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

Thursday’s Headlines: Merry Christmas Edition

Day off today, but we'll be back tomorrow.

December 25, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Best Projects of the Year

Even amid Mayor Adams's bikelash lame-duck era, there were some major bright spots this year.

December 24, 2025

Hey, Insurance Companies, Here’s Some Driver Fraud Hiding in Plain Sight

Insurers don't seem to care, but we've provided a list!

December 24, 2025

Streetsies 2025: The Biggest Failures Of The Year

2025 was rough year to be a cyclist in New York City, now's your chance to vote for what pissed you off the most.

December 24, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: See You In Court Edition

President Trump's case against congestion pricing will finally be heard next month. Plus other news.

December 24, 2025

Mamdani Appoints Pro-Labor Lawyer To Run Worker Protection Agency

"My life's work has been about ensuring that money and power cannot trample the rights and dignity of working people," said the incoming DCWP commissioner, Sam Levine.

December 23, 2025
See all posts