Wrapping up a year of giveaways

BikePGH is transforming our streets to keep riders safe – one bike light set at a time. On Wednesday, November 3, we concluded the 2021 Operation Illumination season with our final event of the year which gave away over 40 light sets to riders on the new Bloomfield-Friendship neighborway.

BikePGH hosted events all across the city between April and November, with pop up giveaways in the Northside, Shadyside, Brookline, Homewood, and Bloomfield. This year, knowing that we can’t be everywhere, we also partnered with bike focused programs and youth groups like the Pitt Bike Cave, The Homewood Community Health and Wellness Summit, Brookline Teen Outreach, the Sponsor a Commuter program at Obama Academy, and Ruach Bicycle Club to distribute bike lights to those in need through their networks.

In total 417 front and rear light sets, 45 locks, 40 helmets, and 20 patch kits were given away to unlit riders this year!

More bike lights, more safety

BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways we are able to provide that assistance. We are proud to say that BikePGH has been able to provide riders in communities across Pittsburgh with free bike lights for 10 years now! With more and more people riding bikes, we want to ensure that no cyclist goes without bike lights and that cost is never a barrier to a safe commuting experience. Increasing visibility decreases vulnerability by helping all road users – biking, walking, or driving – to see and be seen.

Lighting the way forward

The Operation Illumination series would not have been possible without the generous support of our presenting sponsor – StarKist! BikePGH is extremely grateful for this support of our work and help in ensuring rider safety. You can also join BikePGH in giving back to the cycling community by making a contribution to support all programs today.

Stay Connected

We’ll be back next year to give away even more lights – keep an eye out by following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter for information about the next season of giveaways starting in the Spring of 2022! Until then check out our other resources, publications, and upcoming events.

We’ll see you next year – remember to stay safe, stay active, and stay visible.