Great Outdoors Week gives chance to get out and do something ... for free
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We've had the soggiest weeks in memory, but things are looking up for the weekend.
If you've been chained to a desk, computer or TV, now's the chance to step outside for the climax of Great Outdoors Week.
The 10th annual event is coordinated by Sustainable Pittsburgh in cooperation with numerous outdoors organizations throughout the region. Its mission is to make outdoor recreation here a hallmark of quality of life.
"More often than not, folks might not think of an urban area as a place that would offer free outdoor amenities," said Ginette Walker Vinski, communications manager for Sustainable Pittsburgh. "The opposite is true -- not only do you have all the great parks, but you also have the wonderful trail network and the rivers."
Great Outdoors Week picks up in earnest Friday morning with National Bike to Work Day -- not a bad idea with the price of gasoline at $4 a gallon.
"We had a great turnout for Bike to Work Day last year, the best ever, and we're expecting another strong turnout this year," said Lou Fineberg, program manager for Bike Pittsburgh, a nonprofit advocate for local cyclists.
Bike Pittsburgh is hosting free Biker Breakfasts at Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, Market Square, REI in the SouthSide Works and Whole Foods Market.
New this year is the Car Free Calculator, an online tool for cyclists and walkers to log their commuting miles. Mr. Fineberg encourages participants to sign up for the tool and to join one of the many bike pools that are planned (go to www.carfreefridays.org).
"Bike pools are a great opportunity for people who are a little nervous on the roads to ride with other people, learn from their experience and increase their visibility," Mr. Fineberg said. "The more people we see out on their bikes, the better it's going to be for all of us."
Sunday brings Pedal Pittsburgh, which, unlike the marathon, is a "ride not a race." Organized by the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, it provides an opportunity for cyclists of all ages and abilities to enjoy the city's "defining architecture, unique neighborhoods, parks and green spaces" from the seat of a bicycle.
A ride as unique as the city, it annually attracts more than 2,000 participants ranging from families with children and recreational riders to fitness enthusiasts.
First Published May 19, 2011 12:00 am
