Thinking about biking to class this year but don’t know where to start?

Celebrate Bike to Campus Week with us, and learn everything from finding the right bike, to safely navigating to and from class and more! Welcome and have a seat; class is in session. We have all the resources you need to get to your classes in safety and style!  

What kind of bike do I need and where can I get one?

Although there is a wide variety of bikes available, the kind of bike you ride is all about your personal preferences, style, and resources. If you’re looking to buy a new bike, visit a local bike shop (LBS) and try out some different styles. 

You can also order a bike online, but you won’t be able to try the bike out beforehand, and you may not be able to return it if it’s not a good fit. Regardless of the style of bike you purchase, consider the ability to add lights for riding at night, racks or bags to carry your books, and fenders to keep your clothes dry if it rains.  

If you’re looking to buy a used bike, there are plenty for sale on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace; but buyer beware, used bikes may have rust, damage, and wear that may necessitate costly repairs. If possible, bring a knowledgeable friend to help inspect a used bike before purchasing, and if it seems like a bad deal- don’t be afraid to walk away. If finances are an issue, check out BikePGH’s Bike Match program; someone may have the right bike for you! 

Last but not least, visit Free Ride and The Pitt Bike Cave. These cooperative shops may have the perfect project bike if you’re the DIY type. 

For more info: check out our blog and video on How to Buy a Bike in Pittsburgh!

And whether you get your own bike or not, look into Pittsburgh’s bike share system: Healthy Ride. Your college or university may even offer a discount!  

I’ve got a new bike-yay!  What else do I need to know?

In addition to lights and possibly racks and fenders, buy a U-lock or other high-quality lock to secure your bike. Make sure to secure the mainframe of your bike to a bike rack, not a tree or object that can be easily removed.

Check out BikePGH’s best tips on locking your bike here.

Your bike is a means of transportation, but it’s also a vehicle for your style! Personalizing your bike can help you stand out from the crowd and recover it if someone steals it. You can even register your bike to help reclaim it in the event of theft.

Here’s our guide on making the bike your own!

I haven’t ridden on the road in traffic before?  What do I need to know?

BikePGH has spent almost twenty years making Pittsburgh more accessible for biking and walking. There has never been a better time to start riding! Get the most recent edition of The Pittsburgh Bike Map to find the best routes around town and our Biking 101 Guide for all of our best practices on commuting by bicycle.

You can also brush up on your riding skills and learn how to use all our new bicycle infrastructure with a Confident City Cycling Class; your college or university may even be hosting one. Lastly, if you’re a first-time rider and would like one-on-one lessons with a certified instructor, BikePGH can help!

Read all our 12 best tips for new Pittsburgh riders!

Do I need to wear special clothes to bike to campus? 

Only if you want to! You don’t need to be kitted out like a Tour de France racer to bike to campus, but wear what is comfortable for you, and don’t forget the most important accessory: your bike helmet! As it gets colder, wear layers to modulate your body temperature. You may need to remove a layer as you warm up-especially when climbing our Pittsburgh hills!  

Find out more about dressing for year-round riding here! And yes, you can bike ALL year round!

Go on rides- find your community!

Maybe the best tip we can offer is to find your community.  From friends to ride with, to brains to pick for advice, a bike community can assist you. Your college or university may have a bike collective, club, or team that you can join as well.

Look out for flyers or check Facebook, Instagram, or our BikePGH Community Calendar for group rides, scavenger hunts, or alleycat events. Well-established monthly rides like Critical Mass and The PGH Underwear Ride welcome all kinds of riders and bikes, while groups like HSD specialize in mountain biking.  

Did you know only 32% of Pittsburgh bike commuters identify as women? In truly bike-friendly cities, that number is much closer to 50%.

BikePGH’s Women & Non-Binary program was created to break down barriers to bicycling and increase the representation of people who have historically marginalized gender identities. WMNBikePGH aims to connect and empower those who might feel excluded from the male-dominant cycling culture with free educational workshops, group rides, and social events in a safe and supportive environment.

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