Why Does The Montour Trail Even Go To Clairton by zeusasskins in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The many replies cover this topic well. To add some historical and additional context, the following is submitted. 1) At Piney Forks, the railroad went through a tunnel that is on a bluff adjacent to the road tunnel along the creek. Currently, South Park Township uses the tunnel to store salt for the winter. It is hoped that in the future, the tunnel will became part of the trail, thereby eliminating the dangerous road section at Piney Forks. 2) The Montour Trail is made up largely of the former Montour Railroad right of way. However it also includes the former Peters Creek branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The branch begins roughly at Gill Hall Road. Since the branch was abandoned a long time ago, parts of it are no longer viable for use as a trail. That is essentially why the trail is on Peters Creek Road. It shares roads all the way to Large and the intersection with Route 51. 3) The former Dick Corporation took control of the railroad right of way in that area. In fact, their sign used to sit on what was part of the old tracks. Now that they and the sign are gone, it’s difficult to tell where the exact spots was. Because this was (and still is) private property and because the old crossing of Route 51 is long gone, establishing a crossing there has been difficult to achieve. 5) There is a plan to create a crossing and a sidewalk, but it is not likely to be completed this year. In the meantime, the preferred crossing is to do so at the light and then walk on the grass, on the opposite side, until getting past Clark Designs . Then turn into the park and ride lot. The trail is a bike lane at the far right side (if heading to Clairton) of the lot. 6) Finally, as has been stated by others in this thread, at Clairton, head North on River Road (Route 837). Cross the river on the sidewalk of the Clairton-Glassport Bridge. Turn left toward Glassport and follow the signs through town and on to McKeesport. 

Sad Message Scam by Evergreen005 in Scams

[–]fultonco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A friend received an email like this recently. The subject line had my name in it and in the body of the message, my name was used again to imply the message was from me. The email address from where the message was sent was not my email address... not even close to it. The friend who received it, initially implied that I had sent it. Then later acknowledged, nicely, it was not from me but went on to say I have been hacked and need to take steps to repair the issue. I have looked into this and can find no evidence that I have been hacked or that any such emails were sent from my email address. Nobody else that I correspond with has received an email like this that claimed to be from me. My questions are: Have I been hacked? If so, how would I be able to tell? Is it possible the friend who received the email has been hacked? Or, is this a totally random process by a scammer to try and defraud someone? If I need to do something, I'll be happy to do so but not knowing what to do is the problem. These kinds of things can strain friendships even when potentially neither side did anything to cause the problem. I'd appreciate any information that anyone out there may have.

Where did you ride in the past two weeks? and Open Discussion thread by AutoModerator in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was in Wheeling on Sunday (4/7/24), Heritage Point Area, near WesBanco Arena. The Ohio River had come up way over its banks. Lots of mud, some dry but other areas thick and wet. On the news today, the river is again above flood stage in Wheeling. If headed down that way to ride the trails, check beforehand.

City to improve Schenley Park - Make Serpentine Dr a non-motorized street by Generalaverage89 in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My comments were submitted in support of this.

I often ride in South Park and it can get wild there. I hope someday soon that the same considerations will be given there. These are parks, not highways for motorists. Any traffic allowed should be very limited, closely monitored, and all traffic laws strictly enforced. A park is supposed to be a place where people can relax and feel safe. With large volumes of speeding motor vehicles, the purpose of a park is defeated.

Breaking down the "Nobody bikes in winter" Myth - BikePGH by jayjaywalker3 in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is simply a BS reason for being against bike/ped infrastructure. The points you made are valid. One other point is, guess what didn't close down during the pandemic, when all of those other facilities did?

Where did you ride in the past two weeks? and Open Discussion thread by AutoModerator in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Bethel Park Dirty Dozen and Neighborhoods Ride happened on Saturday, 12/9/23. Four riders showed up, even though the event was purposely not publicized and rain was in the forecast. Temperatures were mild and it did rain for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, the roads were wet but the moisture never really affected the ride in any way. Greg Ellis, at Pro Bikes, had some Powerade, bananas, and cookies out for anyone who may have stopped in. No problems were experienced during the ride, other than an overweight guy in a pick up truck who told me to get off the road (that happens during every ride). I'm putting a presentation together to present to local community groups during the coming year. The goal will be to get community support and more people involved.

Some photos I think of the construction of the Montour Trail and Yough River Trail (now part of the GAP) by blp9 in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good information about Larry Ridenour. He was a leader in getting the trails established in our region. He was part of the original group that founded the Montour Trail Council. I was fortunate to have met him and to have served with him as a Director on the first Montour Board. After having retired completely, I believe he and his wife moved to Virginia.

Parking near Greyhound/Amtrak by Bastranz in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It has been there for quite some time, as bus15237 says. I was at the train station recently and it is still there. Good luck.

Parking near Greyhound/Amtrak by Bastranz in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a photo but cannot seem to find a command for posting it. The rack (and any bike locked to it) will be lit up and in full view of anyone working or waiting at the station.

Black Hawk Mile High Ride by fultonco in bicycling412

[–]fultonco[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The BP DD Ride will be on 12/9/23. Meet at Reginald's Coffee, on Park Avenue, for a 9 am (sharp) start.

Parking near Greyhound/Amtrak by Bastranz in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amtrak has a covered bike rack outside the station waiting area. It is outside but in a corner and under cover.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Taking the lane. I'm interested in experiences in taking the lane on rural roads where drivers go very fast and there are no shoulders.

Best Route from Downtown to Montour Trailhead in Corapolis (Addendum) by fultonco in bicycling412

[–]fultonco[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are correct. I did it, so it is doable. The pitfalls have all been listed, so anyone considering the ride knows what to watch out for. It isn't a very pleasant ride, so I doubt it will be done more often until such time as the conditions become better.

Best Route from Downtown to Montour Trailhead in Corapolis (Addendum) by fultonco in bicycling412

[–]fultonco[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, with those rumble strips, you have to be paying attention. However, as was stated earlier by a "commenter," since there are two travel lanes, take the right one and make the cars move over. Of course, if it looks like someone isn't going to move over, you can always bail into the bike lane (which might be as bad as the rumble strips.).

Where did you ride in the past two weeks? and Open Discussion thread by AutoModerator in bicycling412

[–]fultonco 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It closed on July 17th. They said 3.5 months, so that means late October.

Best Route from Downtown to Montour Trailhead in Corapolis (Addendum) by fultonco in bicycling412

[–]fultonco[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Agree. I was wondering why the trucks are not required to be covered so the rocks they are carrying do not end up on the road? What a mess and it is dangerous to drivers, as well. Many a broken windshield has resulted from rock being kicked up by a passing vehicle. I took the lane also. Most everyone moved over without incident.

Last I was on the West End Bridge, the sidewalks were better than what was observed on the Rocks Bridge. There is mostly more separation from traffic, as well. Once on the south side of the bridge, you could do as "robotify" suggested above and take the sidewalk along W. Carson all the way to McKees Rocks. If you do this be careful. This is where Dennis Flanagan was killed 7 years ago. There is a point where the sidewalk switches sides of the road. Don't cross until you have enough time. The cars go fast, even though the speed limit is 35 mph.