The general consensus at DRHQ is that Pittsburgh is a great town for the bicycle minded. However, our beloved burgh is hilly, and those pesky three rivers preclude the typical urban grid street pattern—and that makes navigating a bit difficult ’round these parts. If I had a nickel for every time I heard: “you can’t get there from here,” I’d be set for life.

Well, the folks from Bike Pittsburgh – a local non-profit bicycle advocacy group – have just made life a bit easier by publishing the first updated Pittsburgh bike map in the last 15 years. Their map is designed with the commuter and urban explorer in mind, in the hopes that folks can learn some safer routes between neighborhoods, as well as explore some new territory.

Bike Pittsburgh’s map contains a cartoon depicting a safe commute, and locations of major hills, landmarks and trails. The maps also identifies and marks unavoidable stretches of road that are hazardous where people are to ride with “Caution.” For these areas, the group provides information on who to contact to lobby for safer streets.

Best of all, the map is being distributed free at local business, including many area bike shops. You can read more about the map, find out where to pick up a hardcopy and download a PDF version via the Bike Pittsburgh website. You can also pick up a copy at the official Map Launch Party on Friday, November 2nd, 2007 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at the Edge Studio, 5411 Penn Ave, Garfield (across from the Quiet Storm Coffee Shop). The party is free!