Commuting - Moving to Pittsburgh, PA

Hey Pittsburghers, er... Yinzers?

I'm a soon to be resident of Pittsburgh. I'm not new to bike commuting, but I am completely new to Pittsburgh. How's the bike scene in Pittsburgh? I found the Bike Pittsburgh website, any other good sites I should check out? Awesome shops or other bike related businesses I should visit?

I'll be commuting to the Foster Plaza suburban business park between Crafton and Greentree from... actually I don't know from where yet. I'm looking at apartments in more urban bikeable/walkable places like the Southside areas and Northside/Mexican War streets area. Does that seem like a reasonable commute in terms of car traffic, and road infrastructure? Anyone else do a similar commute?

I'm also thinking I would maybe start out doing a multimodal commute until I'm more familiar with the area, and the hills :o . Any advice on taking bikes on the light rail system, or using the bus racks?

Really, any advice or tips (even non bike related) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much

I'd get in touch with the Dirt Rag/Bicycle Times crew since they're based in Pitt. They've been doing all sorts of riding in that area for over 20 years and they're seriously dedicated to bikes. Got my first Dirt Rag at a race in Ohio back in '90 when they were working out of a basement and/or garage. It's great to see a small operation like that take off but still remain true to their roots.

Hey ..Really, any advice or tips (even non bike related) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much

Find a barber shop and have them sculpt you a mullet. Pull out one or two teeth. You'll be fine.

Sorry...had to do that. Go CAPS!

Phil G.

First, get a map from Bike Pittsburgh here: http://bike-pgh.org/campaigns/commuter-bike-maps/handheld-bike-map/

I'm not that familiar with the area where you will work, other than passing it on the Parkway West to get to the airport. But I think you'll be intimately familiar with the topography of Pittsburgh commuting from the Northside or Southside to Foster Plaza, going from the river floodplain to one of the higher spots in the area. It looks like you could reach Foster Plaza via the West End (watch yourself at the West End Circle area) and then Noblestown Road. Bike Pittsburgh has some sections of Noblestown marked "cautionary bike route" so take that into consideration.

Oh, and Phil_gretz: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11053/1127102-53.stm

Excerpt:

A new study released Monday from the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit listed Pittsburgh as the "most livable city" in the U.S., narrowly edging out Honolulu for the top bragging rights.

and


Other U.S. cities joining Pittsburgh on the ranking's top-41 list are Washington, D.C., at No. 34; Chicago, Atlanta and Miami tied at No. 36; Detroit at No. 40; and Boston at No. 41.

:p

Oh, and Phil_gretz: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11053/1127102-53.stm

Excerpt:

A new study released Monday from the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit listed Pittsburgh as the "most livable city" in the U.S., narrowly edging out Honolulu for the top bragging rights.

and


Other U.S. cities joining Pittsburgh on the ranking's top-41 list are Washington, D.C., at No. 34; Chicago, Atlanta and Miami tied at No. 36; Detroit at No. 40; and Boston at No. 41.

:p

Okay. I give. There is much fodder (above) for more cruel intra-city jabs. No more.

Truth be told, Washington is nice for a smaller, formal city. The suburban sprawl combined with the oppressive traffic and poor inclement weather driving make it pretty tough during the weekdays. Also, very very long working hours. It's basically a grind here.

We looked at Grove City College for our oldest daughter at one time, and thought it very nice indeed.

Thanks, Altair. Phil

You should post about this on the bike pittsburgh forums. http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/

The members are usually friendly, and tend to have really good route advice.

You have my sympathies

What chrsjxn said +1 http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/
Pittsburgh has a great bike community, developed road- and trail- systems, it's a great place
for riding and biking (the trick is working).

Here's my Pgh bike blog URL: type2-clydesdale.blogspot.com you'll see lots of maps of city rides there.

One of the funny things about the area is there's so many different municipalities (due to geography and parochial politics) and they're all different, and they need to be explored (or, as they say, need exploring...) If I may, I suggest you don't lock yourself into any location too quickly.

Welcome to the Burgh.
ps look at Montour Trail, and look at Great Allegheny Passage, Pgh to DC

Okay. I give. There is much fodder (above) for more cruel intra-city jabs. No more.

I agree- no más! I have to say we've always enjoyed our trips to the DC area.