Blue River Belt

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

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Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

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Pittsburgh Yellow Bike Program

This Idea has been promoted to the Top 20. 

Idea Overview

A cooperative, membership-based network of free bicycles for use through community affiliated sites, designated bike racks, and various keyholder locations

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Mike Virostek

What is the idea?

A cooperative, membership-based network of free bicycles for use through community affiliated sites, designated bike racks, and various keyholder locations

How would idea work?

All of the bikes would be designated by their uniform color/design pattern. They would be available throughout citywide locations simply by showing one's card (obtained by a small initial fee and bike deposit), then receiving the lock key to obtain available bike. These bikes are to be used for a determined amount of time, and then returned to an appropriate rack or location. Fees charged for late drop off. Membership charges pay for upkeep, costs...

Pluses:

• Fostering independence through alternative transportation
• Increased awareness/usage of bike trails and city network
• Increases bicycle usage, tolerance, health, wellness

Concerns:

• Theft - somewhat mitigated by "membership" orientation/restricted use, access to lock key
• Vandalism - mitigated by unique, colorful aspect to bike that renders it somewhat safe
• Injury - mitigated by waiver at time of member signing

Community opportunities:

• Bike Pgh
• Free Ride
• Critical mass
• Commuters who are tired of traffic, gridlock, costs of automobiles
• Short-trip pedestrians
• Environmentalists that drive

Psycle Pittsburgh

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

Change the cultural understanding of bicycles and pedestrians - to make transit less reliant on the automobile and change the psyche of Pittsburghers in relation to bikes and people

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Scott Izzo, Arthur Sheffield, Jeff A. Burke, Frank Lehner

What is the idea?

• To change the cultural understanding of bicycles and pedestrians - to make transit less reliant on the automobile
• Promote "green" transit, rely on local assets
• The idea is to change the psyche of Pittsburghers in relation to bikes and people

How would idea work?

The idea would incorporate a variety of events such as: designated lane closing - to promote commuter bike use; campaigns to promote bicycle and pedestrian rights of way; find ways to develop incentives for bike and pedestrian traffic; find support partners (health insurance, schools - work with state and local for the credits; also a media campaign to raise awareness. Again goal is to change the culture, the understanding of the role of bicycles and pedestrians as part of the city's identity.

Pluses:

• Reduce traffic, pollution, gas consumption
• Increase safety for bike riders and pedestrians
• Increase health and neighborhood access
• Promote interpersonal neighborhood access
• Increase quality of life

Concerns:

• Lack of support by community/funding community
• Lack of support with city and Port Authority buy-in
• Weather issues
• Don't have data on bike use

Community opportunities:

• To change the perception of Pgh (or at least help to change perception) in relation to bicycle and pedestrian traffic
• Increase the human competency of walking and bike riding
• Increase opportunities for community to emerge

Tour de Burgh

This Idea did not make it to the Top 20.  If you are still interested in it, consider applying for a Sprout Fund Seed Award. 

Idea Overview

World-class cycling event that highlights and celebrates the diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Mike Zasko, Scott Vensel, Dave Howe, Matt Loughren, John Orsini

What is the idea?

World-class cycling event that highlights and celebrates the diverse neighborhoods of Pgh

How would idea work?

• National bike tour through Pgh neighborhoods showcasing the diversity
• Links multiple festivals featuring art, music, food and libation
• Main event for professional cyclist but also amateur events
• Economic opportunities for local vendors
• Neighborhood competitions for prizes and awards
• Unifying Pgh event

Pluses:

• Neighborhood exposure and community pride building
• National, non-traditional exposure for Pgh
• Revenue generating

Concerns:

• Race logistics
• Coordinating the neighborhoods
• Marketing to residents and public engagement

Community opportunities:

This project is generally inclusive

Where to, Pittsburgh?

This Idea has been Incorporated into the Alternative Transportation Day.

Idea Overview

Bike tour design competition and bike tours led by the designers

Idea Round Up Concept Sheet

Who worked on idea?

Amy Lovell, Margaret Krumm, Katie Linkhauer

What is the idea?

Bike tour design competition and bike tours led by the designers

How would idea work?

• Bikers submit designs e.g. flattest route, fastest route, safest route, most scenic route
• Designs are chosen
• Designers lead tours, including stops
• Extras: bike safety/helmet fitting education
• Stops include food (donations by Whole Foods, etc)

Pluses:

• Raise confidence of new wanna-be bikers
• Highlight Pgh landmarks/favorite spots - civic pride
• Awareness of biking community
• Teaches people ways to get around the city

Concerns:

• How to mark tour map temporarily

Community opportunities:

Bikers of all levels, exercise enthusiasts, people new to the city