Pedal Pittsburgh Bicyclists Urged To Be Extra Cautious After Recent Accidents

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police have stepped up patrols along Penn Avenue since two bicyclists were hit and killed in the last two weeks.

But now there is extra concern as local roads will be filled with bike riders for this weekend's Pedal Pittsburgh festivities.

This weekend, we can expect to see 4,000 bikers on the streets of Pittsburgh. It comes after a week in which bicycle safety has made plenty of news.

"The last week has been really tough here in Pittsburgh for bicyclists and just the overall community. I think a lot of people have been affected by all the crashes that have happened. It's been pretty high profile," said Scott Bricker, of Bike Pittsburgh. "So, we're just urging motorists to watch out for bicyclists, slow down, pass with care."

As Pedal Pittsburgh events approach, the recent tragedies that have happened along Penn Avenue are fresh on the minds of bicyclists.

If they ride along Penn Avenue, the pass by the memorial for 46-year-old James Price of Homewood who died from injuries he sustained in a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Penfield Court on July 25.

"He was always out riding," said Roger Sinz, a fellow bicyclist who knew Price. "He says he rides in the rain, in the snow and everything. He has a rain coat and all that kind of stuff. It made me think why I stay on sidewalks and on the trails."

Earlier this week, 48-year-old Anthony Green of Wilkinsburg died from injuries he suffered when an SUV hit him in the 7700-block of Penn Avenue in Wilkinsburg.

And on Thursday evening, a Pittsburgh police motorcycle officer was hurt in a traffic accident at Penn Avenue and North Lexington Street.

"It would definitely make me a little more cautious about watching people in cars," added Jacob Britch, another bicyclist from Greenfield. "I'm generally cautious, but I'm going to try to avoid that road for a bit."

The Pedal Pittsburgh riding events range from trails to city streets to a 65-mile tour option. And bike enthusiasts urge both bikers and drivers to use caution.

The Pedal Pittsburgh events begin early Sunday morning.

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