Image Description: PPT members highlighted in yellow, on a glowy background of a bus stop on a summer day. Next to them is the phrase “Bus stop summer: hit the streets with PPT!”
Bust out those cell phones and lace up those sneakers!
Transit riders in Pittsburgh want more bus shelters, better bus stop amenities and connected sidewalks that take us to and from where we need to go! Our biggest takeaway from two years of bus shelter audits is that we cannot have bus shelters, benches and other amenities installed at our bus stops if our sidewalks are in poor or nonexistent condition.
Following the lead of our friends Pittsburgh Walks, PPT will host a series of sidewalk audits this spring and summer focusing on neighborhoods with high rider bus stops and busy transit corridors.
We will assess the quality of sidewalks in Pittsburgh and record findings via a mobile survey developed by the City of Pittsburgh. The collected data helps the City identify where sidewalks need to be improved or built, prioritize pedestrian infrastructure projects, and make the case for sidewalk funding.
The goal of these sidewalk audits is for participants to learn how to use this new tool and go on to gather data independently. Ultimately we aim to collect information about sidewalks (or where they’re missing) for every street in the City. This is a group effort and WE NEED YOU!
Audit Dates & Registration:
Saturday May 16th 10am – 12pm, Sheraden
Saturday June 27th 10am-12pm, Hazelwood
Saturday August 29th 10am -12pm, Hill District
What to Expect:
- Before the event, participants must watch a video tutorial.
During the event, we’ll:
- Have a lesson on what makes sidewalks safe and accessible, how to use the web application.
- Pair up to walk several blocks of neighborhood streets, and record our observations using an online survey on your cell phone.
Requirements:
- Must have charged cell phone that can reach the internet and take photos.
- Must be able to navigate web browsers and privacy settings on cell phone.
- Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable this time of year! Come dressed for the elements (good walking shoes, winter coats, hats, gloves, etc.). We will be outside for about an hour.
Accessibility:
- We cannot guarantee the accessibility or safety of these walks as some of the terrain may have broken to no sidewalks. Some regions may be hilly and harder to walk on.
- Blind and low vision people will not be able to use the mobile survey application, but your input is of great value. You will be paired with a sighted person so that you can access the survey.
- If you have individual accessibility questions, or to request ASL interpretation, please reach out to Nicole@pittsburghforpublictransit.org.
- ASL interpretation must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance.
You can attend on your own, or bring a group of neighbors, friends, family, or coworkers! This is a great way to get your steps in, meet fellow community members, and help make our streets safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone!