PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – The Port Authority announced that electric bicycles will be permitted inside light rail vehicles and the Monongahela Incline beginning Wednesday.
"We're really glad to have heard from so many people, particularly Bike Pittsburgh, after we recently reminded riders of our e-bike policy," said Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman. "The original policy was crafted with our customers' safety in mind. Since then, the construction, build quality, and safety of e-bikes have come a long way, and there have been very few if any incidents involving e-bikes inside public transit vehicles."
"E-bikes help extend our network into communities where our vehicles don't go and further our mission of connecting people to life," Kelleman said.
The policy will allow the e-bikes inside light rail vehicles when riders are traveling south of First Avenue Station and when traveling within the Central Business District on a six-month pilot.
If there are any issues within the six months, the bikes will no longer be allowed within the Central Business District.
"The trial period will help alleviate any concerns about their safety," said Burt Jennings, Port Authority's Chief Safety Officer.
The electric bikes will follow traditional bike rules—they are only permitted on the bike racks on buses and only two per car at a time. On the Monongahela Incline, they can only be transported in the upper compartment and mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities have first priority.
