2 rider deaths come before Pittsburgh BikeFest

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Two fatal crashes involving bicyclists on a busy street have Pittsburgh officials suggesting riders use alternate routes as the city prepares to host its annual two-week celebration of two-wheeled transportation.

Police say one rider died after being struck late Tuesday by an unlicensed driver on Penn Avenue, just over the city line in Wilkinsburg. Another bicyclist died a July 25 after being struck by a hit-and-run driver just a couple blocks away where the street crosses into Pittsburgh.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Bike Pittsburgh director Scott Bricker suggested riders avoid Penn Avenue in favor of less-busy side streets. Bricker says the onus should be on drivers to be more considerate but his main goal is rider safety.

Bike Pittsburgh hosts its annual BikeFest starting Sunday with a 63-mile ride through city streets opening the event.