beaver Road Edgeworth, PA 15143
edmonds59
2016-02-04 13:52:45
Wonder if that's in addition to the grant i posted about two weeks ago (http://localhost/mb/topic/local-news-stories-lte-2016/#post-322487), or just someone combining and mixing the two grants that were announced at that event (a $100K for playgrounds in Squirrel Hill, and a $160K grant for the connector)....
epanastrophe
2016-02-12 12:32:40
Etna connector. This will be awesome. Much better than riding Friday road. Wondering whether they will attach the flyover bridge to the end of the 62nd st bridge sidewalk to avoid the need to use the long stairs.
benzo
2016-02-12 14:13:17
When I attended several ARTEZ meetings about the project last year, connecting the flyover to 62nd was thought unfeasible. However, I heard it mentioned recently* as still being on the table... * perhaps at Better Streets Lawrenceville? I don't recall where...
epanastrophe
2016-02-12 14:31:04
Boy it would be nice to have street-level access on the upstream side of the 62nd St Bridge. Negotiating that four-way stop under the bridge on a bike is not for the timid.
stuinmccandless
2016-02-12 15:08:32
Proposal to create interim planning overlay while riverfront zoning update is written delayed -- http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/morning-edition/2016/02/pittsburgh-planning-commission-tables-vote-on.html Objections came from the Steelers, Pirates, and their real estate developer, over potential impacts to Parking on the North Shore; the Allegheny Valley Railroad, which claims to be a Public Utility while blocking Public access to Utilize it*; riverfront industrial sites like Lindy Paving** and 43rd Street Concrete, which complain that "industrial and business uses remain a major economic driver along the rivers" without seeming to realize that (a) zoning changes don't affect existing uses, and (b) preventing them from getting bigger is exactly the point; and developers like Buncher, whose godawful proposals for the riverfront (not to mention their heinous warehouses properties scattered through Lawrenceville's riverfront and elsewhere, looking ugly as well as sucking semis through the neighborhood...) are pretty much a direct cause of this proposal.... * (i write here not so much of minor issues like the Schenley Park crossing, but their intransigence in matters of the Allegheny River Greenway, commuter use of the lines, and such) ** (that horrid stench you smell when you ride down the Jail Trail past the Birmingham Bridge is mostly Lindy's asphalt plant at Second and Brady)
epanastrophe
2016-02-12 20:54:47
Second Ave to be closed between Greenfield Ave and Hot Metal this weekend: "A portion of Second Avenue in Pittsburgh will be closed from Friday at 10 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. to allow for manhole and utility line work." http://triblive.com/mobile/9984742-96/avenue-traffic-bridge No indication of whether or how the trail or access to it will be affected.
epanastrophe
2016-02-16 14:54:36
Already on it. ;)
edmonds59
2016-02-23 12:55:58
Biking, hiking trails top priorities for Pine officials http://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/northhills/9980121-74/pine-plan-trails Top projects on Pine's wish list for the next decade include separate biking and hiking trails to connect Pine-Richland High School and Middle School to Pine Community Park. The two trails are part of the township's new 10-year comprehensive plan, and could make it easier for some students to walk or bike to school.
marko82
2016-02-24 13:16:26
PAT ranked 8th for transit The Best Cities for Public Transportation https://smartasset.com/mortgage/best-cities-for-public-transportation According to the U.S. Census Bureau, public transportation commuters in Pittsburgh spend an average of 32 minutes traveling to work, the 11th-fastest transit commute time of the 136 cities in our analysis. That is also just nine minutes slower that the average commute time for drivers, the fifth-smallest difference.
marko82
2016-02-25 10:55:56
@buffalo, I'm sure a lot of people will feel the same about PAT's high ranking
chrishent
2016-02-25 13:22:41
Is that a drone pic? If so, cool. We live in SqHill and the water was out for most of the morning, then back at low pressure. No shower, sniff. Well, there's always Jonquaire... [Yes, I know. I never get the spelling right.]
ahlir
2016-02-27 20:57:36
PWSA is now saying Forbes won't reopen until Wednesday at 6 PM.
steven
2016-02-28 19:06:55
Was able to get through on the bike train up Neville and using some sidewalk on Forbes. Walked the bridge because of high pedestrian traffic in a narrow space, but otherwise all ride-able straight through. On a single bike eastbound you really could get by without much of the sidewalk as the closed bit of road is wet only westbound. Was a stinking gorgeous day for a ride.
byogman
2016-02-28 20:03:50
Page's Ice Cream, along 837 or across the train tracks, opens Saturday.
vannever
2016-03-03 20:59:18
@Vannevar Page’s Ice Cream, along 837 or across the train tracks, opens Saturday. That will be a necessary stop after the Fish ride on Good Friday.
mick
2016-03-04 14:01:04
This is great. A free (send SASE just like the 80s) for a tear proof, foldable gap map. Thanks j z
edronline
2016-03-07 22:05:56
A few weeks old, but I don't remember seeing this posted. People, communities eager for Ohio River trail, recreational paths http://www.timesonline.com/progress/2016/people-communities-eager-for-ohio-river-trail-recreational-paths/article_3922c0e2-cb8f-11e5-b843-4f3115729afa.html Moon police Chief Leo McCarthy has cycled repeatedly from his home in the township to Presque Isle near Erie. He even has gone to Chicago by bicycle, and he said the most dangerous part of that trip was northbound on Route 51 between South Heights and Monaca.
marko82
2016-03-09 10:34:14
PennDOT juggernaut announces its list for upcoming traffic headaches in 2016: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/03/09/Liberty-Bridge-top-priority-on-regional-list-of-PennDOT-road-and-bridge-projects/stories/201603090175 For the most part, these have no effect no direct effect on moving around by bike. Still, expect the Liberty Bridge job contractor to put a sign that unnecessarily blocks that bridge's sidewalk, as is tradition. Also, they will be doing some work at the intersection of West Liberty and PA51
chrishent
2016-03-09 13:28:26
The ones in orange involve serveral state routes. The blue one to monitor McKnight Rd sounds interesting. Where do we find out more about these?
stuinmccandless
2016-03-09 15:00:57
Interesting to note the two projects at the bottom of Melissa Daniels's photo: - "Smithfield Bridge Ped Ramp-Wharf" - "TRH [Three Rivers Heritage] Trail Connector" Also: - continuation of the Bigelow/Baum project I *think* is only supposed to involve work on the Baum Bv bridge over the busway ramp; pretty sure they did the rest last year - Birmingham Bridge work continues--I think they're doing the other side this year? Too bad they couldn't figure out how to get a sidewalk that continued at grade instead of having a staircase at the end.... - there's a bridge project listed as 'I-376 EB [over] Brady St, Trail' ... that part of EFT just can't catch a break, i guess...
epanastrophe
2016-03-09 16:51:50
@buffalo I noticed those two projects, too. While I'm fairly certain PennDOT isn't responsible for them, they'll likely require coordination with PennDOT to carry them out. This also gives hope that those two projects will at least be started this year
chrishent
2016-03-09 17:42:45
Apparently, there is supposed to be a free basic bike maintenance class @6PM at Performance. You may want to call and verify.
ka_jun
2016-03-10 16:26:59
Supposedly there's an alleycat next Saturday (3/19) organized by WPTS, Pitt's campus radio station. I found a whole bunch of flyers on campus the other day: https://imgur.com/9sCNyzv Flyer claims more info is available from wptsradio.org, but if so I can't find it.
epanastrophe
2016-03-10 18:00:36
Traffic signal improvements for intersection of Ross St and Second Ave: http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/release?id=5806 These are pedestrian-focused changes, which is good. Also, note related road closure
chrishent
2016-03-11 17:02:48
...and, after a little investigation, it's been determined that the City is responsible for keeping the sidewalks clean, and they'll get right on that as soon as the County's work is done: https://twitter.com/PGHDPW/status/710169570951208960
epanastrophe
2016-03-16 14:51:06
The worlds largest Bike Shop Museum Pittsburgh P.A people from all over the world to visit Pittsburgh Bike Shop as seen in the New York Times,,,,I hope you stop by on our June bike show swap meet,, http://read.dmtmag.com/i/649539-march-15/14
bicycle-heaven
2016-03-18 19:59:49
New garage to be built on North Side http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2016/03/22/new-garage-to-be-built-on-north-side.html ...presented a plan for a rectangular structure of five floors stretching along the LTR line on the North Shore, with features inlcuding solar panels, bioswales as well as a bike line into the garage and bike parking. The garage is expected to add a net total of 608 spaces when the established surface spaces are subtracted from the total.
marko82
2016-03-22 23:44:56
$16.9M construction cost divided by net 608 spaces added = $27,796 per added parking space. This will, however, reduce pressure for parking downtown, and provide (I hope) added impetus to keep North Shore T rides free. I don't know what to make of the planned bicycle facilities, and of course, nobody ever thinks of motorcycles.
stuinmccandless
2016-03-23 11:52:28
I recall someone did the math on the proposed new garage at Bakery Square last year--does anybody remember where that is? $28K doesn't sound unusual, tbh. Parking garages are _expensive_.
epanastrophe
2016-03-23 11:56:22
Simple and conservative calculation: 400 spaces * 300 days/year * $20/day /space * 7 years = $16.8M
yalecohen
2016-03-23 12:20:31
When the PA state legislature would allow the City of Pittsburgh to increase parking rates ONLY if the parking was privatized, we were robbed. To me, it seems more suburbanites want to sue the city and pay less to the city government.
mick
2016-03-23 12:37:47
The tax on parking is like 37.5%. That's a decent amount of revenue.
mjacobpgh
2016-03-24 10:28:21
Someone in Hempfield Twp managed to get their road's speed limit lowered, citing traffic safety concerns. [Trib story]
stuinmccandless
2016-03-29 05:11:47
Public meetings regarding the upcoming Liberty Bridge construction work: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10223138-74/bridge-closures-lane While this is not a popular bridge for cyclists, I know of a few people that use the sidewalk to ride between downtown and Mt. Washington. It'd be nice if the contractor doesn't have signs blocking it, a la Ft. Pitt bridge a year or so ago
chrishent
2016-04-01 09:04:52
If anyone is going to the meeting, remind the engineers that they must maintain an unobstructed sidewalk per PennDot regulations. According to PennDot Publication 213 “Temporary Traffic Control Guidelines”, …an accessible path of 48 inch minimum width shall be provided… whenever signs (or anything else) are placed on sidewalks.
marko82
2016-04-01 14:54:52
Report: Distracted driving citations increase in Pennsylvania http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/04/01/Report-Distracted-driving-citations-increase-in-Pennsylvania/stories/201604010199 Between 2014 and 2015, distracted driving citations in Pennsylvania increased by 43 percent, according to a new report from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. To identify the increase, the AOPC based its data on violations of state laws spelled out in Title 75, sections 1621, 1622, 3316, and 3314. Since 2012 in Pennsylvania, those statutes have barred drivers from using headphones or earbuds while driving, as well as made texting while the vehicle is in motion illegal. Drivers who flout those laws run the risk of a $50 fine, minimum. Montgomery County was home to the most distracted driving citations in the state, with 298 in 2015 alone (223 in 2014). Close behind was Allegheny County, with 235 citations in 2015 (176 in 2014), followed by York and Bucks counties, with 223 (130 in 2014) and 183 (117 in 2014) citations, respectively. Rounding out the top five is Chester County, which clocked 166 distracted driving citations in 2015 (130 in 2014). However, it should be noted that increases in the number of citations in any county could be attributable to increases in enforcement in those counties. Just two counties in the state — Cameron and Forest — clocked zero total distracted driving citations in 2015. Cameron County also had zero citations in 2014, compared to Forest County’s two that year. Data for 2015 for Philadelphia County, unfortunately, was not included in the study, with the report noting that that data is maintained by the traffic division of the Philadelphia Municipal Courts. In 2014, Philadelphia County tallied 195 distracted driving citations total, according to a previous AOPC study. In 2013, the number was also 195, compared to 2012’s 276 citations. Overall, the report found that Pennsylvania’s men have more instances of distracted driving than its women, with 67 percent of recorded citations between 2014 and 2015 going to male drivers. Of the total number of people cited in Pennsylvania during that time period, folks in their 20s made up about 40 percent. Drivers in their 30s, meanwhile, made up 26 percent, and individuals in their 60s amounted to just 2 percent. Most citations, the report found, were written between 8 a.m. and noon, with May serving as the most active month of the year. Not enough, IMHO.
