Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Check Out Pittsburgh’s New Bicycle “Merge Lane”

Photo: Will Bernstein via Bike PGH

Transitions where streets suddenly change are a tricky part of bike lane design. Here's how street designers in Pittsburgh handled the transition where a two-way bike lane ends at a T-intersection -- with a "merge lane" for cyclists turning right across motor vehicle traffic.

Bike PGH is enthusiastic about the new design:

Have you had a chance to ride the two block extension of the Penn Avenue bike lane in Downtown? It ends in a great new "merge lane" that smoothly shepherds people riding their bike in the direction of Point State Park into the traffic lane marked with sharrows proceeding in that direction.

Big thanks to the City -- especially the Planning and Public Works departments -- for designing and putting in this great lane. We’re fans of this configuration because it’s straightforward and really well marked.

So, what do you think of the new design? The City has tried something relatively new with this one, so leave a comment with your thoughts once you’ve had a chance to ride it.

Here's another view courtesy of Bike PGH. What do you think?

PIC_2015_PennAveProtectedMergeLane-1
false

Elsewhere on the Network today: Bike Portland looks at the irrationality of downtown parking prices that are cheaper than a bus fare. Streets.mn reports that sensible infill development in Minneapolis was sunk by -- what else? -- single-family zoning. And Seattle Bike Blog posts about the city's use of red light camera revenues to improve school safety.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

HungryPanda Pressured Delivery Workers in Dangerous Blizzard, Workers Say

A delivery worker with HungryPanda recounted a harrowing experience of working during last month's historic blizzard.

March 6, 2026

Make Biking Great Again: Conservatives Should Embrace The Right Wing Values Of Cycling

Cycling remains aligned in the national mind with progressive causes — but conservatives can find plenty to love about bikes.

March 6, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: NYPD Placard Chaos Edition

It was been a rough day for New York's Finest. Plus more news.

March 6, 2026

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills 4-Year-Old On Dangerous Brooklyn Corridor

The driver didn't stop while a child lost his life.

March 5, 2026

Mamdani Deputy Mayor On Charging For Street Parking: ‘It’s Not a No’

Dean Fuleihan said on Thursday that the city is discussing charging fees for currently free on-street parking.

March 5, 2026

‘Stupendous Potential’: Pay-Per-Mile Auto Insurance Would Cut Costs And Traffic Violence

Lowering car insurance costs doesn't have to eviscerate crash victims's rights.

March 5, 2026
See all posts