Letter to the editor: Making the Strip District safer

I recently read a letter from a fellow resident who moved to Pittsburgh for work and was convinced to stay because of the Strip District (“Strip District should cater to pedestrians,” June 30, TribLive). He highlighted the pleasant experience of walking to work, getting groceries and dining out, contrasting it with the traffic woes of D.C. This resonated deeply with me, as I share similar sentiments about the Strip District.

The Strip District is increasingly challenged by traffic congestion and safety concerns. With new housing developments bringing in nearly 3,000 more residents, it’s vital that we enhance alternative transportation options. Currently, the absence of safe, continuous biking routes through the Strip creates hazardous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.

As someone who commutes by bike to work Downtown via the Strip during peak hours, I have had several close calls with cars either trying to speed around me or recklessly drifting into my lane. These experiences are alarming and underscore the urgent need for safer biking infrastructure. We deserve streets where the safety of our community is the priority.

Revamping Penn Avenue supports a thriving business district by making it accessible to everyone. Ensuring our transportation infrastructure is safe and efficient for all users is essential.

I urge Mayor Ed Gainey and Pittsburgh City Councilman Bobby Wilson to support this crucial plan for safer streets in the Strip District. Our community’s safety and well-being depend on it.

Paul Mackey

Bloomfield