Switchback Ramp at Pittsburgh End of GAP Nearing Completion
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Along the Rivers of Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,255
Bikes: 2011 Novara Forza Hybrid, 2005 Trek 820, 1989 Cannondale SR500 Black Lightning, 1975 Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
157 Posts
Switchback Ramp at Pittsburgh End of GAP Nearing Completion
Almost Ready To Roll: Missing Link In GAP Trail Downtown Nearing Completion | 90.5 WESA
No actual date mentioned, other than "as soon as possible." This should eliminate road-riding between Point State Park and where the "car-free" trail starts.
No actual date mentioned, other than "as soon as possible." This should eliminate road-riding between Point State Park and where the "car-free" trail starts.
#3
Senior Member
"Opening in August or September" even though the ramp itself is poured and done. Gotta love the pace of public works projects! But it will be a nice addition. I got really lost and confused there two years ago when I started from the Point on my GAP ride.
#4
Every day a winding road
#5
Every day a winding road
#6
Life Feeds On Life
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hondo,Texas
Posts: 2,143
Bikes: Too many Motobecanes
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4415 Post(s)
Liked 4,525 Times
in
3,027 Posts
Almost Ready To Roll: Missing Link In GAP Trail Downtown Nearing Completion 90.5 WESA
No actual date mentioned, other than "as soon as possible." This should eliminate road-riding between Point State Park and where the "car-free" trail starts.
No actual date mentioned, other than "as soon as possible." This should eliminate road-riding between Point State Park and where the "car-free" trail starts.
Now I am torn between the Katy and the GAP to ride this summer.
#8
Senior Member
#9
Every day a winding road
That was you first mistake, Venturing out without contacting me.
#10
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 400
Bikes: Schwinn, Nishiki, Santana, Trek, Rodriguez
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 189 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 106 Times
in
69 Posts
Spinnaker,
Is that you, couldn't resist one of me. Great to have biking and whitewater near Pittsburgh.
Is that you, couldn't resist one of me. Great to have biking and whitewater near Pittsburgh.
#11
Every day a winding road
I am not that brave. The run from Confluence to Ohiopyle has enough rapids for me.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Along the Rivers of Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,255
Bikes: 2011 Novara Forza Hybrid, 2005 Trek 820, 1989 Cannondale SR500 Black Lightning, 1975 Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
157 Posts
During last evening's ride, I stopped to view and photograph the progress of the switchback. They've got a ways to go to get this finished and even farther to go to make the immediate area visually appealing.
Safety rails need to be installed and grading/resurfacing on the approach are as yet unfinished.
The path section of the Mon Wharf leading up to the switchback is in desperate need of cleaning and replanting. The parking area surface has many wide cracks that need addressing. It has a lot of potential, but I think the summer season is going to be over before this project reaches completion.
It was a beautiful evening for ride, though, with the temperature being 78 and low humidity at 35%. The dew point was in the upper 40's. So pleasant and rare for us!
Safety rails need to be installed and grading/resurfacing on the approach are as yet unfinished.
The path section of the Mon Wharf leading up to the switchback is in desperate need of cleaning and replanting. The parking area surface has many wide cracks that need addressing. It has a lot of potential, but I think the summer season is going to be over before this project reaches completion.
It was a beautiful evening for ride, though, with the temperature being 78 and low humidity at 35%. The dew point was in the upper 40's. So pleasant and rare for us!
#13
Junior Member
Best directions from Pittsburgh Point to the GAP trail?
Otherwise, I'm hoping for recommendations on the best bike route from Pittsburgh Point to the GAP trail.
Friends and I are planning a September ride.
#14
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 46
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, 1977 Motobecane Super Mirage
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It's getting close, they have started putting the fence up. BikePGH thread here.
I'm not sure if this actually gets rid of the Ft Pitt Blvd nightmare to connect the point to the rest of the GAP though. It's hard to see on Google Maps where that trail goes. Now I have an excuse to go ride down there tonight and investigate
I'm not sure if this actually gets rid of the Ft Pitt Blvd nightmare to connect the point to the rest of the GAP though. It's hard to see on Google Maps where that trail goes. Now I have an excuse to go ride down there tonight and investigate
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Along the Rivers of Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,255
Bikes: 2011 Novara Forza Hybrid, 2005 Trek 820, 1989 Cannondale SR500 Black Lightning, 1975 Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
157 Posts
I haven't ridden past it since late July:
How adverse are you to street riding? What day of the week would you be riding in Pittsburgh?
I've shepherded a family of 4 on a Saturday morning from Point State Park's fountain to the dedicated trail using part of the route shown on the GAP's website: https://gaptrail.org/explore/printable-maps . The change I made was making a right onto Smithfield Street, using the bus lane. Then I had them ride out the Eliza Furnace trail (locally known as the "Jail Trail") which is also part of the GAP. If you were planning on riding here on a weekday at rush hour, my suggestion would be different.
