We Pledge to Remain True to Our Values, Motivate, and Connect

Our streets are for everyone

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate activity remains at a higher level than it did prior to the November 2016 national election. Bike Pittsburgh believes that our cities and streets are for everyone, and we stand in direct opposition to any individuals or groups who believe bigotry of any kind should inform public-policy.

BikePGH pledges to stand against racism, sexism, xenophobia, and bigotry by motivating people to get civically engaged while connecting the struggle for an affordable and safe multimodal transportation system with intersecting issues across housing, education, equality, and the environment.

Together, we have a real opportunity to affect change — especially at the local level. The best way to help transform your streets is to make your voice heard and stand up for your beliefs. Our message is amplified when citizens like you take the time to contact decision makers, urging them to take action for safe streets, and to thank them when they do.

Here’s how you can make a difference

  Talk to Decision Makers

Focus on your elected officials, your employer, and government agencies. Locally, the most important individuals to connect with are Mayor Bill Peduto, Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and your city councilperson. If you don’t live within the city limits, contact your mayor, council and/or borough manager. Call their office, send a letter, or email them stating that you’re a voter and it’s important to you that our region’s streets, business districts, and places of employment become more bike friendly. Don’t just call or write with complaints. It’s important to thank our elected officials when they make progress for walkable/bikeable communities.

Click here for local decision makers’ contact information.

  Write a Letter to the Editor

Anyone who has read the comments section of our local newspapers know that we have a long way to go for people to accept biking on city streets. A crucial stand against the opposition can be met when we write to our papers as issues arise, or if new infrastructure that you like has been installed. Otherwise, only the voices of negativity are being heard.

Click here to learn how to write a letter to the editor.

   Report Dangerous Road Conditions

Is there a sewer grate, pothole or sinkhole that’s threatening to eat your wheel? Have you noticed a bike lane where the lines are are nearly or completely faded?

Click here to learn how to report dangerous road conditions.

Join or Start a Neighborhood Bike/Ped Committee

These groups do many of the same things that BikePGH does, only on a smaller neighborhood scale. They build community through organizing group rides, they spearhead infrastructure projects like bike lanes and crosswalks, as well as help build support and get ideas for biking and walking initiatives among their neighbors. Moving forward, these committees will be critical if we want to see real change to our streets, save lives, and reduce auto dependency. Get involved in your neighborhood’s bike, ped, and traffic calming committee to make change happen and voice your opinions on biking and walking projects.

Don’t see your neighborhood on the list below?
Consider starting your own Neighborhood Bike/Ped Committee.

PS. Save the Date

On February 11, Bike Pittsburgh will visit CLP-West End to facilitate a Bike/Ped meeting. We will discuss ways the neighborhood can be safely connected to Pittsburgh for cyclists and pedestrians, and provide feedback on the City Bike Plan. The City’s Bike/Ped Coordinator is planning on attending and will be bringing maps and related materials to examine and help the Department of City Planning refine and prioritize action.

Join us if you are interested in making the West End a biker and pedestrian friendly community, or if you want to learn more about Bike Pittsburgh activities and the role we play in our community!

  • Date: February 11
  • Time: 1pm-2pm
  • Place: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – West End

P.P.S. Here’s some inspiration from past leaders who made big changes:

Lucretia Mott
  • “Any great change must expect opposition, because it shakes the very foundation of privilege.” 
Martin Luther King Jr.
  • “Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.”  

Become a Member of BikePGH

Your membership enables Bike Pittsburgh to provide support for actions and committees that affect change in our city. Click here to become a member and add your voice to one of the fastest growing and most transformative organizations in Pittsburgh.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply