New OpenStreetsPGH Route Expected to Break Records on Saturday, July 28th

On Saturday, July 28th (That’s right, it’s a SATURDAY!) Bike Pittsburgh will be launching a brand new OpenStreetsPGH route visiting Pittsburgh’s East End community. Explore the longest OpenStreetsPGH route ever with a 4.4 mile loop connecting Homewood, Larimer, East Liberty, Shadyside, and North Point Breeze.

“This month we very excited to launch a new OpenStreetsPGH 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,” said Alexandria Shewczyk, marketing and communications manager at BikePGH.

Presented by UPMC Health Plan, OpenStreetsPGH is Pittsburgh’s fastest growing free event series that opens miles of streets to people of all ages and abilities. With the longest route scheduled for July, this event is poised to bring together 50,000 attendees. 

“With tens of thousands of people in the streets, it’s Homewood’s time to shine,” said Cherylie Blair-Fuller, Interim Executive Director at Homewood Concerned Citizens Council.

 July Route Preview

Participants will enjoy the car-free streets of East Liberty, Shadyside, Homewood, Point Breeze, and Larimer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28th (Again, not a typo…it’s a Saturday). 

• What will you see & find along the route? 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. For full events schedule visit openstreetspgh.org/schedule/
• Where should I go? 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. Be sure to visit the Peoples Hub at Mellon Park, East Liberty Hub at Center Ave., and the Homewood Hub at Kelly St. Plan your route today at www.OpenStreetsPGH.org/route
• How do I get to the event? However you’d like! We strongly suggest walking, riding a bike, or taking public transit. For details on how to get to OpenStreetsPGH by walking, biking, taking public transit, or driving (+ parking info): openstreetspgh.org/getting-here
• How can I get involved? We have 7 different volunteer roles you can choose from! Pick a role and sign up here: openstreetspgh.org/volunteer
  

Click here to RSVP on Facebook for updates on the schedule, route, day of promotions, contests and more!

How do I get around the event?

Unlike other events, OpenStreetsPGH does not necessitate a completely continuous street closure. There are 12 intersections along the route where motorized vehicles CAN cross the route during the event.

It is recommended to use Waze or Google Maps to stay up to help navigate road closures.

I live along the route. What do I need to know?

Streets will begin closing Saturday, July 28th at 8 a.m. and will reopen promptly by 2 p.m. Cars parked along the route must be moved before 3 a.m. on Saturday morning or they will be towed. “No Parking” signs will be placed along the route on Wednesday.

The following streets will be impacted:

• Highland Ave from Broad St to Fifth Ave
• Fifth Ave from Highland Ave to Frankstown Ave
• Thomas Blvd from Fifth Ave to Homewood Ave
• Homewood Ave from Thomas Blvd to Frankstown Ave
• Frankstown Ave from Homewood Ave to East Liberty Blvd
• Broad St from East Liberty Blvd to Highland Ave  
• Fifth Ave will be fully closed from Hamilton Ave to Woodland Rd.
  • It is recommended to use detours on Wilkins Ave, Hamilton Ave or Negley Ave

ABOUT THE EVENT

The event is organized by the bike and pedestrian advocacy organization, 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.

“OpenStreetsPGH invites the community to get outside and be active, providing an opportunity to reimagine our streets as places for people, not just cars,” said Scott Bricker, executive director of Bike Pittsburgh.

This year, an estimated 36,000 people participated in BikePGH’s May OpenStreetsPGH event and 45,000 in June.

“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.”

Media and the public are encouraged to visit openstreetspgh.org/media/, or follow OpenStreetsPGH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for updates and details on event happenings.