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Southside to Duq University

Anyone ride from the southside to Duq? I would really like to ride my bike to school, but I need a way around the armstrong tunnels. The map says to use the pedestrian walkway, which you know is barely wide enough for pedestrians. Is there any way to get around this. Do any of you ride on the road through the tunnel, or know if it's legal? Thanks!


bikelove2010
2009-09-01 01:27:35

I ride the road through those tunnels whenever I'm coming from that end of town. It seems legal enough.


bradq
2009-09-01 02:58:47

I'd reckon the options are either the tunnel, or going through downtown via 2nd Ave. or the Smithfield St. Bridge.


alankhg
2009-09-01 05:49:52

i'd probably do smithfield street bridge and grant then back around. it's out of the way, but avoiding one-lane tunnels seems advisable.


then again, i've never ridden through the armstrong tunnels; my instinct would be to take the lane, which would obviously upset some people--but i don't know for how long.


hiddenvariable
2009-09-01 06:11:23

Hmmm .... *looks at 180 steps* ...at least there's no traffic going thataway...


stuinmccandless
2009-09-01 10:34:07

ahh, the steps. I've seen some park their bikes and take the steps, I would probably pass out half way up in my current condition (fat a$$). I will definitely to try the downtown routes, and brave the tunnel, see what gives. Hopefully, after riding my bike to school enough I will one day be able to take the steps...


bikelove2010
2009-09-01 12:30:13

The tunnel is two lanes and fairly well lit. The first time going through is spooky because the cars sound like they are roaring up behind you, but thats just the nature of riding in a tunnel.


bradq
2009-09-01 13:01:46

although riding through the tunnel seems scary i've ridden through it hundreds of times at all hours of the day and never ever had a scary incident in there... people just pay more attention in tunnels I think


imakwik1
2009-09-01 13:03:46

thats good to know. I'm new to "road riding" and I haven't been on a bike in years. So riding on a road with cars is scary for me, plus there's a bridge AND a tunnel. Hopefully after a few runs back and forth it'll be a piece of cake. Thanks for all your help!!!


bikelove2010
2009-09-01 13:16:27

People slow down in tunnels and speed up on bridges. I usually take the sidewalk across the 10th st bridge and then the tunnels through...


bradq
2009-09-01 13:35:17

ya, that's kind of what I was thinking. The sidewalk seems pretty wide on the bridge.


bikelove2010
2009-09-01 13:47:45

I'm more of a Smithfield Bridge person myself, but I don't generally need to go to Duquesne. I get a little freaked out by the tunnel just because of that curve near the end...I'm afraid someone will come up from behind fast and not notice me. A rear blinkie might help with that, just take the lane and learn how to make eye contact with drivers while riding in a straight line. I think if you could avoid rush hour traffic that would help too.


gimppac
2009-09-01 14:07:04

So, I did it, and I'm still here to tell you about it. I took the sidewalk/tunnel route, and on the way home I took the tunnel/road/trail below the bridge route. Worked out nice. Encountered a few issues, but that was to be expected. Now if I could just find a place to store my bike that didn't involve 2 flights of stairs and my bike sitting in my living room...


bikelove2010
2009-09-21 14:01:18