Thinking about biking to work?

Veteran bicyclist Louis Fineberg suggests easing into it.

"[It's] not an all or nothing choice," said Fineberg, program manager for BikePGH, the bike advocacy organization. "Try it once a month, maybe eventually once a week. More than likely, once you start, you'll realize the benefits immediately and you'll want to bike to work regularly."

To make that experience easier, especially for novice commuters willing to pedal year-round, BikePGH has published "Bike Commuting 101." The free booklet, illustrated in "a fun, graphic style" by local artist Glen Johnson, begins with the basics: selecting a bike that fits properly, safe riding techniques, helpful accessories and general information designed to "enhance the bike commuting experience."

Fineberg, the author of "3 Rivers on 2 Wheels: An Explorer's Guide to Urban Pittsburgh," said the booklet contains the distilled advice of BikePGH's staff and longtime members. It utilizes the "themes of convenience, comfort and safety" to focus on the essential elements of bike commuting.

He said the booklet, BikePGH's Car Free Fridays program and similar initiatives are part of the organization's efforts to encourage employers to support workers who want to bike to their jobs.

"A work environment that welcomes bike commuters sends a strong message about the values of your work place and reinforces the idea that Pittsburgh is a city that provides a high quality of life," Fineberg said. He added that BikePGH is developing a "Bike Friendly Employer Program" to assist employers who have -- or soon might have -- employees who pedal to work.

The booklet is free and available at www.bike-pgh.org/101; the office of Stephen Patchan, Pittsburgh's bike/pedestrian coordinator; the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership; the Sprout Fund and local bike shops.

For more information, contact Fineberg at lou@bike-pgh.org or BikePGH Executive Director Scott Bricker at scott@bike-pgh,org. Both also can be reached at 412-325-4334.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has posted "a first-of-its-kind" Web site to help the public search, view, map and share information on the thousands of miles of trails in Pennsylvania.

"www.ExplorePatrails.com is an interactive site where people can find information, photos and new discoveries," DCNR Secretary John Quigley said.

The site has information on trails of all types -- biking, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, equestrian, snowmobile and ATVs -- and on all state parks and forests. It also displays a "featured" trail, a search option for finding trails and a calendar of trail-related events.

Quigley said the department is asking trail and recreational organizations to help identify trail locations, upload reviews and share stories about their favorite trails. He said more than 5,700 miles of trails have been mapped and made available on the site.

For more information, go to the Web site or call 1-717-772-9101.

The Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group (PTAG) will host a year-end Volunteer Appreciation Party on Dec. 13 at the cabin in North Park.

PTAG co-founder David Biber said the event will "celebrate the hard work and achievements of all of the volunteers for 2009." Among other things, they built new trails at Moraine State Park and North Park, installed bridges at North Park and helped conduct the group's annual Mountain Bike Fest.

Biber said rides and hikes for all ability levels will be arranged, weather permitting. Although food and beverages will be provided, the group also welcomes contributions of covered dish and other food items. It also would appreciate donations of cash or quality items to acknowledge the efforts of its top volunteers.

For more information, contact Mike Connors at mike@pabike.com or call 724-934-9293.

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