Hello,

I am interested to hear if any of you have a preferred/safest route from downtown Pittsburgh to New Castle.  I am from Western PA but have live in CO the last 25 years.  We are riding part of the route with a group riding across the country.  Part of the ride is Pittsburgh to New Castle/Youngstown.

Are there any recommendations for best/recommended route from downtown Pittsburgh to New Castle?  I have looked at various websites but am trying to get local rider recommendations for the best routes.

Any recommendations?

Thank you,

Mike

Other people can offer more constructive advice, but I’ll suggest you avoid Route 51 between Coraopolis and Monaca — several cyclists have been struck by cars and killed there. Route 65 on the other bank of the river may be a bit safer, but I would avoid that route, also.

The last time I went that way I took a bus from Pittsburgh to near North Park and rode from there. Avoided all the local traffic. All Pittsburgh buses have carriers for two standard bikes.

I just left a comment on a thread about State Bike Route A. I heartily second Paul’s recommendation about the area south of Monaca. Traffic speeds between 75 and 85 mph are common, and there is no shoulder at all.

From the North Side, Federal to Perrysville Ave/Perry Hwy, take that to Ingomar Rd thru North Park. Then thru towns of Valencia, Mars, Evans City, Zelienople, Elwood City, New Castle