rustyred
2016-04-01 15:35:48
County releases its paving plan, with work starting Monday: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10163853-74/road-county-paving 45 miles of paving and other repairs--- - rebuilds on much of Fox Chapel, Jacks Run, Lorish, Middle, and Stroschein Roads; - chip-and-seal work on several roads including Blackburn Road north of Sewickley and McConkey Road near the wave pool in South Park; and - milling and paving of a whole bunch of roads including part of Becks Run and nearly all of Mount Troy.
epanastrophe
2016-04-01 19:09:55
Actually, the Liberty Bridge sidewalk has been closed to pedestrians for the past week or so, and I don't think it'll reopen until they are done with the construction. They posted plenty of detour signs. However, the detour gets dangerous when they have you cross Arlington at McArdle to get to the stairs to get up to the McArdle sidewalk. There is no crosswalk here and lots of congestion/aggressive driving during rush hour. But I guess a posted detour is better than nothing...
fosci_girl21
2016-04-01 22:05:29
Regarding the City and County paving projects , it looks like a good chunk of the northern portion of the PedalPGH route will get fresh pavement this year. Nice.
chrishent
2016-04-03 16:44:25
Moon Township still intends to develop a long-planned park on the Ohio River just above Sewickley Bridge, but still needs several million dollars just to fix industrial pollution. http://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/sewickley/10239730-74/park-moon-river (I'd initially mistaken this for the effort to build a park at the mouth of the Montour, below Mile Zero of the Montour Trail, but that's Robinson Township. This is on the other side of Coraopolis, between the end of the borough and the Sewickley Bridge.)
epanastrophe
2016-04-07 15:38:55
Moon Township police chief, trail group look to improve bicycling safety http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/moon-township-police-chief-trail-group-look-to-improve-bicycling/article_9cc2c94c-fc15-11e5-967a-d7320a54ccfa.html My sarcastic editorial comment on this: "This year, McCarthy has told his officers to make traffic stops for cyclists who violate the law, he said. The intention is not to ticket people but to improve safety for everyone, so warnings can be given." Yeah, that's the key to combating cyclists' deaths.
rustyred
2016-04-10 09:24:40
I know we have a couple of semi-recent threads about steps, but I can't find them. Today's PG has a column by Diana Nelson-Jones about the City Accelerator project to fund steps repair. I am quoted in it (though at this writing, she has my first name incorrect; I emailed; it should be fixed soon). I sure would like to see a million bucks spent on getting these fixed. I use them every chance I can. They're an opportunity, not an obstruction.
stuinmccandless
2016-04-11 09:02:38
I hope so, currently that is a major bottleneck if there are any number of trail users there (school groups, riders, peds).
ka_jun
2016-04-20 15:30:04
Just short of six months later, charges at last in the death of Susan Hicks: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10353269-74/witherspoon-death-police "David Witherspoon, 49, of Beltzhoover, is charged with homicide by vehicle in the death of Susan Hicks, 34, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed Friday.…Witherspoon is also charged with accidents involving death while not properly licensed, involuntary manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance, driving without a license, following too closely and careless driving." [There is, of course, a dedicated thread for this incident, over at http://localhost/mb/topic/cyclist-killed-in-oakland/ ]
epanastrophe
2016-04-22 14:12:38
Good news on those railroad crossings. They're definitely in need of some love. The writing on that article needs some editing, though. It makes it sound they are closing South 9th St in its entirety, not just the area around the railroad crossing. Also, what does Muriel St have to do with the Hot Metal Bridge? I'm guessing this is a mistake, and the "bike path link" on Muriel would be for getting to the 10th St bridge.
chrishent
2016-05-02 12:03:42
This is the type of gate (from Philly) that they refer to in the article:
vannever
2016-05-02 12:26:33
I've heard that the positions are: * CSX prefers to close all RR crossings; in their world, level crossings are pure liabilities; * Terminal Building workers park in the parking lot on the river side of the RR tracks, so the 4th St crossing is vital to them. 9th St, less so; * current trail users need the 4th St crossing, but not the 9th; * PUC wants any level crossings that exist to be safe. Frank Bryan Concrete feuded with CSX to get their own level crossing at 3rd St. (Drewolf Crossing, "impedimenta victa modus factorum") within the past few years: http://localhost/mb/topic/tag-o-rama-4/page/16/#post-323193 That gate's mechanism looks similar to the Philadelphia one.
paulheckbert
2016-05-02 12:58:20
9th is a much better street for biking. No stupid Polish block.
jonawebb
2016-05-02 13:05:16
Re Muriel St., I'd thought it was not quite public yet, but the City wants to implement a "neighborhood streets" plan for the south side using Wharton and Muriel as an alternative to Carson between Hot Metal and South Tenth.
epanastrophe
2016-05-02 18:23:07
What I do at railroad tracks (walking, biking, hoverboard, car) is stop, look both ways, listen for any loud "train-like" sounds, then proceed across. Trains are difficult to miss and their path of travel is fairly predictable. How did humans ever survive to be the dominant animal species on this planet?
edmonds59
2016-05-03 12:04:04
I added a comment on the Shaler article: The bit of Babcock Boulevard that travels through Shaler is only about a mile, but is miserable to bike. This is the only real way to get from the river trail to North Park. The part in Ross has wide, paved shoulders, but the Shaler part has no shoulder at all. Cyclists have to fully take the lane; there is no safe alternative, and no alternative route to ride. This angers motorists, the majority of whom would dearly love to exceed the posted 35 by 10 or more. How do I know? I drive, too, and follow people through here. 43 mph is typical. By contrast, a cyclist is going 14. Simple solution: Drop the speed limit to 25, as it already is through Millvale, and actually enforce it.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-06 10:23:37
S. Bouquet is paved from Fifth to Bates as of 5/6.
jason-pgh
2016-05-06 15:27:19
No bike markings yet on S. Bouqet, or any street markings for that matter. They were finishing up the last of the paving as I was leaving work. Hope they install a nice new bold crosswalk at the crosssing @ sennot street.
benzo
2016-05-06 15:58:29
> Hope they install a nice new bold crosswalk at the crossing @ sennot street. I suppose them installing both crosswalks across Bouquet, instead of just the southern one that was there before, is probably too much to hope for...
epanastrophe
2016-05-06 16:01:52
I mean, how long has it been since E. Liberty was re-paved? Still no lane markings.
jason-pgh
2016-05-06 17:54:36
S. Bouquet paved is great news. I've had to go to a lot of effort to avoid it...
ahlir
2016-05-06 19:59:36
Comment appears to have been removed.
epanastrophe
2016-05-09 10:32:03
That's why I took a screen shot right away and tweeted it.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-09 10:50:45
Seems somehow particularly lazy for story on PGH bike lane usage to use photo from somewhere else entirely... (A PBS station at that, it looks like...)
epanastrophe
2016-05-09 21:01:24
Was the bike/ped count postponed? I went by two intersections that were supposed to have counters and didn't see anyone there (Main and Wabash in the West End and Smithfield and Fort Pitt Blvd. downtown). It's possible that I didn't know what to look for. Maybe they were parked in a car or something.
doublestraps
2016-05-10 06:49:16
Stu said on Twitter that it was postponed because of rain.
jonawebb
2016-05-10 07:18:33
Yes, today's morning and afternoon counts are postponed until Tue, Wed, or Thu 5/17-19. Not doing them all on the same day means the relative stats will be weather-affected, e.g. if you count street A on day 1 when weather is nice and compare those stats to street B which was counted on day 2 when weather was rainy. hmmmm
paulheckbert
2016-05-10 07:59:31
The cancellation email went out around 11 p.m. I don't think they'll mind if I repost it here (from Clayton Oeth, clayton.oeth@pittsburghpa.gov). Hello to all those scheduled to count tomorrow morning and afternoon, Unfortunately, due to the weather predictions for tomorrow, we have decided to postpone the count times scheduled for 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm tomorrow. We apologize as we know that many of you scheduled time out of your day to help us out. But we want to make sure you still get your chance, if you are able. We will be postponing the Tuesday count until next Tuesday, the 17th, but we will also be giving everyone the option to count on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (17th-19th). The times for these days will be the same as the previous scheduled Tuesday time, both 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm. We hope this will give volunteers more flexibility in their available times, and hopefully some nicer weather! If you also volunteered to count on Saturday, we are still planning on conducting that count as regularly scheduled, but stay tuned for updates. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to participate at all next week, please contact Kristin or I, (kristin.saunders@pittsburghpa.gov). Thank you again everyone for volunteering and for your patience as we're sorting this out. I do know they need a bunch more people to help count.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-10 10:50:41
Corrigan Drive has had a bike lane on the southbound side for years. Perhaps they're talking about adding a northbound bike lane too? The current bike lane gets cyclists going in both directions, as well as some pedestrians. On the opposite side of the street there's a protected path. That one sees more pedestrians and fewer cyclists. Some cyclists just ignore the bike lane (overdue for paving, and occasionally with vegetation and such intruding) and ride among the cars in the recently paved main lanes. The main thing Corrigan needs is paving for the bike lane. A second one would be nice, I guess, but I assume it'll still be used by people going whatever direction they want on foot or by bike. Rumble strips will make it tougher for cyclists in the bike lane to move into the main traffic lane when it's blocked by a dog-walker, a cyclist coming in the opposite direction, debris, or when some helpful agency has entirely blocked the bike lane with a Your Speed Is display. I think the main lanes were repaved just a year or two ago (skipping the bike lane), so I don't know why they're repaving them now. (Where did they put the signs warning of paving work? One guess.)
steven
2016-05-11 06:14:49
More on Stauber from WTAE sister station WPBF (West Palm Beach): http://www.wpbf.com/news/friend-talks-about-bicyclist-hit-killed-by-officer/39477662 More on the incident from WPTV: http://www.wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/port-st-lucie/port-st-lucie-police-car-hits-kills-cyclist Police's story is that he was riding on the sidewalk and rode or fell off the curb in front of a local police car, which hit him. Not mentioned: the road he was riding along is a 5-lane divided highway: https://goo.gl/maps/QHvZ9fjnG4D2
epanastrophe
2016-05-12 09:26:05
More on the Terminal Building (aka Riverwalk Corporate Centre) story that @chrishent shared earlier. Today, Essential Pittsburgh radio did an interview with a representative of McKnight Realty (new bldg owner) and Tom Baxter from Friends of the Riverfront, an important tenant there. Listen here: http://wesa.fm/post/riverfront-trails-offices-and-green-spaces-planned-upcoming-south-side-development The PG story: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2016/05/10/Offices-public-green-space-trail-link-planned-for-South-Side-terminal/stories/201605100059 The architectural drawings look nice (as these things always do). They're thinking of it like a short version of NYC's High Line. Note trail drawn along RR tracks, and people walking around on ground level near river.
paulheckbert
2016-05-12 17:30:35
What about the concrete plant between the terminal building and the liberty bridge? Is that part of the development? I'm hoping both are being redeveloped as that is one of the missing links in the riverfront trail.
dfiler
2016-05-13 08:30:21
I've not heard anything about the concrete plant going anywhere--especially since they just won the right to build a level crossing over the railroad between their yard and their docks--so i'm also curious how that'll be handled. (Also the oft-forgot County DPW building on 2nd St...)
epanastrophe
2016-05-13 09:17:28
I think they should be more realistic with these mockups / plans with respect to the train tracks and include the buffering fences that keep people from wandering on to the tracks. Additionally, the trail really should be widened from their initial drawing here, should be at least twice as wide as the sidwalk shown, a single cyclists takes up over 1/2 of the space on the mockup. Also, is there a way to access the rooftop parklet space from the trail level?
benzo
2016-05-13 09:53:48
Yeah, it's funny how those buildings are missing from the drawings. from what i know, the concrete plant will not be going away. they feel they have a very strategic location, ie the only (?) concrete plant in the city.
erok
2016-05-13 09:55:32
It is hard to trust the accuracy of anything in these renders if the concrete plant is going to remain. These depict pedestrian space where there is actually an industrial complex with piles of aggregate, an access road and a overhead conveyor to move material over the tracks. So either the concrete plant is being demolished or the developer is being dishonest. I like the sound of the project but am dismayed by what appears be deliberately misleading development plans. The reason this matters is that they're seeking a 10 million dollar grant from the state as well as money from Pittsburgh's Urban Redevelopment Authority.
dfiler
2016-05-13 10:05:40
Indeed it is a very strategic location. Not only do they (Frank Bryan) have relatively easy access to most parts of the city, but the riverfront allows them to bring most, if not all their materials by barge, at a likely lower cost per ton than by truck. If I was set up there, I wouldn't move away, either. Also, there's another concrete plant on Second Ave, near the Birmingham Bridge
chrishent
2016-05-13 10:11:03
"Also, there’s another concrete plant on Second Ave, near the Birmingham Bridge" And it smells divine, especially during summer during the commute. Wonder how much particulate matter they're producing?
ka_jun
2016-05-13 10:45:22
The common factors in all three of those are: river, tracks, concrete plant. We do need concrete plants, and flat up against a riverbank and/or railroad is the best place to put them. It wouldn't surprise me that there are a few more up and down the various river valleys, and if they exist, a bike trail or the plans for one will be right alongside. So whatever the answer is here is likely going to be a probable answer for any others.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-13 11:14:39
There's also a concrete plant in lawrenceville by the river. 43rd street concrete.
benzo
2016-05-13 11:53:45
From the Nextdoor Squirrel Hill mailing list: "I have made calls about this corner on Boundary Street as I live right there and have been witness to so many close calls between bikes, joggers, and dog walkers. I am asking for the community to also call and make this part of the trail safer for all. I am not sure what else to do before someone really gets hurt here. Thanks!"
jonawebb
2016-05-13 12:43:42
Agreed Stu, this is actually a good location for a concrete plant. It's in a warehouse district, almost under a bridge, between railroad tracks and with mooring for barges. My criticism was directed at the developer who is seeking public funding with some misleading renders. Still, at first glance I am a fan of the proposal.
dfiler
2016-05-13 12:55:18
New guy sounds like he's got a lot of work to do, but seems like he's sharp and very aware of the issues he's going to have to tackle. Hoping for the best.
benzo
2016-05-13 13:34:44
ha! how could i forget about the one on 43rd. Duh i have to hear and dodge those trucks on the daily. From what I understand, the concrete plant in the ss is there to stay. was just in a meeting where this came up with the Assistant director of public works. things do change all the time however.
erok
2016-05-13 13:49:36
i had the pleasure to organize a short ride to show the new penndot bike/ped coordinator around pittsburgh a bit. he's legit and has a lot of good ideas and a practical approach to making things work better. it's hopeful and really shows what can be done if you dedicate a person to focus on an issue. I just hope he doesn't get ground down in the penndot machinery
erok
2016-05-13 13:56:19
@erok - A glance at the thread we put together to welcome Kristen Saunders might be worth a look by the state guy, too. Really, it wouldn't be a bad idea to look this over at all, 18 months after we first put it together. link
stuinmccandless
2016-05-13 14:05:03
Bike Count Day? They're calling for rain again tomorrow on the re-scheduled day. Anyone know details?
rustyred
2016-05-16 15:03:35
We were given the choice of Tue-Wed-Thu for the reschedule. Looks like Wed and Thu should be dry all day. I'm going to try for Wednesday for my count.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-16 15:26:37
"Mechanics took the time to check the operation of the bikes after a long winter in storage." Looks like they missed one...
epanastrophe
2016-05-17 08:56:11
If convenient, if posting a post-gazette link, could we copy some of the salient pieces of the article into the post--since PG limits free access...and mucking with my browser setting...
yalecohen
2016-05-17 11:55:25
Sure "After being pushed for years by advocates, legislation to require some first-time drunk drivers in Pennsylvania to use ignition interlock devices is inching toward becoming law. "The House on Monday voted 193-2 to approve a bill that would force the use of ignition interlocks by first-time offenders whose blood-alcohol concentration was at least 0.10. After returning to the Senate, which unanimously approved an earlier version, the bill would head to Gov. Tom Wolf, who supports it, according to a spokesman. "Connected to the steering wheel or ignition, such devices require drivers to blow into a tube and prevent their car from starting if it detects an unacceptable blood-alcohol level. "Current law defines intoxicated drivers as those with an 0.08 blood-alcohol level. It also only requires ignition interlocks after a second DUI conviction in Pennsylvania. "Advocates say the devices allow offenders to keep a job and meet other responsibilities while also preventing them from drinking and driving. "Between Oct. 1, 2003, and Dec. 1, 2015, ignition interlocks stopped more than 78,000 instances of drunk driving in Pennsylvania, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "The group has pushed since at least 2008 for Pennsylvania to require anyone convicted of drunken driving to use an ignition interlock device. "'The proposal allows these offenders to be part of society, drive wherever they want to, but in a safe and sober way,' said Frank Harris, director of state government affairs for MADD. "Twenty-five states require ignition interlock for anyone convicted of drunken driving, and two more states have sent bills to enact that requirement to their governors, he said. Deaths from drunken-driving crashes have dropped dramatically in states that require ignition interlock for all offenders, according to MADD. "Chris Demko, a Lancaster County resident whose 18-year-old daughter, Meredith, was killed by a drunk driver in 2014, is among the grieving parents who advocated for the bill. "Days after the crash that killed his daughter, Mr. Demko and his wife wrote a letter to their local newspaper to thank the community for its support and to ask for help in passing legislation such as an ignition interlock requirement. "'There’s no greater pain than losing a child,' Mr. Demko said in an interview Monday. 'We don’t want to see it happen to anybody else.' "Statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation show 10,288 collisions statewide involving drinking drivers in 2015." BTW: "The proposal allows these offenders to be part of society, drive wherever they want to, but in a safe and sober way." -- there's no justification for taking away a person's membership in society, i.e., right to drive, just because they got caught driving drunk. What kind of hellish society would we be if we didn't let every adult participate by driving?
jonawebb
2016-05-17 11:58:14
GOVERNOR WOLF ANNOUNCES EIGHTEEN MUNICIPALITIES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY WITH RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT FUNDS http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=225#.Vztf1fkrIUc "Allegheny County: City of Pittsburgh – $295,000 to replace the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard and to install ADA curb ramps and curb extensions."
jonawebb
2016-05-18 10:57:47
That'll be interesting. The worst part of that intersection is the visibility, but it's not because of parking at the corners ... Bigelow drops so dramatically south of there, it's nearly impossible to see what's coming up it from the other three sides. The oblique angles don't help, either. Maybe with the new signal they can adjust the phasing so drivers aren't driving at traffic they can't see simultaneously....
epanastrophe
2016-05-18 11:05:52
Just as a reference point on this Bike to Work Day: TRAFFIC ALERT: Drive Times almost an HOUR Inbound Pkwy East due to Serious Crash near Oakland...
jonawebb
2016-05-20 10:20:04
Watch KDKA at 5 tonight. Jon Delano story.
stuinmccandless
2016-05-23 15:24:37
Solar Impulse 2 will be over southern Pittsburgh at 10:30 local (14:30UTC)!. This is a solar-powered plane that is flying around the world.
jonawebb
2016-05-25 08:22:46
(Covestro, the new name/company for the former material sciences group at Bayer which split off from the company after Bayer decided to focus on life sciences....FYI #CoatingIndustryNerdness)
gimppac
2016-05-25 11:20:48
Positive story on this month's underwear ride (with video) http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2016/05/26/underwear-bike-ride-aims-to-make-city-more-bicycle-friendly-create-positive-body-image/ PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh is a bike-friendly town. And, on Thursday night, some local cyclists were showing some biking love and a whole lot more. It’s no big deal to see bicyclists in Pittsburgh, but this ride was definitely a head turner. The Underwear Bike Ride dared hundreds of cyclists to almost bare it all as they made their way from Lawrenceville, to Market Square to the North Side. “It’s always an amazing time and a way to feel good about myself,” said one participant. It’s all about having fun, encouraging positive body image and bringing positive attention to Pittsburgh as a bike-friendly city. “There’s always so much more awareness, and lanes, and city bikes and big strides for bicycles in Pittsburgh,” said another rider. The Underwear Bike Ride is a monthly ride, starting now and running through October.
marko82
2016-05-27 07:17:45
Story about green development along Allegheny river http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10515506-74/street-million-riverfront Jay Sukernek, Riverlife's chief financial officer, said the Army Corps of Engineers issued a draft report recommending the removal of high flood walls between the stadium and bridge and restoration of the riverbank to a natural, gradual slope.
marko82
2016-05-30 08:30:14
From the WPXI traffic Twitter: "Bicyclist Struck Open Car Door in Schenley Park. Avoid Area North/Northwest of Phipps.."
jonawebb
2016-06-01 08:10:36
What a bizarre way to express that someone in a car struck a bicyclist by opening the door. I mean, I assuming this was NOT a case of the car door sitting opened for while before the cyclist hit it. Which is possible but unlikely, indeed.
mick
2016-06-01 10:46:08
Good phrasing, that. "Child on tricycle struck car bumper." "Bystander threw self in path of bullet." "Protester smashes baton with head."
reddan
2016-06-01 12:46:32
On the Corps of Engineers plan to restore the North Shore, reconstructing the wetland, which is here: http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Portals/72/docs/ProjectReviewPlans/N%20Shore%20Riverfront%20DPR%20MSC%20Approved%20for%20Release.pdf?ver=2016-05-24-161651-743 http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2016/06/02/Army-Corps-of-Engineers-report-recommends-restoration-of-Ohio-River-riverbank-near-Carnegie-Science-Center-in-Pittsburgh/stories/201606020175 They are inviting comment. There is a lot of interesting info in the PDF on the North Shore. It looks like they are planning to keep the trails but make them "soft."
jonawebb
2016-06-03 11:57:31
Oh, I'm very concerned about 'soft' trails here. Look how much more useful the north shore trail between 40th and stadiums became after the trail became tar/chip and got rid of the puddly mess that preceded it. Try riding on the GAP in march during the freeze thaw cycles, it's not a positive experience. For the amount of year round traffic this trail receives, and it's use as a needed TRANSPORTATION connection, not just recreation space, it deserves to remain paved (though porous paving materials could be an option?)
benzo
2016-06-03 13:36:32
I didn't read enough of the PDF to find out exactly what they mean by this. But this is exactly the sort of thing that should get sent to them during the public comment period.
jonawebb
2016-06-03 13:57:56
In the ACOE document, it's curious that they never define "soft trail". The first mention is where they say the recommended plan would involve "removing invasive species, re-grading existing high riverbanks to more natural banks that will restore a portion of the riparian corridor, and construction of compatible recreation features including interpretive signs and soft trails." Later they speak of "river access via soft trail systems that stem from the main trail". My guess is that "soft" is a euphemism for "dirt", and "soft trail systems that stem from the main trail" means dirt spur off the asphalt Chateau trail, leading to the water. These ACOE people need a lesson in how to write clearly with minimal jargon and acronyms (MJAA).
paulheckbert
2016-06-04 17:24:24
If Hays becomes a park, I really hope the city makes a decent bike/ped route to get to it from the other side of the river.
funkydung
2016-06-09 07:11:25
Can't wait to see the grand opening of the "Hays Park". I hope this will make Pittsburgh known as the "City of Parks" instead of "City of Rivers (and Traffic Jam)". Now if they can install bicycle infrastructures connecting nearby bike trails and neighborhoods, such as Hazelwood and the future Almono, it would be perfect!
ninjaturtle0304
2016-06-09 08:43:25
Hays Woods would be awesome if connected to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system. It isn't far from the hot metal bridge so it would be accessible to a ton of people via bike if connected to the the river trail. Similarly, a connection to the Glenwood bridge and then connecting that bridge to the duck hollow trail would open up a world of possibilities.
dfiler
2016-06-09 09:18:26
^I'm selfish. I would like to see a rail crossing at Becks run road with a trail connecting Hays Woods via Susquehanna street. Then we could widen the sidewalk along becks run to become a bi-directional multi-use trail into the South Hills. Widening the sidewalk right now is a nonstarter because there is no safe way to use East Carson street at this point, and the cost of bridging the RR tracks is way too expensive. But now that there is going to be a city park (BIGGER than Frick) this connection might make sense to more people, and would have the additional benefit of bringing people to the park while not adding car traffic. How about showing some love for us SouthHillers.
marko82
2016-06-09 10:52:01
As I've too often said, spend the proper amount of money to do the right thing. A big honking bridge over the RR tracks -- hell, extend the same bridge over Carson itself -- to take people straight from trail to park, would be well received now and thought indispensable in the future. You should not have to take your life into your hands to cross a deadly road or an illegal rail crossing just to get to a park.
stuinmccandless
2016-06-09 11:02:45
Ohhhhh, singletrack that you can bike to the trailhead?
ka_jun
2016-06-09 11:52:41
I'm with Stu and Marko on this one. Here's a chance to implement a grade-A connector to a seriously under-served part of the region.
reddan
2016-06-09 13:25:39
bridging the RR tracks is way too expensive
How did they get the money/land right usage for not one, but two flyover bridges on the Steel Valley Trail near Kennywood? When there's a will, there's a way...