There are alternatives, some of which will have you deal with some temporary trails on the Southside of Pittsburgh (across the Monongahela River from the downtown core) due to new construction near Station Square. .
How adverse are you to street riding? What day of the week would you be riding in Pittsburgh?
I've shepherded a family of 4 on a Saturday morning from Point State Park's fountain to the dedicated trail using part of the route shown on the GAP's website: https://gaptrail.org/explore/printable-maps . The change I made was making a right onto Smithfield Street, using the bus lane. Then I had them ride out the Eliza Furnace trail (locally known as the "Jail Trail") which is also part of the GAP. If you were planning on riding here on a weekday at rush hour, my suggestion would be different.
There are alternatives, some of which will have you deal with some temporary trails on the Southside of Pittsburgh (across the Monongahela River from the downtown core) due to new construction near Station Square. .
#16
Every day a winding road
DOn't forget to visit Bicycle Heaven before setting out.
#17
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 46
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, 1977 Motobecane Super Mirage
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It looks like all they have to do is put on those two panels of fence on the left and open up the gates at the start and end. I assume they'll probably want to pave the bottom or something before it opens up, though. The ramp is very wide. I wouldn't have any qualms about making that turn fully loaded. It will connect you all the way to the point without having to go on the road when it's done. TBH, there's a place on the trail between this ramp and the point where it gets pinched between a big column and a fence. Probably more annoying to ride through that than anything.
#18
Every day a winding road
I think this was a huge waste of money and doesn't serve the city well as far as the GAP is concerned. I would rather see a route through downtown to get from the point to the north side. Pittsburgh has some awesome architecture. Some of the best in the world and it should be enjoyed by visitors. I had a friend come visit from Slovenia and he was very impressed with many of our buildings. That says a lot considering all the wonderful architecture that can be found through Europe and eastern Europe.
It does keep folks off of the streets and on the trails but I can't think of a street in the downtown area were I feel uncomfortable riding even during rush hour.
I just hope this connection doesn't encourage people from taking the direct route to get onto the GAP rather than take a few minutes to tour though on wonderful city and marvel at all of the architecture that you will never see built again.
It does keep folks off of the streets and on the trails but I can't think of a street in the downtown area were I feel uncomfortable riding even during rush hour.
I just hope this connection doesn't encourage people from taking the direct route to get onto the GAP rather than take a few minutes to tour though on wonderful city and marvel at all of the architecture that you will never see built again.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Along the Rivers of Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,255
Bikes: 2011 Novara Forza Hybrid, 2005 Trek 820, 1989 Cannondale SR500 Black Lightning, 1975 Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
157 Posts
It looks like all they have to do is put on those two panels of fence on the left and open up the gates at the start and end. I assume they'll probably want to pave the bottom or something before it opens up, though. The ramp is very wide. I wouldn't have any qualms about making that turn fully loaded. It will connect you all the way to the point without having to go on the road when it's done. TBH, there's a place on the trail between this ramp and the point where it gets pinched between a big column and a fence. Probably more annoying to ride through that than anything.
#20
Senior Member
Huh, I think I crossed at the Hot Metal Bridge both times. Did I do it wrong? Do I have to go again? 3rd time's a charm!
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Along the Rivers of Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,255
Bikes: 2011 Novara Forza Hybrid, 2005 Trek 820, 1989 Cannondale SR500 Black Lightning, 1975 Mundo Cycles Caloi Racer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 291 Times
in
157 Posts
#22
Every day a winding road
.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,229
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,520 Times
in
7,324 Posts
Hey, babushka mamma. Take a walk on the South Side. And the Polish girls go do do do do.....
#24
Every day a winding road
It is actually even nicer if you take the Allegheny river side bike path and cross under the convention center. Then make your way down Grant St to the Smithfield St. Bridge. Takes a bit of figuring to get on to the sidewalk/path that leads to the bridge but it is pretty much across the the PNC building
#25
Junior Member
Any updates on getting from Pittsburgh Point to the GAP trail?
Thank you Spinnaker!
Regardless if it is ready or not a better ride will be along the Allegheny River side then cross under the convention center. If the fountain is on you will be in for a real treat. Head toward Grant Street, then take Grant. At the end of Grant there is a place where you can hop on the sidewalk to cross the Smithfield Street Bridge. Grant is cobblestone with just a bit of traffic but IMHO some of the best architecture in the city along that street.
DOn't forget to visit Bicycle Heaven before setting out.
DOn't forget to visit Bicycle Heaven before setting out.