Stephen Patchan, a native of Connellsville, PA, recently became Pittsburgh’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. Patchan holds a master’s degree in Comprehensive Planning from California University of Pennsylvania and worked for Tulare County, CA and at a private firm in Pittsburgh before accepting this new position.

WAB: As Pittsburgh’s first bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, what are your responsibilities?

Stephen Patchan: A lot of what I’m doing is based on the Mayor’s initiative to make Pittsburgh a bicycle-friendly city (see initiatives below). Right now, I’m working on projects that were started before I got here, including adding additional bike lanes in Squirrel Hill and in other East End neighborhoods to create additional mileage of bike lanes throughout the city. I expect that project to be completed before the weather changes. I’m also working on legislative articles concerning bike racks, bike parking and bike detours. Those issues need to go through City Council. Once those projects are completed, I can begin working on brand-new, shiny projects of my own.

WAB: And what are some of these brand-new, shiny projects?

SP: Most are educational projects with local media outlets, the city police department and schools to teach people about bike safety and bike laws. We want motorists to know that bicyclists have a right to the road, and we want cyclists to know the responsibilities that come with those rights. We want to provide more communication and knowledge to these different groups. As a whole, my goal is to make the streets safer for everyone.

WAB: There has been a lot in the paper lately about bicyclists and motorists having problems sharing the road. How do you plan to ease these tensions?
SP: Primarily through education. It’s an unfortunate argument because everyone seems to be missing the main point—everyone has a role in safety on the road. I think that with some introspection, this could be a much healthier debate. This is why we want to educate people on the rules of the road, people’s rights to the road, best driving practices and best riding practices. We plan to look at infrastructure, because cyclists do need their own infrastructure and signage. We’re also working on a comprehensive network for cyclists that will provide information on routes based on a cyclist’s comfort level.

WAB: You’re also in charge of making Pittsburgh a more pedestrian-friendly city. How do you plan to do that?

SP: Right now, we’re working on a pedestrian plan that addresses areas of the city that are less safe for pedestrians, and that may need upgrades to increase pedestrian safety. We plan to increase safety through education and infrastructure—making sure that all intersections have the facilities they need. Crosswalks need to be maintained and easily viewable, and in areas where vehicles travel at higher speeds and are heavily used by pedestrians, we need to take extra precautions. We’re in the process of inventorying what we have and figuring out what we need to improve and enhance safety.

WAB: What are your long-term goals?

SP: We want to make Pittsburgh the most bikeable city it can be. We want to be acknowledged as a bicycle-friendly community by The Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign which provides awards to municipalities that actively support bicycling. They have bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards, and we want to be a platinum award winner as soon as possible. On their web site (www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org), they lay out the framework of what it takes to enhance the bicycling experience. A lot of what is required also overlaps what it takes to create a pedestrian-friendly community.

WAB: Where will the money come from for infrastructure improvements?

SP: Funding comes from several areas, including the city budget, state and federal grants and some private funding.

WAB: Where do you see Pittsburgh in two to three years?

SP: Based on the increase in the number of cyclists I’ve seen this summer, I expect to see that number continue to grow. To meet that increase, we will continue to work to provide the infrastructure and educational outlets needed to make sure these cyclists have the knowledge they need to show good judgment in any type of situation. There is a state-issued manual, the Bicycle Driver’s Manual, which serves as a really good resource for those interested in the cycling lifestyle.

WAB: Do you ride a bike?

SP: I do. It’s a commuter bike, and it’s in the shop right now. It was fine when I rode it to work yesterday morning, but it started making weird noises on the way home.

WAB: Do you bike to work every day?

SP: I live on the South Side and work on Second Avenue, so I walk to work most of the time. I bike when I’m late to work or when I run errands. I’ve begun biking more to work lately because I have meetings all over the city and it’s a good way to get there. It doesn’t look good for the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to drive a car to work.

WAB: What can the public to do help make Pittsburgh a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly city?

SP: If they have any issues or concerns, they can get in touch with me at Stephen.Patchan@city.pittsburgh.pa.us or call 412-255-4897. So far, I’ve really been encouraged by the support of the city and its residents and businesses—we’re making big steps. We’ve definitely gotten started in the right direction.

2009 CYCLIST AND PEDESTRIAN INITIATIVES

ENGINEERING

• Announce the hiring of a Bike-Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh.
• Tax credits to encourage businesses to provide facilities for cyclists. Such tax credits would support provisions already in the zoning code which encourage these accommodations.
• Designate and mark with clear signage Bike Routes across the City and have a complete system in place by 2010.
• Commit significant additional resources for reinvestment in the steps of the City of Pittsburgh.
• Establish more warranted pedestrian crosswalks with high visibility signage.
• Work with business districts to seek creative ways to increase availability of bicycle parking. (The case of the Lawrenceville request can serve as the model for this concept.)
• Work with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to provide accommodations for bicycles and bicyclists in Parking Authority lots.
• Increase bicycle facilities to accommodate commuters.
• Establish a "Mayor’s Complete Streets Task Force" to formulate and adopt a "Complete Streets Policy" for the City of Pittsburgh.

EDUCATION

• Advocate for changes in driver’s manual to emphasize bicycle/pedestrian safety.
• Partner with Bike Pittsburgh, the region’s largest bike advocacy group, to increase bicycle commuting among City employees.
• Work with organizations to establish and coordinate a "Commuter Partnership Program" so that those who already commute to work on a bicycle can help others see how easy and safe it can be.
• Make an official application for "Bike Friendly Community Status" no later than 2010.

ENFORCEMENT

• Use police traffic violation forms to better track cyclist and pedestrian incidents.
• Increased enforcement, especially along bike routes, of laws regarding motor vehicle speed, pedestrian safety, and cyclist rights of way.

EVENTS

• Showcase a City street or boulevard by closing it to vehicular traffic. Allow pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy a safe and otherwise impermissible ride.
• Establish a volunteer bike registration promoted through sign-up days and other events.
• Attract national and international bicycle events to the City of Pittsburgh.