gimppac
2016-06-10 12:30:44
At becks run road there is no real need to bridge the tracks. They can just put a level crossing in. There just needs to be a will. Here's a good example of what it could look like. https://www.google.com/maps/@40.3945142,-79.9347775,3a,75y,0.83h,88.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1soZObXNf_7OcXtcU5xZwG-w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 But a bridge would probably be easier to get cleared with the railroads and other authorities. I'm guessing state or federal funding would probably be needed to finance a crossing in the style of the GAP trail bridges between the waterfront and mckessport due to the high cost.
benzo
2016-06-10 13:33:17
You'd pay more in legal costs for a crossing than steel for a bridge. And you still need to get across Carson. And no, I don't want a rickety sounding set of planks to get me up and over the tracks and road. Do it in style. At least as well as Hot Metal. Twice as wide as the Ft Duquesne walk/bikeway. Put a roof over it. Make the bike haters piss their pants with anger every time they drive under it. Gawdhelpus, a damned park, when we could've had a strip mine or a casino or another mall or something.
stuinmccandless
2016-06-10 15:39:46
Looking at the terrain, I don't see how the two issues are related. You really can't get to much of the Hay's Woods park starting from the area of Carson Street. The only entrance that connects to trails etc. is through Agnew Road on the other side. Otherwise you've got a pretty steep climb. Connecting a bike route west from Beck's Run & Carson, I think it would make more sense to go up Parkwood. There's enough space for a decent path, with no traffic to speak of. And then, yeah, you'd have to get across Carson St & the train tracks. No idea how much that would cost.
jonawebb
2016-06-10 15:50:08
I'm sure there are enough structural engineers in western PA who can give a thumbnail guesstimate of what it would cost to get 50 feet up in the air from the trail to get up and over tracks and Carson, and probably up again and over the second set of tracks above Carson. Remember, every major intersection rebuild somewhere in metro Pgh is in the neighborhood of $10M. Decide that we need a park entrance more than, hmmm say, a triple left turn lane in Cranberry Twp ($7.2M, replacing an existing double left turn lane that's at capacity about 30 minutes out of a 1,440-minute day), and then we can argue over construction details.
stuinmccandless
2016-06-10 16:08:02
There is already a fire road from Becks just before Wagner that goes into the western end of the woods. I'd like to connect into that without having to go too far up Becks. I live about a half mile from the Agnew entrance & have cut up through that way a few times. And yes, Agnew is the most level entrance into the area, and some of the ravines are quite steep to navigate so getting into one entrance doesn't necessarily mean that you can get to the other areas easily.
marko82
2016-06-10 19:03:02
Riverview Park also has an enormous climb to get up into it from river's edge, but the circuitous road up from Woods Run Ave makes that a non-issue. Cannot we do something like that here?
stuinmccandless
2016-06-10 19:30:38
Here's an idea for a (hiking and possibly mountain biking) trail analogous to the trails in Emerald View Park on Mt Washington. https://goo.gl/DHZ9Xr It would connect Susquehanna St (a short, steep spur off Beck's Run Rd) and Glenwood Bridge, traversing the slope of Hays Woods above the Mon and above the Norfolk Southern (upper) railroad tracks. Interesting note: this proposed trail goes close to the eagle's nest. I've crossed this path a few times but I've never attempted to walk this route. If a trail can be built on the slope of Mt Washington then a trail could be built here, also.
paulheckbert
2016-06-10 23:52:30
I don't think it's a good idea to put anything near the eagle's nest.
jonawebb
2016-06-11 06:26:12
How did they get the money/land right usage for not one, but two flyover bridges on the Steel Valley Trail near Kennywood? When there’s a will, there’s a way…
US Steel footed a big part of bill.
At becks run road there is no real need to bridge the tracks. They can just put a level crossing in.
it's not going to happen. CSX lines are under heavy use. It's a huge liability for them.
mikhail
2016-06-11 18:19:06
Sympathy for real people "unlikely" here due to high levels of snark. I know someone involved in that crash. Have some decency.
mayhew
2016-06-11 19:59:36
Get Marty: Graffiti Tags Along Great Allegheny Passage Trail Investigated http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2016/06/14/get-marty-graffiti-tags-along-great-allegheny-passage-trail-investigated/ The man says he and others have counted at least 45 so-called graffiti “tags” so far just between Sandcastle and the Hot Metal Bridge. He told Marty it’s upsetting. But when they get to the bottom of the case, they say that the person responsible could face a $350 fine for each tag. Any fine that totals over $4,000 makes the vandalism a felony which could result in harsher penalties.
marko82
2016-06-14 21:13:37
I think the charges in the Brandon Ortmann case are low-level because Authorities see him riding on the wrong shoulder for direction of movement as mitigating. But I can't fault the PD - they staked out the driver's house, found the damaged fender out back on his property, they really did invest in this. Major props to the Mother who would not rest until the driver was charged.
vannever
2016-06-15 18:46:19
The driver is charged with two felonies and three "summary" offenses. How do you see those felonies as low-level offenses?
jmccrea
2016-06-16 09:15:19
Jacob, I didn't see five charges only three. May I ask, what are the charges and would you sort them by felony/summary? thanks in advance! VB
vannever
2016-06-16 10:14:54
The charges are: (1) Accidents Involving Death Or Personal Injury, a third degree felony. (2) Accidents Involving Death/Injury-Driver Not Properly Licensed, a third degree felony. (3) Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, a summary offense (4) Driving While Operating Privileges are Suspended Or Revoked, a summary offense. (5) Operating a Vehicle Without Insurance, a summary offense. It's not that I would sort them by felony, misdemeanor or summary offense; that is how they are graded under the various statutes. Felonies are the worst, summaries are the least bad, and misdemeanors are in between. Felonies and misdemeanors are broken down into first, second and third degree felonies and misdemeanors, with first degree offenses being the worst, and third degree felonies and misdemeanors being the least bad, relatively speaking. Take a look at the docket by finding the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website, then go to "Docket Sheets," then choose the search function for "Maristerial District Courts," then "Participant Name," and type in the defendant's name and whatever other information you have (it's an Allegheny County case, for example). That will bring up the docket - which is a far more reliable source of information than the media.
jmccrea
2016-06-16 10:39:12
Will Ortmann's killer be fined more than the graffiti artist? Which one will be tried for a felony? Which one convicted of a felony by a jury of their peers? Enquiring minds need to know.
mick
2016-06-16 10:41:57
@Jacob, the question wasn't "how would you grade them", it was "could you list them in order by grade." Please remember that not everybody has the same knowledge of or access to information you do....
epanastrophe
2016-06-16 10:53:21
Your first question can't be answered; your second and third questions are not clear enough to answer. But if it helps, a defendant has a right to a jury trial on felonies and most misdemeanors, but not on summary offenses. A defendant can waive that right and let a judge decide guilt or innocence on all charges, which is a sound course of action in some situations. "Please remember that not everybody has the same knowledge of or access to information you do…" That's fair enough, but I don't have any more access to information than anyone else. The Unified Judicial System website is a public website, and a very user-friendly one. That's all you need to look at to figure out the charges, status of the case, etc.
jmccrea
2016-06-16 10:56:55
Jake, thanks for your reply! I don't in any way have a grasp of these things. I really do appreciate your expertise. and informed by your answer: I should not have written that the charges were relatively low. Two felonies is a big deal. thanks again Jake. It's very good of you.
vannever
2016-06-16 11:27:56
The driver accused of hitting and killing Brandon Ortman while driving on a suspended license & no car insurance, and then fleeing the scene, remaining quiet for months and then lying to investigators... is out on non-monetary bond. Must be because he is so trustworthy. http://triblive.com/news/valleynewsdispatch/10643933-74/ortmann-chicko-police A phone number for Chicko, who is free on nonmonetary bond, could not be found. He did not respond to a message through Facebook.
marko82
2016-06-17 08:05:54
From the Trib sports section: BIKING HOME Lawrence Timmons rides his bicycle to and from the Steelers' facility to his South Side home daily. Timmons said his teammates question why. “They don't believe that,” Timmons said. “They say I have all those cars, and you ride a bike. It is kind of fun. I feel like Rocky jogging through the town being, ‘Hey, that's Timmons, that's Timmons.' It kind of makes me feel good.” http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/10644422-74/mitchell-bell-knee
marko82
2016-06-17 08:32:31
.
jonawebb
2016-06-17 16:02:10
To embed a Flickr photo, the link needs to end in ".jpg" an should be embedded in an IMG tag.
stuinmccandless
2016-06-18 05:18:48
Former Steeler, Baron Batch, admits to graffiti along the GAP trail: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2016/06/20/get-marty-former-steeler-issues-online-statement-apology-for-graffiti-tags/ There's a discussion on the KDKA facebook page but I can't figure out how to link to it. https://www.facebook.com/CBSPittsburgh# Surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of comments are in favor of the grafitti. I can understand some people not minding or even liking it. But they seem incapable of understanding that not everyone feels that way. If they woke up to discover someone had painted their driveway, house or car, I'm sure they would feel differently. Personally, I think this is worthy of a felony conviction. He spray painted in over 50 places.
dfiler
2016-06-21 12:11:02
I wonder if we got knocked out of the running by trying to wedge in that Uber project under the radar.
stuinmccandless
2016-06-21 12:54:07
WESA radio traffic report commented that there was a car/bike crash this morning but I didn't hear where (they mentioned bike at end of report so I wasn't paying attention), and I didn't find anything on news websites. Anyone know more details?
marko82
2016-06-22 08:46:31
Broken handcycle sets back paralyzed cyclist in world record hunt http://triblive.com/opinion/ericheyl/10613439-74/domos-bike-handcycle To benefit the Challenged Athlete Foundation and the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers wheelchair basketball team, Domos will try to handcycle 350 miles or more in 24 hours at Bud Harris Cycling Track in Highland Park ...instead, he's attempting to raise the $9,000 for one via a gofundme.com page (www.gofundme.com/attiladomos).
marko82
2016-06-24 09:05:00
I met Attila while biking on Beechwood Blvd a few weeks ago. He's fast.
paulheckbert
2016-06-24 11:38:35
Allstate has once again ranked Pittsburgh's drivers among the worst (most "likely to experience collisions") in the country: https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/americas-best-drivers.aspx via http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2016/06/28/report-says-pittsburgh-has-some-of-the-worst-drivers-in-the-u-s/ Related: Edgewood woman killed in hit-and-run "accident" near the GetGo on Baum & Morewood, 230am Saturday night: http://www.wtae.com/news/woman-in-critical-condition-after-being-struck-by-vehicle/40231228 Trib says her death has been "ruled an accident"; police thus far have refused to release any information on the vehicle: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/10707839-74/vehicle-according-died
epanastrophe
2016-06-28 17:46:25
If you bike through Wilkinsburg you may know the kind, friendly crossing guard (Richard Cruise) near the Kelly School. He died recently. There's a notice at the street corner where he would stand. The viewing is 9-11 am July 2 at Shiloh Baptist Church, and the funeral is directly afterwards.
jonawebb
2016-06-28 20:34:41
$600k grant to improve transportation in Beechview, including biking.
jonawebb
2016-07-02 07:19:34
Regarding Heth's Run, if your suggestions don't fit in their online form, you could email them to Susan Rademacher at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. I sent her the following picture: red = parking lot. turquoise = marsh or meadow. black = trail.
paulheckbert
2016-07-05 21:58:03
Speaking of things I'm sure just about everyone here has opinions on, Friends of the Riverfront wants your "help [to] make our website more user friendly": https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFH6SYN
epanastrophe
2016-07-06 12:18:40
The most dangerous intersections in Allegheny County. WTAE story My take on the matter: Each of the places mentioned is known for its high ambient traffic speeds.
stuinmccandless
2016-07-06 13:01:56
Re: most dangerous intersections in Allegheny County... my daily commute takes me through the West End Circle. Just a week or two ago I witnessed two cars, one in the morning and one the evening, blow through solid red lights at speed. They were both approaching the WEC from the east, headed west. And these weren't cars that were trying to beat the light, it was a solid red. Given that I cross the street at that spot every day, it spooked me. I do agree that the biggest culprit is probably the hellaciously confusing signage and lane markings. The intersection that I was just speaking about, approaching from downtown and headed west, is certainly the worst. The rightmost lane is exclusively for turning onto the West End Bridge, but hardly anyone treats it as such. PAT buses especially. The left lane spits you out into three different lanes, and it's not at all obvious which one you need to be in. It's an intersection that's just screaming for some painted lane markings in addition to overhead signs.
doublestraps
2016-07-06 20:51:26
Re: Heth's Run: If they put a paved trail through that valley to Hampton Street, I think it would immediately become the preferred way to get from the Allegheny valley to almost anywhere in the eastern Pittsburgh city limits. It looks like it would be a much more gradual climb than One Wild Place, and surely would beat climbing up over Morningside/Stanton Heights, or braving Washington Blvd. Even more so if the Negley Ave. bike lane came up to meet it.
