EPISODE · Aug 25, 2025 · 28 MIN
Essential Rules for Driving in Pittsburgh
from City Cast Pittsburgh · host City Cast
We've heard that driving in Pittsburgh is like driving on "hard mode," and people have been complaining about our streets for decades. In the 1930s, renowned journalist Erine Pyle wrote, "Pittsburgh is the cockeyedest city in the United States. Physically it is absolutely irrational. It must have been laid out by a mountain goat.” That still rings true today, and we're joined by friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro to talk about why the streets are like this, share some very important rules for navigating our narrow, hilly streets, and – of course – debate the efficacy of the Pittsburgh Left. Want to dive deeper into the history behind our city’s quirky layout and driving rules? Check out WESA’s reporting on our mismatched streets, frustrating on-ramps and Beltway System. Pittsburgh City Paper also has a great look at our Beltway. And don’t miss the 99% Invisible episode about trying to create a GPS that speaks Pittsburghese. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
What this episode covers
We've heard that driving in Pittsburgh is like driving on "hard mode," and people have been complaining about our streets for decades. In the 1930s, renowned journalist Erine Pyle wrote, "Pittsburgh is the cockeyedest city in the United States. Physically it is absolutely irrational. It must have been laid out by a mountain goat.” That still rings true today, and we're joined by friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro to talk about why the streets are like this, share some very important rules for navigating our narrow, hilly streets, and – of course – debate the efficacy of the Pittsburgh Left. Want to dive deeper into the history behind our city’s quirky layout and driving rules? Check out WESA’s reporting on our mismatched streets, frustrating on-ramps and Beltway System. Pittsburgh City Paper also has a great look at our Beltway. And don’t miss the 99% Invisible episode about trying to create a GPS that speaks Pittsburghese. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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Essential Rules for Driving in Pittsburgh
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