Avoid the lines on Sunday, pick up your number on Saturday

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 in the SouthSide Works at 412 S. 27th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, (412) 488-9410.

If you choose to skip the packet pickup day 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.

Pedal PGH offers a ride for everyone. You can choose your route the day of the event.

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

On Sunday August 5, show up to the SouthSide Works, ready to ride. The ride is not a mass start. Instead, simply leave when you’re ready during the suggested start times provided above.

Be sure to get back to the Finish Line Festival (11-3pm) at the SouthSide Works with enough time to celebrate and relax.

Pedal PGH Schedule 

• 5:30am-12pm: Welcome Tent is open to pick up your number and/or day-of registration
• 6am-1pm: E. Carson St (26th – 23rd) and Birmingham Bridge closed to cars
• 6am-10am: VIP breakfast, SouthSide Works
• 6am-7am: Suggested “Metric Century+” start
• 7am-8:30am: Suggested “City Tour” start
• 9am-12pm: Suggested “Car Free” start
• 11am-3pm: Finish Line Festival, SouthSide Works – The Rise Above BMX Team will be performing half-hour shows at 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30 during the Finish Line Festival
• 11am-3pm: VIP Lunch at Finish Line Festival

The Ride

The Route and Cue Sheets

Click on the map to the right to see a larger map of the routes. The ride will be well marked, and cue sheets will be available at the start of the ride for those who want them. You can also download the cue sheets yourself and print it out.

Route Signs

On the ride you will be following blue and white route signs with arrows. They will be facing up (straight), left, right or occasionally at an angle. 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 road marshals at select locations to help out along the way.

Elevation Profile

Click image to enlarge

The “City Tour” option returns to the SouthSide Works after riding Downtown.

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.

Here are the times that the rest stops are open:

• Finish Line Festival: 6am-3pm
• Highland Park – Maple Grove Shelter: 7am-10:30am
• Schenley Plaza: 7:30am-11:30am
• Penn Brewery: 8am – 11:30am
• Bicycle Heaven: 8:30am – 12pm
• Mt. Washington – Chatham Village: 9am-1pm

The Finish

The Finish The Finish Line Festival Runs from 11am until 3pm at the start/finish area in the SouthSide Works, and is free and open to the public. At the Festival there will be restrooms, bike parking (don’t forget to bring your bike lock), the Straub beer tent, a professional BMX stunt team, food vendors, a cycling expo, and a free photo booth. VIP Lunch and massages will be here as well. DJ Zombo will be providing the tunes. It’s going to be fun!

Just in Case

What to do in an Emergency
Every so often a part on your bike may break or someone may 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.

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.

Some fine print (Please Read)

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.

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.

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?

A-B-C 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

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. The SouthSide Works is located conveniently on the South Side Trail, which connects car-free to downtown, Oakland, and Greenfield. See our Pittsburgh Bike Map for route advice.

There will be bike parking at the starting area. If you plan to leave your bike unattended, it is suggested that you bring a lock.

Public Transit

Bus: Every single bus in the Port Authority’s fleet is equipped with a bike rack that holds up to two bicycles. There are several buses that go to the South Side, but any downtown bus will get you within a quick riding distance (on trails) to the SouthSide Works. Google Maps has the best route finding tool. Note that some buses may be rerouted due to the Birmingham Bridge closure. Click here to watch a video on how to load your bike on the Port Authority racks.

T: Bikes are allowed on all Port Authority rail lines and must be stowed in the dedicated wheelchair space. You must load/unload on “high platform stations” only, which are marked on this map. Downtown’s First Avenue Station is conveniently located directly next to the Eliza Furness Trail, which is a short ride to the Hot Metal Bridge.

Inclines: Bikes are permitted on both inclines at all times.

Due to the event, the Birmingham Bridge and E Carson St, from S 23rd St to S 26th St will be closed to cars, so plan your route accordingly.

FREE parking: 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. It’s a short walk or bike ride over the Hot Metal pedestrian Bridge to the welcome area.

Paid Parking: There are several lots, garages, and metered parking spaces in the South Side. 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. We recommend using the South 10th Street Bridge or the Smithfield Street Bridge to cross the Monongahela. Remember, if you choose to park in a garage, make sure that your bike is not on TOP of your car before entering the garage.

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 Bike Commuting 101 Guide. On the car free route folks should use trail etiquette which includes not riding over 15mph, yielding to walkers, announcing your presence when passing with by dinging your bell or by saying “coming up on your left.”

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

Need a bike? 

Rent a Bike at Golden Triangle Bike Rental (412) 600-0675