Taking the time to say thanks

About a month ago we sent an email to our supporters requesting that they join us in thanking Mayor Peduto for championing the City of Pittsburgh’s first three protected bike lanes. Over 1,000 of you responded (750 responses within the first day!) and the vast majority of you chose to write personal messages to Mayor Peduto describing the difference the protected bike lanes have made in your life.

With hundreds of responses the traditional card was out of the question and we instead created a 90 page binder full of your touching personal notes about who you are, why you bike, and how the lanes have improved your safety.

Who bikes and who benefits?

It’s safe to say that these first 1.5 miles of protected bike lanes have had a wide-reaching impact. We received responses from every single zip code in the city of Pittsburgh and a number in the surrounding suburbs. People from the most northern neighborhoods of the city, to the West End, to the South Pittsburgh Hilltop, and in the East End all contributed their stories. Those who regularly travel to Pittsburgh to ride the trails, wrote to say they were never brave enough to venture onto the city streets to visit the shops and attractions by bike until the protected lanes were installed.

Making a difference

While protected bike lanes have been proven to improve safety for all road users and encourage more people (especially women) to get on bikes, Mayor Peduto has received harsh criticism on social media and in the press for the protected bike lanes and his enduring commitment to making Pittsburgh’s streets safer for people to bike and walk. But, because you took action, the mayor now knows the names and stories of of hundreds of people who agree that creating safer streets for all road users will enable Pittsburgh to become a healthier, more vibrant and livable city.

And there’s more to come. Mayor Peduto has committed to installing an additional 3.5 miles of protected bike lanes in the city by the spring of 2016 for a total of 5 miles of protected bike lanes. Stay tuned to the BikePGH blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account for the latest updates about the upcoming lanes.

If you didn’t get a chance to sign the thank you card, and would still like to participate, you can still sign. We’ll send a final addendum to the mayor at the end of this year.

Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bikepgh.org/membership