Closing a bike lane loophole could also destroy the case for parking on sidewalks.

A proposed change for parking regulations could force Pittsburghers to park with all four tires in the street.

The parking regulations, as they are now written, allow for vehicles to park in bike lanes if it’s to protect the safety of the people and the vehicle. Council Member Bobby Wilson of Spring Hill sponsored legislation to close that loophole. 

Wilson said during the July 29 committee meeting that people have used the loophole to argue tickets for parking in a bike lane.

“The reason that the judge has been hesitant to rule—or officers were hesitant to give the ticket—was because there was that language,” he said.

The proposed amendment removes vehicle safety as an exception.

That change, however, could mean Pittsburghers will lose their ability to use that justification to illegally park on sidewalks since the change would apply to all prohibited spaces.

Council Member Anthony Coghill of Beechview pointed out that his district has narrow streets and an average of two vehicles per household.

“It’s one thing when you put one tire up on the sidewalk, but people are abusing it,” he said. “If you’re in a wheelchair, you can’t get by. Baby stroller: You have to go out in the street.”

However, he added, if everyone parked correctly, “ambulances and fire engines can’t get by.”

Council voted to move forward with the legislation but remained conflicted about sidewalk parking.