Hey everyone, my name's Nick (I've used the name Impala as an internet moniker for God-knows how long). I currently live on Parkview Avenue in the south-central portion of Oakland. Part-time student, but full time sustainable living activist.
I admittedly grew up in Indiana Township, which is just north of Harmar and is an area that is about as rural/undeveloped as they come within the county. Biking for me growing up was entirely a recreational activity mixed on roads and trails--the nearest shopping/entertainment areas were MILES away over pretty daunting terrain. When I recently moved into Oakland I was, and still am, amazed by the accessibility of places via my bicycle.
I ride the same bike I've had since about the start of high-school: a blue Schwinn "utility" bike, pretty much a mountain bike with some urban adaptability. After the move this last fall I promptly went to see a bike shop to install tons of now-vital accessories such as fenders, rack, U-lock and night-lights.
I'm hoping to one day become a transportation engineer or involved in urban design. I'm thankful to be growing up in Pittsburgh because it seems these are burgeoning career areas. I'm an avid fan of bikes and transit and asking the question, "do you REALLY have to drive there?". I know cars are sometimes a necessary evil, but that being said I'm also an avid supporter of hybrid and electric vehicles, and hope to own one as my first car (whenever I get around to getting one that is... ha ha)
I have lots of ideas for bikes and other transportation in this city, that's definitely a passion of mine. That being said I hope to be able to contribute here through bike PGH!
Hi Nick! I'm Billy, and I live on Cato St, rather near you. It turns out there are quite a few south oakland folks on this forum (http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/tapped-by-an-ignorant-driver), and we hope to meet up at Uncle Jimmy's or something sometime soon.
Welcome to the forums. They're good times.
Also I'm currently doing my PhD in fuel cells, so maybe I can help realize that dream of yours.
Cool, Nick. Welcome. Hope to meet you out on the streets soon.
Welcome to the board, Nick. You'll find a lot of kindred spirits here. Myself, I'm a suburban transit user (what? you only have one car?) who bikes a lot, too. I grew up in the country, too, and biked all over as a kid, on the road, everywhere. So I know whereof you speak.
Elsewhere on the board is an invite to an envelope stuffing party at Bike-Pgh HQ tonight. If you can stop by, you'll meet a bunch of us. Lacking that, try the Tweed Ride or any of several other bike activities mentioned herein.
If you want to talk strictly transit, PM me.
uncle jimmy's rules. i haven't been there in so long
welcome to bikepghlandia.. hope to meet you at a ride/allycat/party/whatever!
Hey Nick! My name is Nick also. I live a block up from you on Dawson.
If you ever need to work on a bike, I have a plethora of tools.
Hey Nick. I live on Parkview, just north of the Blvd. You'll see me riding on a grey bike with high handlebars and one black pannier. I'm a geezer.
Yo! So' Oakland folks! How about Uncle Jimmy's tomorrow at about 8 pm?
Mick
Wow, I'm surprised by how many South Oaklanders there are here! I happen to live on the non-nuts part of Parkview Ave. just north of the Boulevard. Actually it's the fairly dingy-looking apartment building on the corner behind the Saint George Church. Dingy outside, but clean and spacious on the inside, so I have no room to complain. 
I'll see if I could tentatively make something on Thursday night. I have an exam midday on Friday, but I might have some wiggle room.
Also, I'm keeping like a running tally of all the most unsafe or confusing intersections around Oakland and nearby areas. I know people are always advised to contact 311, but besides pothole repair, can they actually do much to systematically improve intersections and walking/cycling conditions?
...my biggest thought right now is that the speed limit on the Boulevard between Craft and the start of Schenley should be 25mph instead of the crazy unsafe 35 (when in reality people go upwards of 50 I'm sure because I can see it out my window).
I'm 3 doors up Parkview from you - 1st floor of a duplex. You might hear guitar or piano music coming from my place.
Howdy Neighbor!
Mick
Jimmy's at 8... I think I could make it, albeit maybe ~30 minutes late (class til 
.
Speaking of treacherous intersections, they finally patched up the outbound lane of Charles Anderson bridge! 
if there is an uncle jimmys get together can you make a separate thread for it? because i will forget which thread and day this happens in.
Hey Nick, thanks for introducing yourself. Hope to hear more from you. See you around!
The Oakland Transportation Management Association (OTMA) and Oakland Planning and Development Corp (OPDC) have plans underway to assess and enhance pedestrian safety in Oakland. If I hear of a great opportunity for public input, I'll let you know.
Hey Nick, hey neighbors to all the other S.Oakland folks. Jun, over on Frazier Street. Damn SUV's better stay offa my lawn.
