12 Rules Every Pittsburgh Driver Should Know
Company is coming, and a lot of out-of-town drivers don't know how to zipper merge. But let's be honest, some of yinz don't either! Driving down steep hills and navigating tight streets can be a challenge, and people have been complaining about our city's layout 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.” Before tens of thousands of visitors descend on our city, we're revisiting our conversation with friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro. Together, we're talking 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.
**This episode originally aired September 4, 2024.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- Topography and annexation shaped mismatched Pittsburgh streets [WESA]
- Drivers, you're not alone. Pittsburgh really does have frustrating and short on-ramps [WESA]
- Choose a color and buckle up: Allegheny County's belt system is low tech, but navigable [WESA]
- Rainbow Connections [City Paper]
- U.T.B.A.P.H. [99% Invisible]
Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, April 15th episode:
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning 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.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris,...

Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara I...

What's On Your Primary Ballot?
It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, shou...

Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates
Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing re...

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more...

Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...

Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...

Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas
Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The...

What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park
Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpa...

