Local

New bike lane coming to East Carson Street met with mixed reactions

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh is creating a new bike lane along a stretch of East Carson Street in the South Side in hopes of getting bikers off the trails and into the retail area.

The problem causing some debate is the fact that the trail will eliminate a lot of free parking spaces along the street.

Officials began putting notes on cars parked in the spots last week warning them that the spaces will soon be eliminated for the bike lane.

Carolyn Jones is one of the many people Channel 11’s Dave Bondy talked to who is upset with the decision.

“I was like, ‘What am I going to do?’” Jones said. “Where are these people going to park? It’s going to be a mass riot because there is no place for them to park.”

Bicyclist Adam Taylor said he’s excited about the new lane after having several close calls riding on the stretch of road.

“This is probably the worst section right here. I have traffic up behind me and I have to watch every door to make sure it doesn’t open on me because I have to stay right as possible,” Taylor said.

Business owners like Patty Lewis said her customers have been complaining about the city’s plan.

“They’re not happy at all because they can park for free there,” Lewis said.

The bike lane is expected to be in place by August.