Bright idea! Stop by Winchester Thurston for BikePGH’s Operation Illumination bike light giveaway

Since 2011, Bike Pittsburgh has been giving away hundreds of free bike lights annually with its Operation Illumination program. On Monday, April 19, Bike Pittsburgh will host the second Operation Illumination Bike Light giveaway of the year.

BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways to provide that assistance. Every year, BikePGH’s goal is to give away 200 hundred bike lights across the communities of Pittsburgh.

The 2021 Operation Illumination bike light giveaway series is sponsored by Starkist

Did you know? Riding without lights not only makes bicyclists near-invisible after dark – it’s also a ticket-able offense. PA state law requires front lights and rear reflectors to be visible after dusk and before dawn. Lightless biking is risky, and whether people are simply unaware or they cannot afford lights, we want to ensure that they are covered.

What to expect? BIKE LIGHTS!  BikePGH staff and volunteers will provide bike lights until time or supplies run out (whichever comes first). Unlit cyclists will be flagged down and called over so we can install front and rear light sets on their bikes.

Cyclists who stop by will also receive BikePGH’s Biking 101 Guide (a graphic comic which tells you the basics of biking safely in the city of bridges) and the Pittsburgh Bike Map.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, April 19, 2021
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (while supplies last)
• Location: We will be setting up on the wide sidewalk in front of the Winchester Thurston building located at 5099 Ellsworth Ave.
• To receive your free lights, please be sure to bring your UNLIT BIKE, as we cannot give you a pair of lights without a bike present. We do this to ensure that we are distributing lights that can be put to use on bikes immediately.
• COVID-19 Policy: Operation Illumination will be operating outdoors, but we will require you to wear a mask as you approach our staff members and observe social distancing using the lineup markings provided. 

PS: If you already own lights please don’t request a set. This event was intended for people who cannot afford lights.

Need a bike? BikePGH has partnered with Bike Match to connect people who have an extra bicycle with people who need one. Whether you have a bike or need a bike, we are here to help. Join the #BikeMatch program, or spread the word to help us get as many donors and recipients matched as possible! Click here to learn more.

Help light the way for others

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, people are looking for safe and affordable ways to navigate the Pittsburgh region, work, carry out essential activities, and get some exercise (while safely social distancing). During the pandemic, ridership has increased around the world! In these trying times, resources have been scarce from bike shortages to local bike shops running out of gear.

Join BikePGH and Starkist in giving back to the cycling community and make a contribution to the Operation Illumination program today. Click here to contribute. ($30 is the cost of one set of lights for an unlit rider.)

Operation Illumination is also supported by MoveForwardPGH

MoveForwardPGH is an initiative of the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure to implement their new Bike(+) Plan. Working with its local nonprofit partners, BikePGH and Healthy Ride, the City will engage the community throughout the process of installing new bike-friendly connections throughout Pittsburgh.

Shadyside Bike Corridor Connection Public Meeting

Wednesday, April 21, at 6:00 p.m., join the City for a virtual public meeting about the Shadyside Bike Connector and weigh in on proposals for the Shadyside Corridor.

The Shadyside Corridor has long been an important route and connector for people on bikes, ranking high in the city’s annual bike count. Sandwiched between the high traffic volumes of Fifth Ave and the Baum/Centre corridor, it provides one of the better bicycling options for an east-west connection between Oakland and points east. 

Public Meeting Details:
When: Wednesday, April 21, at 6:00 p.m.
What: Shadyside Bike Connector
Where: Zoom (use the link here)