Could Cyclocable Bike Lift Be Coming To Pittsburgh?

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Riding your bicycle in Pittsburgh can be a challenge with all of the hills.

Now, imagine an escalator-type lift to save you from all that pedaling.

It's a reality in some parts of the world.

"When people complain about our hills, we look at them like a badge of honor. It's something we look at like an amenity, not so much as a challenge," Pittsburgh Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Stephen Patchan said.

So, what about those days when you just want to take it easy?

That's where the Cyclocable comes in. It's sort of like a ski lift for bicycles.

You put one foot on a pedestal, the other stays on your bike and you catch a ride all the way to the top of the hill with no pedaling required.

"It would make sense based on our hills. We have a lot of hills and that's usually one of the first things a lot of new or potential cyclists kind of cite as a reason why they don't bike a lot. It's either the weather or the hills," Patchan said.

The first Cyclocable was installed in Norway in 1993. Now, the company behind the invention wants to sell the idea to other cities around the world.

Although it would likely be popular among Pittsburgh's growing cycling community, don't get your hopes up just yet.

Patchan said it won't happen anytime soon.

Not only is there an infrastructure issue, but there is a liability concern.

Currently, there simply aren't enough people biking to make it worthwhile either.

"We need more people biking and we are. We have more people biking every year. So, as we continue to experience an increase in cycling, we put more money into our bicycling infrastructure. Something like this could be a feasible investment," Patchan said.

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