alleghenian
2016-07-07 12:28:43
It would be even more awesome if we had bike lanes on butler street to connect lawrenceville to heths run and one wild place. It would make that an even better connection.
benzo
2016-07-07 12:52:03
Police on bicycles now patrolling Cranberry http://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/cranberry/10742625-74/police-bike-bicycle Sgt. Bill Ahlgren said four members of the department, including himself, volunteered to be part of the patrol and underwent four days of instruction and hands-on training to obtain certification from the International Police Mountain Bike Association.
marko82
2016-07-11 08:50:48
The story of the woman killed on a motorcycle on the Liberty Bridge last night, while not directly bicycle related, has an uncanny similarity to Susan Hicks's death in October. P-G coverage From what I gather, she was in stop-and-go traffic on the bridge, southbound. She stopped; the guy behind her didn't; she got crushed between cars. If anyone else gets a different take on it, please chime in here. (Of course, the car that hit Susan was pushed into her by a third car, but that aspect aside, the situations are similar.) Only a week or so ago, I motorcycled across the Liberty Bridge at night and got stuck in stop-and-go traffic. If the guy behind you is already stopped, great, but if not, you're pretty much a sitting duck, hoping the next driver to come along sees not only that traffic is stopped, but also sees that the last vehicle in line is not a car and so needs to stop at least 10 feet farther back. She was an off-duty cop, fwiw, so presumably knew how to ride responsibly, moreso than the average motorcyclist (of either gender).
stuinmccandless
2016-07-14 14:25:04
Yes, it seems very similar the Susan Hicks' event.
vannever
2016-07-14 19:31:56
Oops, I just double posted on the "cyclist killed..." thread. Sorry. But I agree Stu, it's shameful. Goddamn drivers need to take the activity deadly seriously. Shameful.
edmonds59
2016-07-19 11:27:14
Major props to Mike.
vannever
2016-07-21 19:36:56
^how very sad. They don't give much detail; I wounder what happened to cause him to crash (pot hole, etc.). My sympathy to his family,
marko82
2016-07-22 22:03:39
According to the posters at South Side Secrets group on Facebooks, the transient youth that are currently living along the South Side trail are becoming aggressive towards other trail users. Be aware of your your surroundings and we're asked to call police if you see anything suspicious. https://www.facebook.com/groups/sssecrets/
rustyred
2016-07-23 20:06:41
Is there any point in joining the shitshow of comments on that Trib article? Exactly the same comments both directions as on bike stories going back five years or more. The only thing possibly worth noting is the names of the haters. Nobody will change their minds until and unless motorists actually have to sign their names to knowing the traffic laws. Everyone from the ignorant Joe Yinzer to magistrates and police chiefs and street level cops. The fix, as ever, is in Harrisburg.
stuinmccandless
2016-07-25 10:46:31
WESA's Liz Reid is looking for folks who'd like to talk about the Orthopod bulletin board: lreid@wesa.fm or call 412-697-2946
Looking for cyclists' & drivers' thoughts on this campaign. Hit me up at lreid at wesa dot fm or call 412-697-2946. pic.twitter.com/ikB2C7zzVr— Liz Reid (@WESALiz) July 25, 2016
Kudos to Beth Beech for noticing the tweet.
vannever
2016-07-25 11:15:50
Man, 1st Open Streets ever for me yesterday, that was a LOT of people.
ka_jun
2016-08-01 09:46:22
From the Trib's coverage: "A mass of bicyclists and joggers closed the roads and jammed the sidewalks Sunday, but residents and business owners in Pittsburgh's North Side didn't seem to mind. " Bleh. No push polling here.
ka_jun
2016-08-01 09:56:46
Man, if those were my rigs on the front of that PAT bus, I would be pissssssssed.
ka_jun
2016-08-09 19:48:57
GTECH bike tour of Hilltop will visit reclaimed vacant lots in neighborhoods GTECH’s fifth annual fundraising bike tour and post-ride celebration will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, starting at 9 a.m. at the Beltzhoover Community Center at 403 Gearing Ave ., Pittsburgh, PA 15210. The day will kick off with a bike tour highlighting GTECH’s vacant lot reclamation sites throughout the Hilltop neighborhoods. The tour will be cruising through Hilltop communities where GTECH has been working with residents and community groups for the past two years to turn vacant lots into community assets by helping to build gardens, parklets and playspaces. The bike tour will be followed by a pop-up party with food trucks and lawn games from Noon – 2:00 PM at the Garden on Gearing at 403 Gearing Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210. $15. http://www.sopghreporter.com/story/2016/08/16/front-page/gtech-bike-tour-of-hilltop-will-visit-reclaimed-vacant-lots-in-neighborhoods/16946.html
paulheckbert
2016-08-16 06:19:40
While there is probably some truth about his complaints about speed and lack of courtesy from some cyclists, his later complaint about it being too dangerous to walk on the river trails makes him lose credibility. And then to follow with a veiled threat to leave the city, as if he's not going to encounter those pesky cyclists on trails in suburbia...
chrishent
2016-08-16 09:57:45
I ride the emerald view trails, there are very few people actually on them. It's likely that I will see less than 5 people if I traverse the entire trail system on a weekday evening in the summer.  Even fewer in the winter. It's not you're easy rail trail riding, it's mountain biking, and not flowy, fast mountain bike trail stuff, it's got steep climbs that are more painful than fun at points. They were not purpose built for bikes, but they ride fine if you're a moderately skilled mountain biker. Never had any bad interactions with other trail users here. Always said hi and went on my way. Thanked some folks who were cutting out some logs that had fallen on the trail. Why don't mountain bikers help maintain these trails?  Well, Landforce, with the blessing of Mount Washington Community Development Corporation (MWCDC), does this, providing job opportunities to people with barriers to employment. http://www.landforcepgh.org/hire-landforce/past-projects/emerald-view-park/
benzo
2016-08-16 14:25:16
@benzo, maybe you should comment on the PG story. Seems like you have some useful info to add.
jonawebb
2016-08-16 14:34:16
I added a comment to the Trib article talking up the Try-a-Bike Jamboree, and they pulled it down within an hour.   This is what I posted on the second go-around. If there is something amiss in what I'm saying here, I'd sure like to know what it is. Second attempt at a comment: One of the official events for BikeFest, one that is in at least its fourth year, is the Try-A-Bike Jamboree. In this event, free and open to the public, anyone can try out bikes of widely varying design -- from adult tricycles to recumbents to electric bikes to unicycles, and lots of things that do not categorize well. It is Sunday from 10 to 3 at the Highland Park oval, next to the police station on Washington Blvd. This is not a commercial event -- people with odd bikes simply bring them, and you can try any one you want, with lots of explanation and help.
stuinmccandless
2016-08-17 13:00:43
Perhaps "adult tricycles"? Not to mention "recumbents". Thank goodness no child was exposed to such filth!
steven
2016-08-17 14:40:13
I see the following problems:
  • "oval" should be "Oval"
  • "widely varying design" and "things that do not categorize well" are perhaps incompatible with Tribune content guidelines.
  • the event is within Pittsburgh city limits. The Tribune (despite its name) is a Greensburg paper. So this is not a local event that they have to publicize.
  • And anyway, they don't see you on their subscriber rolls.
You could always call up the letters editor and ask. But the explanation is likely to be "Oh yeah, the intern did that. Darn kids... Anyway, they're back to school and life moves on. Better luck next time." Newspapers are not a public medium, they're just happen to be widely available. And they have absolute right to decide what they publish. All we have, really, is this mb. And even here bikepgh gets the final say...  
ahlir
2016-08-17 20:59:39
The City adds bits and pieces of 41 streets to this year's paving list, totalling 3.7 miles of additional work to be done across the city, thanks to lower-than-budgeted costs on the initial batch.  Unfortunately, they've also pushed back the desperately needed repaving of North Neville and Centre Ave in North Oakland to next year, "in order to coordinate with utility work planned by Peoples Natural Gas" and "a planned infrastructure replacement project planned by PWSA", respectively. Millvale Ave between Liberty and the Busway, Fifth Avenue between Craft and the Birmingham Bridge, and Highland just north of Penn are some of the biggest moonscapes I'll look forward to no longer having to rattle through, but it's also interesting to note the warren of tiny alleys at the east end of Shadyside, between Denniston Ave and the cut-through to Bakery Square II, are also all on the map for this fall: https://pap.accela.com/envista-public-web/index/Pittsburgh?status=%22Planned%22&dates=%5B%222016%22%5D&dateFormat=YEAR_ONLY
epanastrophe
2016-08-25 19:11:31
Interesting. Middle chunk of Stanton, too; that's nice. I don't think anyone here will care, but I can say that they've already milled Murdoch.
ornoth
2016-08-25 20:56:18
Officer: Hempfield bicyclist violated his bond   Prosecutors are again seeking to revoke the bond of a Hempfield bicyclist who is fighting police allegations that he obstructed traffic and threatened motorists. A South Greensburg police officer said he saw David Smith, 57, riding a bicycle on the Five Star Trail on Sunday, which would be in violation of his bond conditions, according to a motion filed in Westmoreland County court. A hearing on the motion is set for Tuesday before Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio. Smith is awaiting trial in eight criminal cases of slowing traffic since 2012 by riding his bicycle in the middle of roads in such a way that motorists couldn't pass him. His recognizance bond was revoked in July 2015, and Smith was taken to the Westmoreland County Prison four days after a judge warned him to not ride his bicycle. Smith opted to remain behind bars even after another judge in October permitted his release but forbade him to ride a bicycle. He posted bond in February and was released on the condition that he not ride a bicycle while awaiting trial. Smith's attorney did not return a phone message left Friday morning. Tuesday's hearing will be the second time prosecutors have sought to revoke Smith's bond since February on allegations that he violated the terms of his release. During a hearing in April, two people offered conflicting testimony about Smith's whereabouts Feb. 27, when he allegedly was seen riding a bike on Shady Lane, just outside South Greensburg in Hempfield. Bilik-DeFazio gave Smith a warning about riding his bicycle and allowed him to remain free. Now, she will be asked again to decide Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli's motion for revocation. South Greensburg Officer John Swartz said he saw Smith riding a bicycle on South Main Street in Southwest Greensburg about 1 p.m. Sunday and on the Five Star Trail, according to the motion. Smith has contended that he has followed standard rules of the road regarding bicycle traffic and that motorists and police are in error in interpreting his behavior on roadways. He is charged in a separate case with taking a rock into a district judge's office, threatening the staff and displaying several knives in April 2015 before riding off on his bicycle.     http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/11077278-74/smith-bicycle-riding
rustyred
2016-09-04 10:23:50
chrishent
2016-09-08 08:54:44
Tired, anti-cycling comments must be responded to. Like a broken record.
stuinmccandless
2016-09-08 12:40:58
The Trib letter that chrishent linked could be paraphrased like this: cyclists break laws all the time; cyclists want bike lanes but instead we should impose licensing, insurance, and law enforcement on them. But this will never happen because of liberal political correctness. This sort of resentment and sense of victimization seems very popular in recent years.
paulheckbert
2016-09-08 18:49:10
Cycling group Black Girls Do Bike may have started in Pittsburgh, but it’s beginning to catch on nationwide http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/cycling-group-black-girls-do-bike-may-have-started-in-pittsburgh-but-its-beginning-to-catch-on-nationwide/Content?oid=1949641 It was a surreal experience. Atop her Specialized Dolce comfort road bike, Monica Garrison surveyed the scene at the first national meet-up of the organization she founded, Black Girls Do Bike. More than 300 women convened in Atlanta this past June to ride together during three days of cycling events. They also raised more than $21,000 for diabetes research. 
marko82
2016-09-14 10:05:38
That is kind of amazing about Fitzgerald. Having seen him in person, I would have suggested he have an AED device handy at all times for the trip. Excellent write-up V, thanks! I had no idea you serve in that capacity.
edmonds59
2016-09-21 12:21:01
having met ACE Fitzgerald a couple times myself, I didn't think he was in any worse shape than a great many people i know who bike or otherwise exercise regularly, though I'm no doctor...  Unlike, say, Mayor Peduto, I've seen him at just about every Open Streets event, even last year's June downpour.
