Pittsburgh – On October 5, 2011, Bike Pittsburgh (BikePGH) is partnering with the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) on a targeted bike light giveaway in an effort to keep our streets safer for everyone who uses them. Each year when thousands of students return to Pittsburgh there is a noticeable rise in the number of people bicycling to get around the city. Accompanying this increase in bicycle use is an uptick in the number of people using bikes at night without proper lights. BikePGH, as the local advocates, are regularly notified about these “bike ninjas.”

The bike light giveaway, which will happen on the evening of Oct 5^th, intentionally targets people on bikes riding at night without lights. This ensures that those who will directly benefit receive the lights and have them immediately affixed and functioning on their bicycles. We are going to set up a light giveaway station along a route frequented by bike riders in Oakland. The exact date and location will remain a secret until it begins to help assure that the people who receive lights actually need them. This style of light giveaway is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh.

All light recipients will also be given a brand new Pittsburgh Bike Map (fourth edition) if they don’t already have one, along with our illustrated Bike Commuting 101 safety guide that provides information about how to bike in Pittsburgh. We believe that this event will help improve the safety of both bicyclists and pedestrians, while also helping to assuage motorists’ concerns that too many people who ride bikes at night do so without lights. Through this program Bike Pittsburgh, along with the University of Pittsburgh, is directly addressing those concerns. Planet Bike generously contributed to our effort.

Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclists’ rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place ride. For more info, visit: www.bike-pgh.org/membership