OpenStreetsPGH explores new neighborhoods in 2018

OpenStreetsPGH series is back in 2018 with three free events, one newly extended route, and one brand new route on a brand new day! The event is organized by the bike and pedestrian advocacy organization, Bike Pittsburgh, who is inviting Pittsburghers to reimagine their streets as places for people, not just cars.

BikePGH is excited to announce that UPMC Health Plan has committed to the series as presenting sponsor of OpenStreetsPGH until 2020.

“UPMC Health Plan is pleased to be the presenting sponsor of OpenStreetsPGH since these community-wide events get people outside and active while helping to connect families with new neighborhoods through physical activity,” said Dr. Michael Parkinson, senior medical director at UPMC Health Plan. “We’re happy to encourage Pittsburghers of all ages to get fit while supporting what should be three record-breaking events this summer.”

OpenStreetsPGH is Pittsburgh’s fastest growing free event series that opens miles of streets to people of all ages and abilities. Last year, an estimated 90,000 people participated in three OpenStreetsPGH events and this year it’s estimated to draw over 100,000 participants.

“This year we will launch a new route, our longest one so far, transforming the East End to a car-free wonderland, giving more neighborhoods the opportunity to experience the joy that safe streets create. Connecting Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze, we think this route has the potential to be the best route so far,” said Alexandria Shewczyk, marketing and communications manager at BikePGH.

OpenStreetsPGH offers something for everyone, from fitness workshops, to kids activities, shopping, brunch, community arts, and special promotions presented by over 100 local businesses and organizations. Three event hub stages around the routes will feature free fitness classes by the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh providing dance, strength, and mind & body workshops.

Check out the 2018 OpenStreetsPGH Schedule:

Last weekend of May, June, and July (9AM – 1PM)   

 

Sunday, May 27th: Tunnel to Town Route

• 4 miles from Market Square, Downtown to Uptown through the Armstrong Tunnel to East Carson Street in the South Side.
• Where to go: The Peoples Hub at Market Square, Uptown Hub at Gist St, South Side Hub at 20th.

(NEWLY EXTENDED) Sunday, June 24th: Doughboy to Downtown Route

• So popular we had to extend it to include even more of Lawrenceville!
• Now a 4 mile route: take a trip from Market Square along Penn Avenue, from Downtown to the Strip District, and Butler Street from Doughboy Square to 52nd Street in Lawrenceville.
• Where to go: The Peoples Hub at Market Square, Strip District Hub at 28th, Lawrenceville Hub at 52nd St.

(NEW ROUTE, NEW DAY) Saturday, July 28th: OpenStreetsPGH visits the East End  

• Explore the longest OpenStreetsPGH route ever with 4.4 mile loop in Pittsburgh’s East End traveling through Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze.
• Where to go: Peoples Hub at Mellon Park, East Liberty Hub at Center Ave, Homewood Hub at Kelly St.

About OpenStreetsPGH

OpenStreetsPGH is inspired by the open streets movement – a global phenomenon promoting healthy outdoor activity and community engagement using city streets. Pittsburgh is one of hundreds of cities worldwide (over 100 in North America alone) that hold open streets events.

Unlike other events, OpenStreetsPGH does not necessitate a completely continuous street closure. At each event, car drivers will be able to cross the route at a dozen porous intersections along the route.

Each year, OpenStreetsPGH gets bigger and better. We’re expecting over 30,000 people at each event this summer! We can’t make this happen without your help. Join our volunteer team today and lets create a healthier, more vibrant city for everyone.

Media and the public are encouraged to visit http://openstreetspgh.org/media/, or follow OpenStreetsPGH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for updates and details on event happenings. For more information on how to get to OpenStreetsPGH visit http://openstreetspgh.org/getting-there/.

The event is organized by Bike Pittsburgh and is made possible through major support from UPMC Health Plan and the Colcom Foundation. Additional support is provided by, Peoples Natural Gas, the Benter Foundation, AARP, Red House Communications, Uber, and the Port Authority of Allegheny County.