Commuting - Howz Pittsburgh for Commuting?

Hi - Am looking at a job in Pittsburgh. I know different areas of the city will vary, and I haven't looked at neighborhoods, but overall is this a bike-friendly, commutable city? Thanks.

Well, you're dealing with some tough terrain for starters. Road surfaces aren't the greatest. It would depend where you live and where you would be working.

You can find a good Pittsburgh bike map here:

http://bike-pgh.org/resources/gettingaround/

I guess to summarize, I'd say it is improving.

Lived in Pittsburgh for 11 years and it wasn't until leaving that I began to appreciate it. Driving is ridiculous. The only city in America where one can encounter a detour w/six turns and four detour signs. But, that only adds to the overall charm...after one moves away. :notamused:

SF has nothing on PB when it comes to hills. But, don't be intimidated. That's why Derailleur developed the gearing system. Wouldn't recommend you try to ride through the Liberty Tubes on an urban assault night ride...the fine isn't worth it.

The cycling community is narrow, but deep. Get in touch w/Pittsburgh Pro Bikes in Squirrel Hill. There's also a bike co-op in the Southside, but I'm not sure of the name. Talk to messengers(if they'll talk to you...some of them are a little to cool :rolleyes:)about routing. Try the http://www.mapmyride.com website as well.

Then, when you've done all that find 'Canton Avenue' on the street guide. Make a pilgrimage over to the base and see if you can climb it w/o using your granny gear. It's a 38% grade. :eek: Steepest paved road in the world. Only .3 mi, but what a .3! Enjoy it.

Enjoy Pittsburgh, too. Yinzers are no-pretense, salt o' the earth people once you get to know them. And don't try to learn the accent. It's impossible.

Here's an example of the accent from a Halloween party in the' Burgh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6P9g89cL8k&feature=related This guy's talking about a chance encounter w/a local rocker named Donnie Iris. He had some regional radio hits in the late 60s...which is probably his age by now.

Then, when you've done all that find 'Canton Avenue' on the street guide.

Our new neighbor will be ready for the "Dirty Dozen" in no time! OP, watch this: http://www.wqed.org/tv/watch/series/its-pittsburgh/2011-01-26/



Yinzers are no-pretense, salt o' the earth people once you get to know them.

I think most of us here would agree with and like that compliment.

Our new neighbor will be ready for the "Dirty Dozen" in no time! OP, watch this: http://www.wqed.org/tv/watch/series/its-pittsburgh/2011-01-26/

My son lives in Donora and I've done the DD 2 times. 1st time I was a DNF because the turn marshall pulled off early and a bunch of us got lost. I did all the hills on the northside, though. The 2nd time was last summer. Was able to pull Canton Ave. in 38x30. Funny, it doesn't look that steep. :p

Btw, I've got friends in that video and my son sent me a copy of it for my birthday. Lance Armstrong's film crew was there the year I rode in it. Don't know what they did w/t footage.

Here's an example of the accent from a Halloween party in the' Burgh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6P9g89cL8k&feature=related This guy's talking about a chance encounter w/a local rocker named Donnie Iris. He had some regional radio hits in the late 60s...which is probably his age by now.
Actually he was more of a late 70s, early 80s rocker, but he is currently 68. Donnie Iris FTW! :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5Arbm47IQ

He was also a member of Wild Cherry, who penned this classic:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe1ScoePqVA

Pittsburgh is also the home base of Bicycle Times Magazine (http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/), which often features local stories.

Actually he was more of a late 70s, early 80s rocker, but he is currently 68. Donnie Iris FTW! :D...Pittsburgh is also the home base of Bicycle Times Magazine (http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/), which often features local stories.

Showing my age, but I remember him from his lead vocal work in a group called the Jaggerz. One song in particular was called 'The Rapper'. The term had a completely different meaning at that time. It meant someone who had a smooth way of chattin' up the girls. It came out around the time just after the British invasion...'67, maybe?

68, huh? Heard him on WQED a couple of years ago while visiting my son for the Holidays. Several local Pittsburgh artists singing Christmas songs on Christmas Eve. He was a standout...blew everybody else away. Amazing vocal chops. Thanks for sharing those vids. My apologies to the OP. Nothing like a good old fashioned BF thread hi-jack...:o

Thanks to all for Pittsburgh commuting and other insights.