Pittsburgh Named Among Nation's Best Cities For Bicycling

PITTSBURGH, PA — One of the nation's leading biking organizations, People for Bikes, has ranked Pittsburgh among the top 20 cities for bicycling. The organization rated Pittsburgh the 20th best city; last year, it ranked 170th.

In its data-driven analysis, People for Bikes evaluates cities across five key indicators: ridership numbers, safety statistics, how easy it is for people to bike to their destinations, how well the biking network serves all parts of the community and how rapidly the community is working to improve biking.

Pittsburgh performed particularly well in terms of both safety and acceleration, according to Karina Ricks, director of the city's department of mobility and infrastructure.

“The data shows Pittsburgh is showing real progress in making it easier for people to use bicycles as a safe, affordable, and enjoyable way to get around our compact city,” Ricks said.

This year, Pittsburgh completed a new bicycle master plan and is working with neighborhoods across the city to add or enhance 30 miles of bicycle facilities this year that are safe and inviting for novice or experienced riders of all ages and abilities.

“Now in its third year, the city rRatings create a complete picture of bicycling in cities based on
measurable factors,” said Rebecca Davies, People For Bikes’ bicycle networks data manager.

“Top scorers are cities of all types and geographies who have succeeded in different ways, including cities that have made strong historical investments in active transportation as well
as cities pursuing ambitious plans to rapidly implement high-quality bicycle networks on their streets.”

Data for the ratings comes from existing sources, including the U.S. Census American Community Survey and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, as well as sources developed by the People ForB ikes team to capture city-specific
data based on mapping, city planning information and survey responses from community members.