Share the road.

That was the advice of city, county and state officials at an outdoor news conference yesterday near the busy and noisy southern end of the Hot Metal Bridge on the South Side.

"Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motorists, but they also have the same duties and responsibilities as motorists," said David Pritt, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation safety press officer for District 11, made up of Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties.

"That means obeying all stop signs and traffic signals."

Mr. Pritt said there were 20 bicycle fatalities in the state last year, "most of which could have been avoided." He said there were five cycling deaths in District 11 from 2003 to 2007.

"One of the best things to do is put up more of those signs," said city police Officer Matt Lackner of Zone 2, referring to the yellow-and-black "Share the Road" signs.

Officer Lackner, who rides a mountain bike Downtown and in the Strip District, said bicyclists have to be "hyper defensive and constantly aware of their surroundings. There has to be a substantial educational effort for bicyclists and motorists about sharing the road."

Philip Morrissey, community traffic safety coordinator for the Allegheny County Health Department, stressed the importance of wearing a helmet when biking.

"It's amazing how many kids we see all over the city who are biking without a helmet," said assistant safety coordinator Stacey Randolph.