Proposal would provide bike

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City of Pittsburgh employees could receive annual bike-share memberships under a proposal before City Council.

Councilman Bobby Wilson, D-North Side, introduced legislation this week to enter into an agreement with bike-share provider POGOH to provide all of the city's thousands of employees with memberships that would include unlimited 30-minute rides.

The employees would have access to POGOH's network of 60 stations with 240 traditional pedal bicycles and 360 electric-assist bicycles. It would cost the city $35,000 for a year of memberships, according to the legislation.

Wilson's office said the measure could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion and improve public health.

"Partnering with POGOH sends a clear signal that the city of Pittsburgh is committed to reducing car trips and provides other mobility options for employees who do not have a car," Wilson said.

"I believe that this partnership will promote the health and wellness of our employees while fostering a cleaner and greener environment in our great city," he added.

Wilson said POGOH's electric-assist bicycles are particularly beneficial in a city known for its steep hills.

"It's great to see the city of Pittsburgh support their employees’ transportation needs and model good policy for other local employers," said Scott Bricker, executive director of BikePGH. "Everyone benefits when more people are biking and there are fewer cars on the road."

The POGOH program is owned and operated by the nonprofit Bike Share Pittsburgh. POGOH is bringing new stations to the city's Hazelwood, Homewood and Hill District neighborhoods this year.

Council members could take a preliminary vote on the measure as early as next week, with a final vote as soon as the following week.

Julia Felton is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .

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