'Dangerous' crowding on South Side prompts Pittsburgh police to step up patrols, citations

Jul. 1—Unruly pedestrians and crowded sidewalks have created a "dangerous and untenable" situation on Pittsburgh's South Side, according to police, and officers will step up patrols and start issuing citations Friday night.

Pittsburgh police officials said Thursday the increased volume of people headed to East Carson Street has meant "nearly impassable sidewalks, pedestrians flowing into the road amid traffic and parked vehicles blocking safety lanes."

Authorities said there have also been fistfights, pedestrians struck by cars, and gunfire.

The crush of patrons along the popular strip of bars, restaurants and clubs comes after year-long capacity restrictions put in place to slow the spread of covid-19. Those measures expired at midnight on May 31.

"While we are glad that Pittsburgh is returning to some semblance of normalcy since the height of the pandemic, the situation on the South Side has become dangerous and untenable," said Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.

The issues have forced the police bureau's hand, officials said, and officers will start issuing warning and citations to those who block sidewalks and roads. People will first receive a warning and, if they fail to move along, "there may be physical arrests," police said. Citations could cost up to $300.

Motorcycle and bicycle officers will monitor parking, and those who park illegally will be towed.

"First responder vehicles must have access to East Carson in case of an emergency and overcrowded sidewalks pose hazards to pedestrians who then spill onto the streets and into vehicle traffic," Hissrich said. "Without changes, someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed."

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@triblive.com or via Twitter .