Save time in line on August 5th by picking up your bib number early

On Saturday, August 4th from 11am-2pm registered riders may pick up their bib numbers at REI in the SouthSide Works. Bib numbers are required for participation in Pedal PGH and a great souvenir. If you’ve not yet registered for the ride you’ll also be able to sign up in person during that time.  REI is located at 412 S. 27th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, (412) 488-9410.

If you choose to skip these packet pickup days at REI, you can still pick up your rider number on August 5th at the event. We’ll do out best to keep the line short, but be prepared to wait.

Prep for the Ride

Pedal PGH offers a ride for everyone. You can choose your route the day of the event. Click the link to view a map of each route.

Car Free [map]: 1-18 miles of car-free streets and trails. Starting time: 9am-noon
City Tour [map]: 25 miles of exploring the South Side, the Northside, and the East End. Starting Time: 7am-8:30am.
Metric Century+ [map]: 64 miles of exploring with bonus hills to the Troy Hill and Mt. Washington. Starting Time: 6am-7am.

Suggested Items to Bring to Pedal PGH
Sunscreen, two full water bottles, helmet, bib number and safety pins if you pick them up prior to day-of (provided by BikePGH), spare tube, patch kit, pump, and multi-tool, money for lunch or souvenirs. Oh, you might want to bring a bike too….and a smile.

Bring a Friend
With a car-free section this year, this is the perfect chance to inspire a friend who is on the biking fence. Heck, Pedal PGH is Pennsylvania’s largest ride, and who would want to miss that?

Need a bike? Rent a Bike
Golden Triangle Bike Rental is along the Pedal PGH Car free route and is a good place to rent a bike for the big day. 600 1st Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, (412) 600-0675

Bicycle Safety Check
This is not to be done the morning of the ride. Check out your bike as soon as possible. A good guide is the ABC Quick Check. If you don’t know how to address an issue with your bike, go to a bike shop:

• A. Check the Air pressure of your tires. There is a “recommended inflation” on the sidewall of every tire.
• B. Make sure your Brakes work. You shouldn’t be able to squeeze the brake lever so that it touches the handlebars. Also, make sure the brake pads rub again the metal rims, not the rubber on the tires.
• C. Make sure your Chain isn’t rusty. In fact, check to see if your entire drive-train mechanism (shifters, derailleurs and chain) are working properly. Again, if you don’t know ask a pro.
• Quick Check. Make sure your wheels are firmly attached. If you’re not sure how the Quick release mechanism works, click here or please ask someone. This is a common way for people to fall off their bike.

Getting to the Ride

Bike Parking
We encourage people to ride their bikes to Pedal PGH. It’s free and you won’t have to deal with finding a parking spot for your car. There will be bike parking at the starting area, located in the big lot behind REI in the SouthSide Works.

Car Parking
Your choice: Paid or FREE parking. You may pay for parking on the South Side or you can take advantage of a free lot provided by BikePGH. This free parking is conveniently located at the corner of Second Avenue and the Hot Metal Bridge. Click on the map image below to see a larger version on the map. Park and it’s just a short walk or bike ride over the Hot Metal pedestrian Bridge (stop to grab a great photo on the bridge) to the start.  If you choose to park in the South Side avoid the Birmingham Bridge, as it will be closed to cars starting as early as 5am. You’ll also want to avoid the Hot Metal Bridge, as there will be a number of participants crossing Hot Metal Street on their way to the ride. You’ll want to leave a little early and use the 10th Street Bridge or the Smithfield Street Bridge. Also use extra caution that day, as there will be many fellow cyclists on the road. If you choose to park in a garage, make double sure that your bike is not on TOP of your car before entering the garage.

The Ride

Rules of the Road
This ride is a share-the-road style of ride except for the car-free route. Stay safe by following all the laws that govern riding a bike on the street. Refresh yourself here and with our biking 101 guide. Even on the car free route folks should use trail etiquette which includes not riding over 15mph, yielding to walkers, announcing your presence near walkers and other riders with the ding of a bell or by saying “coming up on your left.”

Route Signs
On the ride you will be following blue and white route signs like the one you see at the top of this message.  They will be facing up (straight), left or right. Additional signage will inform you of what route you’re on, the Car Free ride, City Tour or Metric Century. Also be on the lookout for “Caution” signs. These signs designate where you need to be extra vigilant. There will be a handful of road marshals to help out along the way.

Group Riding
When riding in Pedal PGH you’ll encounter a number of other riders. You may also find yourself riding in a group at some point. Riding in a group can be quite different from riding alone. Check out this article from our friends at Bicycle Times for helpful info on riding in a flock of bicycles: bicycletimesmag.com/groupride

Hydration Stations
At the Finish Line Festival and along your route you’ll encounter hydration stations. These stations will be marked with blue and white signs. Stop and fill up on water, grab a snack, and chat with fellow riders.

What to do in the Event of a Storm
Common sense rules apply.  In the event of a storm, event participants are expected to stop riding immediately and find cover and wait for the storm to pass and then continue their ride when it is safe to do so.

What to do in an Emergency
Every so often a part on your bike will break or someone will be hurt during a biking event. If it’s an emergency, dial 911 immediately. After calling 911, call Pedal PGH support at 412.407.2453. If it is not an emergency, dial 412.407.2453 for Pedal PGH support. This information is listed on the back side of each rider bib number.

The Finish

Click here for more details for Pedal PGH and online registration.

Fine print: It is important to note that the event will NOT be cancelled due to rain.  The event will only be cancelled if there is a severe weather emergency.  However, the event may be delayed or temporarily suspended due to inclement weather.  No refunds will be given for delays or even an event cancellation.  –BikePGH promises to put your money to good use making Pittsburgh safer for bicyclists and walkers.

Get ready for BikeFest, a fifteen-day celebration of bicycling, August 5th-19th. The activities kick off with Pedal Pittsburgh on August 5th’ which includes a car-free section and a  finish line festival. On August 10th the Bike Fest Party returns to the Pittsburgh Opera in the Strip District.