Pittsburgh City Council looks to ban parking in bike lanes, with some exceptions

Pittsburgh City Council advanced legislation that would ban parking in the city’s bike lanes, but there would be exceptions to the rule.

The proposed ordinance, introduced by Councilman Bobby Wilson last week, would add bike lanes to the list of places city drivers can’t park. Other areas where parking is banned include in crosswalks, on sidewalks, on railroad tracks, on a bridge or in a tunnel.

“State law does give us the ability to ticket in a moving lane,” Wilson said, explaining that the proposal before council would establish that bike lanes count as moving lanes for such purposes.

If passed, the ordinance would allow the city’s police and parking authority to enforce the law.

On Wednesday, City Council unanimously agreed to amend the bill to include exemptions for people with disabilities.

The amendment also established that the director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure would be allowed to make additional exceptions. Signs would be posted to explain the exceptions.

Council members last week suggested that some churches may need exemptions, as their congregations use bike lanes for parking during Sunday services.

The legislation could be up for a final vote as early as next week.