epanastrophe
2016-09-21 16:43:42

The Trib on upcoming bike infrastructure projects for the GAP to PSP downtown route, and East St: http://triblive.com/mobile/11180755-96/bike-park-street Gotta love that they really wanted to highlight the $800k that the city will spend on this. Expect a lot of angry comments f4om the concerned citizens of Greensburg and Wexford
chrishent
2016-09-22 08:09:37
What really bugs me about that article is the "businesses and motorists complain that the bike lanes cause congestion and are underused" bit, contrasted with the supposed bicyclists' response of "yeah but we like them." Nooooo, no no. How about the actual data showing that the bike lanes are far from underused? How about some actual analysis as to whether the bike lanes cause congestion (I would bet my life that they do not).
doublestraps
2016-09-22 08:33:27
@RustyRed - The making of eight kids is how his wife managed the trip on so little training. Him, not so much. Still, for an elected public official to put his muscles where his mouth is regarding cycling, really, hats off to the guy.
stuinmccandless
2016-09-22 13:22:18
Yeah, the writer failed to mention that the money is mostly coming from a federal grant, not from city coffers. Also, I sent him to the PDP site that has the day by day breakdown of how many people are using the Penn Ave lanes, but guess he chose not to use it
erok
2016-09-22 15:41:30
But overall i thought the article came out positive. I was a bit taken aback by the headline too, but the writers don't write the headlines. $800K is about the same cost as four traffic lights
erok
2016-09-22 15:42:51
The PG bike lane article just popped up on my FB, the usual ignorant comments. Warming up the electron gun... :D
edmonds59
2016-09-22 15:52:53
As discussed earlier here, I think there is more to this story than how he was riding.  Still, I hope if the traffic charges are decided on law & not his temperament. Hempfield bicyclist's case will go to trial http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/11208646-74/smith-cases-judge A Westmoreland County judge rejected a defense request to dismiss one of eight cases involving a Hempfield man who is in jail awaiting trial on accusations of obstructing traffic on county roadways while riding his bicycle. Smith, 57, was charged with reckless endangerment, obstructing traffic and other offenses for an incident on April 9, 2015. He is accused of endangering motorists as he rode his bicycle on Route 993 by traveling slower than the speed limit and preventing drivers from passing on a winding road.
marko82
2016-09-27 11:12:56
Two cents added: Does nobody here actually know traffic law? A pedalcycle may fully use the right lane of a road for which there is more than one lane in that direction. Want to go faster? Use the passing lane. On a two-lane road, a pedalcycle may still occupy the entire lane, is not obligated to move to the shoulder, and is not considered obstructing. You may legally cross the center yellow line to pass a pedalcycle if it is visibly safe to do so. Look them up yourself if you don't believe me: 75-3301c1, 75-3301c2, 75-3301a6. What we really need is to require every driver to re-take the written test every four years, just to make sure you still know what the rules are. How many years ago did you take _your_ exam?
stuinmccandless
2016-09-27 13:43:13
An error in your statement is that motor vehicle operators care what the rules are...
kolo-jezdec
2016-09-27 19:22:59
The entire Allegheny Center loop is about a mile long, so not having to bike 3/4 of the way around it to get where you want to go (with the only alternatives being to ride the sidewalks or the bumpy park paths with pedestrians) will be a big time-saver for riding in the Northside.
alleghenian
2016-10-03 16:56:03
+1 to allegheny center changes. Hope they can shoehorn some good bike infrastructure in to the space that is there and make sensible traffic patterns that don't resemble a highway.  Would very much appreciate a direct route through the center.
benzo
2016-10-04 10:53:43
Would appreciate easy bike access through the center, but if cars need to get through there, it should be neither easy nor fast. Go around the existing square, one way or another, if you want to get from East Ohio to West Ohio, and v/v. Car access I can support (e.g., drop granny and the kids in front of the Children's museum). Being able to fly through there 30+ mph, nuh-uh.
stuinmccandless
2016-10-04 12:38:27
Kudos to Stephanie, the Pittsburgh Cyclist: Wins the multi-modal  transportation kindness prize.  
mick
2016-10-04 12:39:25
Downtown study to center on Liberty Avenue traffic http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/10/06/Downtown-study-to-center-on-Liberty-Avenue-traffic/stories/201610060144 Mr. D’Andrea said Baltimore-based Whitman, Requardt & Associates will handle the study component. Federal money will cover roughly 80 percent of the total project costs, with the city to pick up the rest, Mr. Hassett estimated. Total expenses should not exceed $929,306, according to a City Council resolution. Almost $1MILLION on just a study?!  Boy I hope the reporter got that wrong and it's really the study plus changes like line painting, new signals, etc.
marko82
2016-10-06 11:26:19
It's disappointing to see that the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is making the same mistake as PennDOT. They're fixated on traffic flow. The goal as stated: "The objective is to optimize the operation for all users". They still haven't figured out that efficient traffic flow or traffic optimization is only one of the goals in street design. Other goals include safety and construction of a desirable environment. And this is precisely why PennDOT continues to ruin city neighborhoods. They don't understand that constructing a livable urban environment is the primary goal, not moving the maximum number of vehicles with disregard to what it does to people who live, work, shop, eat and exercise on the street. Traffic optimization is only one aspect of a livable city. It's good that they're studying intersections. But it seems that they're starting with a premise that will lead to poor decisions being made. Personally, i'd like the goal of the study to be slowing down vehicles. That's likely the exact opposite of what they're trying to achieve.  
dfiler
2016-10-06 12:04:35
Pittsburgh wins $10M in federal transportation grants http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2016/10/07/pittsburgh-wins-10m-in-federal-transportation.html The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday announced $10.9 million in grants to boost infrastructure in Pittsburgh. Details weren't immediately available from Sen. Bob Casey's office, which announced the grants Friday morning, but a statement said the funding will support "critical transportation and infrastructure projects" in Pittsburgh. A city spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for more information on the grants, which are part of the DOT's Fixing America Surface Transportation Act, also known as the Fast Act. "This grant will allow the city to focus on cutting edge transportation technology to provide access, reliability, and safety to the citizens of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Casey said in the statement.
marko82
2016-10-07 14:10:59
NextPittsburgh (the news source unrelated to the Mayor's Office communications strategy of the same name) has a bit more info on the upcoming expansion of the Carnegie Science Center:
The riverfront will be completely redone from designs by landscape architects LaQuatra Bonci. Trails and ramps will be brought up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and new seating areas will be added. The first-floor terrace will extend from the cafeteria toward the river trail and provide an amenity for trail riders to stop for a break, and access restrooms as well as food and drink.
The article concludes by noting that "core exhibits will remain open during construction, which is expected to be completed by Spring 2018", but it's unclear whether the trail will as well.
epanastrophe
2016-10-11 13:34:13
From yesterday, the Birmingham bridge outbound lanes have reopened. Per the article, this also reopens the bike lanes on both sides of the bridge: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/10/12/Pittsburgh-TRAFFIC-Overnight-closures-set-this-week-along-Parkway-East/stories/201610120156 From a couple of weeks ago, the Centre Ave bridge in Emsworth (which goes over Camp Horne Rd) will close for reconstruction late 2016/early 2017 for a full year. This bridge is part of a popular cycling route when heading northwest of the city: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/10/03/Port-Authority-ready-to-rehab-Emsworth-bridge/stories/201610030008 The detour for this closure will be to use PA65. Ugh.
chrishent
2016-10-14 10:12:25
I used to live up there--and don't recall much demand for walking--though maybe a sidewalk will promote it--we'd drive to North Park. Does that mean there are plans to put sidewalks on McKnight and Babcock? At least the sidewalk may allow the kids to safely bike from the cul de sacs out to Babcock and McKnight and play in real traffic. http://triblive.com/news/neighborhoods/northhills/10707257-74/pedestrian-sidewalks-township http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoods/alleghenyneighborhoodsmore/9192447-74/ross-businesses-sidewalks
yalecohen
2016-10-14 21:12:54
I think Stu could provide some insight on the McNight Road process.  
vannever
2016-10-14 22:50:43
Blindsided, tbh. I've been on the Walk//Bike Ross committee for 19 months, never missed a meeting, and this was never on the radar. Our committee has been working to get sidewalks put in around Ross, particularly on McKnight. To our credit, we will soon see a sidewalk along Browns Lane, and the McDonalds on the northbound side added a sidewalk. But the PennDOT thing is totally out of left field, much as the bike lane up to the 40th St Bridge happened without so much as a phone call to anyone in Millvale or Bike-Pgh.
stuinmccandless
2016-10-15 11:52:41
At TransportationCamp PGH, all possibilities about the future of mobility are up for grabs, and your ideas will power the conversation. From big to small, train to bike lane to app - come share with like-minded, leading thinkers and doers who are revolutionizing the transportation field here in Western PA. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find some new friends to move your idea forward. Transportation Camp Pittsburgh 2016 Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST) Carnegie Mellon University’s Porter Hall Details: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/transportation-camp-pittsburgh-2016-tickets-26750108294
yalecohen
2016-10-16 23:41:03
Allegheny County and city get $6M in funds from Pa. for street upgrades http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2016/10/17/Allegheny-County-and-city-get-6M-in-funds-from-Pa-for-street-upgrades/stories/201610170017 In East Liberty, grant funds will be used for the Spirit Street Shared Access Infrastructure, which will install street, sidewalk, bike and streetscape infrastructure on the road that passes through the transit center. Spirit Street runs from Penn Avenue to South Highland Avenue.
marko82
2016-10-17 09:12:51
This is a nice statement buried in an article about Kittanning: Mr. Rizzo, a member of the zoning board who works in digital marketing for Direct Energy, thinks Kittanning’s size and location are calling out to entrepreneurs looking for cheap space, chefs looking to own a market — at least until other chefs arrive — and for artists and other creative people to own a studio and a home, with access to a trail that could run to Pittsburgh. It will run to Pittsburgh, Mr. Rizzo says. It is a matter of time and activism. “It is 46 miles from the Point to here,” Mr. Rizzo said. “Every 50 miles in the trail system to D.C., there is economic activity because 50 miles is a good stopping point. We have gaps in the trail and we have a meeting on the 18th [Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex Building] to talk about how to fill the gaps. We have a new set of commissioners [of Armstrong County] who are really good, and they’re talking about trails.” http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/diana-nelson-jones/2016/10/17/Diana-Nelson-Jones-Walkabout-A-loyal-son-of-Kittanning-promotes-his-town/stories/201610170006
marko82
2016-10-17 09:24:39
Penndot $40M funding for multimodal transportation, including bike infrastructure. List of projects at http://www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=262 includes these in Allegheny County:
  1. Allegheny County Parks -- $2,100,000 to improve roadways throughout Allegheny County’s parks through widening the shoulders, paving, signage installation, and bike markings.
  2. Borough of Wilkinsburg -- $203,703 to implement two-way conversion on Wood Street and a bicycle lane on Ross Avenue to enhance neighborhood connectivity, reestablish two-way traffic flow, address bicycle connectivity, and decrease social division.
  3. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh -- $3,000,000 to construct street, pedestrian, bike circulation, and public space improvements in the four-acre area around East Liberty Transit Center (ELTC), a transit-oriented development.
