A Portrait of Pittsburgh's Stair Climbers

University of Pittsburgh senior medical student Calvin stands on the Sterling Avenue stairs on Oct. 18. Calvin he's climbed these stairs everyday for three years for his commute between Oakland and his South Side Slopes Apartment. "It gets really tiring, and you have to have really good shoes in the winter," Calvin said.

Duquesne sophomore Taylor stands on the stairs leading from First Avenue to Duquesne University on Oct. 19. Taylor said she takes the steps about three times a week. "On days when I don't feel like making the hike, I go through the tunnel. It's noisier, but much easier," she said.

Duquesne University communications professor Jeff stands stands on the stairs leading from First Avenue to Duquesne University on Oct. 19. Jeff takes the stairs everyday from his apartment on Mount Washington. He said parking is more difficult, and he likes the daily challenge. "I can literally say I go uphill both ways to and from school," Jeff said.