Trip #636 Bodkin Street, Brookline, Pittsburgh took place on August 22, 2021, and was published on September 17, 2021.
Our human brains allow us to think, devise, manipulate, and strategize in ways unknown to most other creatures. And our long history as the dominant species has enabled us to identify novel solutions, hidden escape hatches, and creative practices that keep us alive and out of danger. From harnessing fire to discovering penicillin, we’re the species that runs on cognitive power, and we’ve established an unrivaled empire. But with great power comes great responsibility, and I’m not the only one who feels we haven’t held up our end of the bargain in that regard. We’ve created the world we live in, and now cracks are appearing in the walls. Accountability is knocking at our door.
Field Notes: The original date on this flight of city steps in 1952 but it was re-built using wood (cheaper) more recently. At the top is a ghost bike memorial for a cyclist killed by a driver and at the bottom, there’s an intricately patched retaining wall. Lots to look at here!
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
