Note: Babel Fish is a
third-party resource and a computer translation of the original webpage. It
is provided for general information only and should not be regarded as complete
or accurate.
Encouraging safe, efficient travel for pedestrians
and cyclists is an important part of SPC's role as a regional transportation
agency. Bicycling and walking offer excellent commuter options that
support our overall mission to reduce traffic
congestion and improve air
quality. Communities that are pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly
are also “livable,” providing residents with opportunities
for recreation and community-enhancing economic development.
SPC’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee addresses
issues of concern and pursues priority improvements of regional
significance. This committee is composed of representatives from
SPC-member counties, the City
of Pittsburgh, transit agencies, PENNDOT,
trail organizations, and advocates for pedestrians, bicyclists,
and persons with disabilities.
SPC’s transportation planners have undertaken a project to evaluate the cycling conditions of the regional state highway network. Based on the evaluation of a combination of traffic volumes, roadway geometry, and field observations, maps will periodically be created that can be used as a reference tool by cyclists and cycling commuters. The maps indicate the roadways as being above average, average or below average for cycling, as well as other features relevant to cyclists such as significant hills, trails, park-n-ride lots, and bicycle parking. These maps are intended to connect with and build out from the existing Bike-Pittsburgh Bike Map.
Did You Know?
People around the world recognize southwestern Pennsylvania as a model of trail development. In a few years, with the
completion of the Great Allegheny Passage and related trail
development, Pittsburgh will be the northern terminus of
a continuous, off-road trail extending from Pittsburgh to
Washington, D.C.
Note: The suitability ratings of the roadways apply to cyclists experienced in operating on the roadway network with other motorized vehicles. Inexperienced cyclists looking for facilities free of motorized vehicles should view the SPC bike trail maps.
The preliminary bicycle suitability maps are available for Allegheny County and Greene County. These maps were recently presented to the SPC Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee and are available here for review and comment by cycling stakeholders. Through this process the maps are available to everyone, however, please understand the maps are in their preliminary form and they will be evolving as we strive to improve them based on cyclist input. Periodically, as the project moves forward, new maps will be posted for review for the other counties within the region.
In 2011, SPC continued to work with member governments and regional partners such as Bike Pittsburgh, PennDOT, and SPC’s CommuteInfo® Program in the promotion of safe bicycling commuting techniques and practices, through participation in several Car Free Friday events and the development of a Bicycle Commuting Webinar that was presented by CommuteInfo®, the regional rideshare program.
Several communities in the region requested assistance from SPC staff in the development of community plans for pedestrian, bicycle or active transportation in 2011. In accommodating these requests, SPC served on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Bike Route Signage Plan in the City of Pittsburgh; is represented on the steering committee for the City’s MovePittsburgh (transportation) Plan; and, provided technical assistance in the development of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan in the community of Cranberry in Butler County.
In 2011, SPC completed Bicycle Suitability Maps for Indiana County, and initiated Bike Suitability maps for Westmoreland County. These maps identify low-volume, low-speed roads that are conducive to safe bicycle use. The maps also identify local roadways that are less suitable for bicycle use due to roadway design, traffic volume or vehicle speed. These maps are developed using an array of inputs, including PennDOT Roadway Video Logs Roadway Maintenance System (RMS) data, and considerable input from cyclists and pedestrians familiar with the local roadway network in each county.
To maintain ongoing discussions with the pedestrian and bicycle community, SPC holds quarterly meetings of the its Pedestrian-Bicycle Advisory Committee to bring together regional planning partners, funding agencies, advocates and local representatives to discuss issues and opportunities in the non-motorized transportation sector. Topics of interest in 2011 included PennDOT’s assessment of the rail corridor preservation process known as “railbanking” and the recent announcement of the rescission of several railbanked corridors, which will result in the elimination of existing hiking and biking trails in Armstrong and Centre Counties; information on the funding opportunity presented by the federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program; and, the standardization and growth of the SPC bicycle counting program.
In 2011, SPC continued to work with member governments and regional partners such as Bike Pittsburgh, PennDOT, and 
