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