  4. Ross Township -- $865,000 for improvements at the intersection of McKnight Road and Siebert Road, which include adding an additional turning lane and installing a sidewalk Babcock Boulevard to McKnight Road.
jonawebb
2016-10-17 10:10:29
Fitzgerald Says Innovation Drew White House To Pittsburgh http://wesa.fm/post/fitzgerald-says-innovation-drew-white-house-pittsburgh#stream/0 “The average person will see improvement in their drive times,” Fitzgerald said. “Traffic will get better because smart signaling will allow traffic to flow better. And it’s not just vehicular traffic, it’s pedestrians, it’s bikes, it’s the whole group of folks who are trying to get through Grant Street or Forbes Avenue.”
marko82
2016-10-19 10:52:25
In case you missed it, from that Tribune Review article: “City Councilman Daniel Gilman announced at the service that as of Thursday, the city approved the start of the design phase to install a bike lane on Forbes Avenue between Craig Street and Bigelow Boulevard.”
paulheckbert
2016-10-24 14:11:25
Bike corridor along Freeport Road could improve safety http://triblive.com/local/foxchapel/11328451-74/road-freeport-borough The designation of Freeport Road in Aspinwall as a bike corridor is expected to increase safety along the busy stretch.  Council last week approved a resolution to seek grant money through Allegheny County and state agencies to improve the cycling, pedestrian and mass transit infrastructure along Freeport Road.  The heavily traveled, PennDOT-owned road stretches the length of the borough, from Delafield to Western avenues
marko82
2016-10-25 16:24:46
Cool. maybe ohara township involved sometime soon and get some funding to fix the wonky rock fall zone on freeport where the shoulders, which are definitely not real bike lanes for liability purposes, but are defacto bike lanes. FYI. You can see the wonky rock fall area and bike lanes on freeport rd between blawnox and cheswick on google street view now! https://www.google.com/maps/@40.519015,-79.8525163,3a,75y,199.1h,89.7t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz5rGm9nfna5ilO3jsDfUHA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
benzo
2016-10-26 14:09:27
something to keep your eyes on. Station Square apartment project expected to start in summer Trammell Crow has been awarded a $1 million state redevelopment assistance capital grant, $4 million less than it had requested, to help with the project. It also has received a $2 million state multi-modal transportation grant. James Murray-Coleman, Trammell Crow senior vice president, said the money would be enough to get the project moving. The funds will be used for roads, a bike lane, a riverfront trail and other infrastructure-related improvements, he said. http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2016/10/27/Station-Square-apartment-project-expected-to-start-in-summer/stories/201610270093
erok
2016-10-27 11:42:04
  A parking-lot view of car-use decline “America’s love affair with the automobile is turning platonic.” It would be one thing hearing that from the head of Bike Pittsburgh, but this was coming from the biggest parking magnate in Western Pennsylvania. Merrill Stabile, whose grandfather went into the parking business in 1925, owns, manages or leases 15,000 spaces in the city. You’d think a third-generation parker would be more upset that cars aren’t revving millennials’ hearts the way they did their parents and grandparents’, but Mr. Stabile is entirely at peace with the trend. http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2016/10/27/Brian-O-neill-A-parking-lot-view-of-car-use-decline/stories/201610270025
erok
2016-10-28 12:00:38
In May we heard about plans by McKnight Realty to refurbish the Terminal Building (aka Riverwalk Corporate Centre). A restored bike path parallel to the train tracks was included in the architectural drawings: The Post-Gazette wrote that "McKnight Realty … intends to complete the missing link to the South Side riverfront trail that now detours around the complex". The news: McKnight met with CSX railroad to discuss the trail, and CSX told them essentially "drop dead". So it seems that we can kiss that missing link goodbye. Meanwhile, today on the McKean St trail detour: https://flic.kr/p/NFn2vY It seems that we didn't need the "Walk Bicycles on Sidewalk" sign, but we did need a "No Trucks on Sidewalk" sign.
paulheckbert
2016-10-30 19:29:12
Is there something in the hiring process for railroads that says, "If you have to deal with the public, tell them to go f**k them selves"? Have we YET had a single railroad go along with requests to cooperate? How many years did it take to get the GAP finished past Sandcastle? How long have we been fighting over the link to Schenley Park Lake? Did we ever properly resolve getting from the 31st Street Bridge to the 40th on the north shore of the river? (The "no trespassing" signs are still there.) Ditto to the 62nd? Now along the south shore of the Allegheny downriver from the zoo?  
stuinmccandless
2016-10-30 21:00:55
Brian O'Neill wrote a positive op-ed piece: http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2016/10/30/Brian-O-Neill-Who-says-bikes-and-cars-can-t-get-along/stories/201610300165 “That old guy who rides a bike” has become far too broad a category. I’m in that category now. I recognize that not everyone is happy with this, speaking not of me in particular but of cyclists in general. Even so, Donna Green, 66, of the Mexican War Streets, has noticed a change when she’s pedaling. “There’s more acceptance,’’ she said. “There’s not bike love yet. They’re not happy to see me but they’re not surprised to see me.” ...
paulheckbert
2016-10-30 23:54:10
There is a long history of RR-Pgh strife. See Howling Mob Society related to The Great Railroad Strike of 1877...which the RR won and recovered damages from the city. Though the RR has the law on its side (ownership, responsibility, liability), that may be changing: see Bundy Brothers Acquittal We could attach (chain?) ourselves and bikes to the tracks at these locations that are rightfully ours...to get things (not) rolling...on the right track...Then we hit he streets.
yalecohen
2016-10-31 00:44:43
ahlir
2016-10-31 11:03:27
That column from O'Neill was absolutely fantastic.  As advocates, we could all could learn a lot from this alone:
Though I’m on my bike most days, I’d no more call myself an “avid’’ cyclist than I’d say I’m an avid hammerer. I reach for whichever tool makes the most sense for a task, and the bike-vs.-cars debate is as pointless to me as two people arguing the relative merits of the wrench over the screwdriver.
nmr
2016-10-31 16:10:10
PG: City to finally finish Bigelow bike lanes in 2017; Gastil even teases finally just closing that block between Fifth & Forbes to cars, though OPDC isn't sure. Pitt, of course, is noncommittal:
The university wouldn’t comment directly on the bike lanes or closing Bigelow. In a statement, Paul A. Supowitz, Pitt’s vice chancellor for community and governmental relations, said, “This is a city process and we have to let it play out, going through the process of discussion and consultation with all the stakeholders. We support the mayor’s ‘complete streets’ policy and appreciate consideration given to providing for needs of all who use the streets.”
Translation: "we'd be okay with it, but we're not going to actually do anything to help make it happen, despite the fact one of our own alumnae, a beloved staff member, was killed in an entirely preventable incident that would never have happened if Oakland had separated, protected bike infrastructure..." Meanwhile: Negley lanes will also go in next year, and possibly also something on Craig St?! http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2016/11/01/City-will-add-bike-lanes-to-Bigelow-near-Pitt/stories/201610310224
epanastrophe
2016-11-01 01:14:50
PG corrected the article. The Craig St. bike lanes actually referred to the planned connection between Bigelow and Craig along Forbes.
chrishent
2016-11-01 14:58:39
That bit of Bigelow is a bus route (54, 81, 83, I think, possibly others). But closing it off to cars, while also allowing a couple buses an hour, would be a great test for the idea of shutting the length of Forbes from Craft to Bigelow to cars, allowing buses and bikes, as one of the BRT proposals would have it.
stuinmccandless
2016-11-01 20:08:03
Pitt already closes that block of Bigelow several times a year for move-in, move-out, and various events.
steven
2016-11-02 11:09:34
@Stu, the 81 and 83 PAT routes use Bigelow coming from Forbes to go to Fifth. They could easily be rerouted to go one block further to Bellefield. Rerouting the 54, which comes from the Fifth Ave bus lane and then goes on Forbes, is doable, too. Send it to Forbes via Bouquet (bit narrow, I think) or simply have it no go on Forbes at all and continue on Fifth until it turns left onto northbound Craig.
chrishent
2016-11-02 16:12:07
or, have the 54 come off the Birmingham Bridge to Forbes and just take that to Craig. there are only the three PAT routes mentioned which use Bigelow, but there's also a half-dozen Pitt and Chatham routes which do as well.  On the other hand, as Steven mentioned, that block is already closed nearly every other week during football season, and a half-dozen other times each year as well, for between four hours and four days. I've heard that that block of Bigelow was closed for a period of several months (or more?) fifteen or twenty years ago as a trial, and that by most indications it went well.... they did make adjustments on Bellefield and Bouquet that don't get made for the current occasional closures, though.
epanastrophe
2016-11-02 16:31:35
Get rid of on-street parking on Bellefield and make it a two-way street. Then re-route all service to that, and close Bigelow. Could add a bike lane both sides, too.
stuinmccandless
2016-11-03 19:46:00
Why not to continue all the way to Craig on Fifth Ave?
mikhail
2016-11-03 19:58:53
Why not to continue all the way to Craig on Fifth Ave?
Do you mean the 54? It serves a stop on Forbes at the Carnegie Music Hall (technically called "Bellefield", but actually in front of Dippy), and on Craig at Fillmore.  Even when Bigelow is closed and the 54 is detoured via Fifth, it still turns down Dithridge to Forbes to get back up Craig, so I suspect they still consider that stop critical... (Possibly related: The Craig St stop I think is still labeled Pittsburgh Assn for the Blind, although that group hasn't been on Craig Street for ten years...)
epanastrophe
2016-11-03 21:25:59
Even when Bigelow is closed and the 54 is detoured via Fifth, it still turns down Dithridge to Forbes to get back up Craig, Interesting. I remember that in the past, when Bigelow was closed, the northbound 54C bypassed its Craig Street stop too. (I learned this the hard way once.) I ran across a PG article from 20 years ago about the trial closure that buffalo buffalo mentioned, but it's been poorly OCRd. An ungarbled version: PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1996 B-5 THE REGION Trial Bigelow Blvd. closing set; traffic-snarl levels to be tested [...] encouraging comments about the street closing's impact to assist the evaluation of whether to make it permanent. The following Port Authority routes will be affected by Bigelow's closing: the 54C North Side-Oakland-Mount Oliver will use Forbes Avenue instead of Fifth after entering Oakland from the South Side; the 56U Oakland-Greenfield will travel Fifth Avenue instead of Forbes to reach Morewood Avenue, but only during afternoon and evening trips; and the 84A Herron Hill-Oakland will use Oakland Avenue instead of Bigelow Boulevard as its eastern terminus to turn to Fifth. More details can be obtained frgm PAT by calling 442-2000. By Gary Rotstein Post-Gazette Staff Writer. University of Pittsburgh officials have been talking for at least 30 years about wanting to close a portion of Bigelow Boulevard. They get to try it for 30 days beginning Monday. After heated City Council discussions, considerable public criticism of the University of Pittsburgh's influence and a failed lawsuit to stop the test, concrete barricades will be in place by 6 a.m. to keep vehicles from traveling Bigelow between Forbes and Fifth avenues in Oakland. For the first time, students and others will casually cross between the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union without looking both ways to avoid some of the 15,000 vehicles a day using the block. The tradeoff is that the city is giving up a primary thoroughfare between Schenley Park and North Oakland and covering about 90 parking meters on the alternate streets, enabling more lanes of traffic and space for turns. Pitt is to open a new parking lot with 20 parking meters at Fifth and Bouquet by Monday to help compensate. The experiment, which reroutes Bigelow's northbound traffic onto Bellefield Avenue and southbound traffic onto Bouquet Street and changes some Port Authority bus routes, could be made permanent next year, depending on the outcome of studies of its impact on local businesses, traffic congestion and parking problems. The city Planning Department is surveying merchants and other walkin businesses before, during and after the test to assess economic impact. Pitt is paying many of the direct costs associated with the test, such as installation of barriers and signs and providing officers to help direct traffic. It also hired a traffic consultant, Trans Associates, to collect data before and during the test as part of the city's evaluation. University Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg asked university employees and students this week to "think through the most sensible approaches" to help make the test a success. He said that if the closing were made permanent, it would increase the attractiveness and safety of the campus. While the university has no special plans for the street space during the test, it is likely that if the Murphy administration and City Council agree to give up the block, Pitt would landscape it and expand the open space of the Cathedral of Learning. The Planning Department is [...]
steven
2016-11-04 00:22:27
From the Danny Chew thread, a must-watch video on his recovery on the PG site: http://bcove.me/xp4w64uo
chrishent
2016-11-18 08:01:35
Nice article. A quote:
Despite Mr. Domos telling him he may have to drop it, Mr. Chew insists it still will be in pursuit of the now slower grind of miles onward toward his 1 million mile lifetime goal. He has already worked out the math. With about 780,000 so far, he figures he can go up to about 10,000 miles a year in a hand-cycle, and reach the goal by the time he is 77 or 78 “if I stay healthy.” “That’s what keeps me going,” Mr. Chew said.
Of course he's already done 1,000,000 kilometres... maybe more than 10 of me will have managed.  
ahlir
2016-11-18 18:41:14
"> PG on 2017's Fort Pitt-Stanwix-Penn bike lane to the Point: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2016/11/26/More-bike-lanes-to-bring-change-for-Downtown-thoroughfares/stories/201611260035 "City Council last month approved spending $772,000 to add bike lanes on the boulevard from Grant to Stanwix streets, then north on Stanwix to Penn Avenue. The lanes will jog west on Penn to Point State Park, giving cyclists on the Great Allegheny Passage trail a dedicated link from Grant near the Monongahela River."  
paulheckbert
2016-11-26 09:11:01
PG story: Pittsburgh ranks high in pedestrian, bike safety, study shows. "Bike Pittsburgh on Friday released a report comparing pedestrian and bicycling safety in Pittsburgh with cities similar in size and demographics. Its conclusion: Biking and walking in Pittsburgh were relatively safe when compared with similar cities, but more can be done to help protect pedestrians and bicyclists. ... Data from counties encompassing Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Honolulu, Louisville and Milwaukee were used in the report, which is available on Bike Pittsburgh’s website, bikepgh.org. ..." I couldn't find it on the web site. Anybody got a link?
paulheckbert
2016-12-03 01:38:22
I worry about the vagueness of this line at the end of her letter to the editor: "The CFA grant brings us closer to making this project an exciting reality in 2017. wondering if there are other stumbling blocks still present or worry that funding could fall through?
edronline
2016-12-12 14:39:42
Thanks to Paul and Yale (and others not quoted) for speaking up at the meeting. It's really important that our voices be heard at these meetings.
jonawebb
2016-12-15 09:04:25
The Incline also had a reporter at last night's meeting; afterward, she went to the Mayor's reelection party, so there's also a quote from him about the project (and the Penn Ave lanes): http://theincline.com/2016/12/15/pittsburgh-planner-we-need-a-grid-of-bike-lanes/ ---- Meanwhile, in Lawrenceville: https://twitter.com/adamkshuck/status/809154683747045380 Somebody turned one of PennDOT's obscenely huge new traffic-signal poles into a Festivus Grievance Pole.  Stories via The Incline (http://theincline.com/2016/12/15/pittsburgh-airs-penndot-grievances-on-pop-up-festivus-pole/) and City Paper (http://www.pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives/2016/12/15/lawrenceville-residents-protest-penndot-traffic-signal-placement-with-festivus-pole). Sadly, according to a comment on Better Streets' facebook page, it's already gone.
epanastrophe
2016-12-15 17:08:38
Peduto outlines priorities in bid for second term More broadly, he said he also envisions a network of connected bicycle lanes that permits residents to opt out of car ownership and bike from one neighborhood to another. He acknowledged that building bike lanes — including one proposed for Fort Pitt Boulevard that would link Point State Park and the Great Allegheny Passage — is among his administration's most-often criticized initiatives. “It's maybe sometimes controversial, but people know it's what I believe,” he said. http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/11609368-74/peduto-housing-pittsburgh
erok
2016-12-19 15:19:46
Piggybacking on @chrishent, to put it in perspective, there are already 50 healthy ride stations, so 25 more is a huge increase.
edronline
2016-12-19 17:32:55
Tribune Review published my letter to the editor recently: http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/11645481-74/diesel-idling-engine Diesel idling illegal LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, 9:00 p.m. While walking to a meeting at Point Park University Downtown recently, I was confronted by a cloud of noxious diesel exhaust from an idling dump truck parked at a construction site. I spoke with the driver standing nearby. I mentioned the cloud of pollution his truck was producing and asked him if he could shut off the engine, but sadly, he didn't seem concerned about the pollution at all, and defensively voiced fears about restarting his engine. This driver needs to know that his health and mine are at risk: Diesel pollution is linked to lung disease, heart disease and cancer. It is illegal except in limited cases for a diesel vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds engaged in commerce to idle for more than five minutes out of every hour. This is Pennsylvania's Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act. Some truck drivers hold onto the mistaken belief that idling for long periods is necessary or saves fuel. This is no longer true with modern fuel-injected engines. The law says you must turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than five minutes.
paulheckbert
2016-12-28 17:26:42
Nice letter. Ditto with gas engines. Turning them off always saves fuel. Restarting costs nothing other than the fuel you were going to use. Hence when I'm stuck somewhere I turn off my engine to save gas. Modern hybrids do this automatically at stop lights.
edronline
2016-12-28 20:35:17
Not just hybrids. All sorts of new cars have this feature. I hear them starting when the light turns green. This was common in some European countries a while ago; the feature was imported here, I guess, to meet the new fuel efficiency standards Obama negotiated. But I have heard it's not necessarily a good idea to do this with cars that have not been designed to be restarted constantly. The starter motor is not engineered to be used more than a dozen or so times per day, and can be worn out. You can make the trade-off, of course.
jonawebb
2016-12-28 21:50:40
Good point.  Starter does have a life span.  I'll shut off the car when I know I'm stuck for quite a few minutes.  Like if traffic comes to standstill on the highway.  Or there have been times where 18 wheelers can't negotiate a turn on a pittsburgh street and are blocking the intersection and I know it's going to take 5 minutes of maneuvering for the truck to clear the intersection.  Or, my biggest pet peeve, waiting to pick up my kids.
edronline
2016-12-29 06:33:16
Here's the rules. Truck driver could have been violating ordinances about dielsel pollution. See notable exceptions for temperature and queuing: "No person shall permit, cause, suffer, or allow the engine of a heavy-duty diesel powered motor vehicle to idle prior to, during layover between, or at the conclusion of, any trip or route for any period of time beyond what is reasonably required to attain, or secure from, normal operating conditions. The board of Health shall promulgate rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the County Council regarding a maximum allowable period of idling. Such rules and regulations shall also define exceptions to the maximum allowable period that consider extreme temperatures" http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/Automobiles/Pages/DieselIdling.aspx Detailed rules for ACHD as authorized by this ordinance: b. General. 1. No driver shall cause or allow the engine of any heavy duty diesel powered motor vehicle subject to this section to idle prior to, during layover between, at the destination of, or at the conclusion of, any trip or route for more than five (5) consecutive minutes, except under the conditions described in Subsection c, below. 2. No driver shall cause or allow the engine of any heavy duty diesel powered motor vehicle subject to this section to be accelerated while idling, unless such action is taken in order to operate vehicle mounted accessory or service equipment. c. Exemptions. This section does not apply for the period or periods during which idling is necessary for: 1. Traffic Conditions. A. For traffic conditions over which the driver has no control; B. For an official traffic control device or signal; or C. At the direction of a uniformed police officer or one of those persons authorized to direct traffic by the Vehicle Code, 67 Pa. Code §101.2. 2. Boarding and Discharging Passengers. A. When vehicles intended for commercial passenger transportation are boarding or discharging passengers; or B. When vehicles intended for transporting people with disabilities are boarding or discharging passengers. 3. Queuing. When a vehicle, situated in a queue of other vehicles, must intermittently move forward to perform work or a service, and when shutting the vehicle engine off would impede the progress of the queue and be impracticable. 4. Turbo-Charged Diesel Engine Cool Down or Warm Up. When the manufacturer’s specifications require more time than the five minute limitation in §2105.92.b.1, above, to cool down or warm up a turbo-charged diesel engine. 5. Cold/Hot Weather. A. If the outside temperature is less than 40ºF, then idling is allowed for a period or periods aggregating not more than 20 minutes in any 60 minute period; or B. If the outside temperature is greater than 75ºF and a vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, then idling is allowed for a period or periods aggregating not more than 20 minutes in any 60 minute period. C. Not withstanding subparagraphs A and B, in order to supply heat or air conditioning necessary for the comfort of passengers, a vehicle intended for commercial passenger transportation may idle for up to 10 minutes prior to passenger boarding and anytime passengers are onboard. D. The Department may, upon request of an owner or manager of a bus terminal, approve alternate limits for warm-up of buses stored outdoors at the terminal when the temperature is below 40ºF. Such plan shall include enforceable time limits that minimize bus idling. January 7, 2014 Page E-147 ACHD Article XXI 6. Sleeping. When idling is necessary to power a heater, air conditioner, or any ancillary equipment during sleeping and resting in a truck cab or sleeper berth. 7. Safety and Emergencies. A. To verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition and equipped as required by all provisions of law, and all equipment is in good working order, either as part of the driver's daily vehicle inspection, or as otherwise needed; B. To operate defrosters, or other equipment to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle, or as otherwise required by federal or state motor carrier safety regulations, or other local requirements; or C. Use of vehicle as an emergency vehicle. 8. Operability and Maintenance. A. To provide power for vehicle mounted accessory or service equipment; or B. When being operated by a mechanic for testing, servicing, repairing, or diagnostic purposes. d. Penalties. Not withstanding the provisions of Part I of this Article, violators of this Section are subject to: 1. A warning for the first offense; 2. A penalty of $100 for the second offense; 3. A penalty of $500 for the third offense, and any subsequent offenses. e. Enforcement. Not withstanding any other provisions of this Article the prohibitions of this Section may be enforced by any municipal or local government unit having jurisdiction over the place where the idling occurs. Such enforcement shall be in accordance with the laws governing such municipal or local government unit and the Pa. Air Pollution Control Act. In addition, the Department may pursue the remedies provided by §2109.02 of this Article for any violation of this Section. f. Relationship to Other Law. Nothing in this Section allows idling in excess of other applicable law, including, but not limited to any local ordinance or requirement as stringent as, or more stringent than, this Section. http://www.achd.net/airqual/pubs/pdf/polctrl.pdf
benzo
2016-12-29 09:41:11
This is an achd ordinance, right?   For air pollution/particulate matter. Who has the power to enforce these?  Would it be the health department and a fine?  Probably in reality it isn't well enforced.
edronline
2016-12-29 11:30:48
from the ACHD code, pg 279 of the linked pdf, in case you missed it in Benzo's paste above (emphasis added):
e) Enforcement. Not withstanding any other provisions of this Article the prohibitions of this Section may be enforced by any municipal or local government unit having jurisdiction over the place where the idling occurs. Such enforcement shall be in accordance with the laws governing such municipal or local government unit and the Pa. Air Pollution Control Act. In addition, the Department may pursue the remedies provided by §2109.02 of this Article for any violation of this Section.
There's a state statute (Act 124 of 2008), which gives enforcement to the DEP (section 7), but is superseded by "A local ordinance or rule concerning the subject matter of this act that has been adopted by a county of the first or second class" (i.e., Philadelphia or Allegheny County, respectively).  Allegheny County Health Dept also has other (i.e., all) air-pollution regulation and permitting powers which in other counties belong to PADEP, as well.
epanastrophe
2016-12-29 12:05:13
Pittsburgh's Bike Share Might Have Reduced Driving http://www.citylab.com/commute/2016/12/pittsburgh-bike-share-study/511769/ Bike-share trips replaced at most about 69 car trips per day, out of 2,250 daily parking events in the neighborhood of Shadyside. This is a 2 percent decrease in parking demand (adjusted for the lost curb parking space for the installation of the bike docks) after the program’s launch in 2015. Okay, so that’s not exactly a sea change in commuting patterns. But while those numbers are small, the benefits of that change could add up.
marko82
2016-12-30 09:16:28
Related to @marko82's post, the third-most popular one way trip in the Healthy Ride system (and the #1 one way trip through the first 9 months of 2016) is between the station on Alder St/Highland and the one near Bakery Square, with 567 total trips since July 2015 (388 in 2016). This trip can be accomplished in a little under a mile, so pretty much your ideal HR trip. Also,
  • 55% of trips that begin in Shadyside end in Shadyside stations. Of these, nearly 82% end in a different station. This, to me, suggests HR bikes in Shadyside are being used more for transportation than recreation.
  • In regards to the article, it'd be interesting to see the back and forth between Shadyside stations and any future Squirrel Hill stations. I suspect there will be more Squirrel Hill-Shadyside trips than Shadyside-Squirrel Hill trips because of the general downhill direction of the former.
chrishent
2016-12-30 11:14:39
@marko82 and @chrishent re: the study cited. I think a 2% drop in parking demand is pretty remarkable actually given the parameters of the study.  It compared only the month before and month after the stations were installed.  One would assume there was less awareness and membership in the program at the time than there is now or even a month or two later in that summer.  Basically, that doesn't give a lot of time for people to change behaviors.  On top of that you have very little real cycling infrastructure in Shadyside, although it is pretty easy to ride there. If the Healthy Ride can make that impact in just a short time period it would be interesting to see what the impact is over a longer period of time.  Anecdotally I'm actually amazed at how popular those things are.  I see people riding them all the time.  Even saw a woman riding one up to Oakland from the Birmingham Bridge two days ago. Combine Healthy Ride with some bike lanes and things and you would see some real measurable drops in things like parking demand which benefit everyone.  (I'll keep harping on providing measurables.)
marv
2016-12-30 12:27:57
@marv, I should note that Healthy Ride rentals have decreased, at least when comparing the third quarter of 2015 vs the same time period in 2016. Rentals have gone down ~30% during this time. This could be attributed to several things, though. The novelty factor has now worn off, and the number of promotional free rides has surely gone down, too. Also, system reliability has increased, meaning that the number of very short rentals (I set an arbitrary number at rentals under 3 minutes) that are likely "problem" rentals (as well as "demo" rentals) has gone down by 88% (nearly 3,000 such rentals in 2015, vs 300 in 2016. Even though the overall number of rentals has gone down, there are several encouraging signs. For example:
  • in 2015, rentals dropped significantly between August and September. In 2016, rentals in September were higher than in August.
  • a handful of stations have seen increase in usage. It's usually small, but encouraging nonetheless
In short, as infrastructure improves and the system expands and has better connectivity, we will hopefully see an increase in HR use.
chrishent
2016-12-31 12:39:00
Good for Strawberry, but that Rochester project is impressive too.
edronline
2016-12-31 22:08:17