Light Up the Summer Night with Operation Illumination

Get your free bike lights on August 16th in Allegheny Commons Park

We have several bike light giveaways this year thanks to Edgar Snyder and Associates!

On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, BikePGH will distribute free front and rear light sets from 5-7 PM at the Northeast Fountain in Allegheny Commons Park as part of Operation Illumination, proudly presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates this year. This event will also feature bike safety checks and minor repairs courtesy of our friends at Makeshift and POGOH bike share.

Operation Illumination is an initiative run by Bike Pittsburgh with the aim to keep riders seen and safe while riding. Not having a bike light can be a barrier that prevents people from riding safely at night, or worse, can be perilous if they continue to ride unlit. For more than 10 years, we’ve been able to distribute free bike lights to people who need them. Read our best advice for riding at night here!

Our friends at Edgar Snyder & Associates, POGOH, and Makeshift will all welcome you

Along with lights, this year BikePGH is able to provide helmets as well, thanks to the generous support of Edgar Snyder & Associates. “Edgar Snyder & Associates is excited to join forces with BikePGH—our organizations are both safety and community-oriented—so this partnership makes total sense,” said Brad Trust, Partner from Edgar Snyder & Associates. “Through their advocacy, training, and outreach, BikePGH has made Pittsburgh a safer city and an overall better place to live. Our firm is proud to help them continue this work through Operation Illumination.”

What to expect? BIKE LIGHTS!  

BikePGH staff and volunteers will provide bike lights and helmets 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 can also pick up BikePGH’s Biking 101 Guide (a graphic comic that tells you the basics of biking safely in the city of bridges) and the legendary Pittsburgh Bike Map.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
  • Time: 5:00 PM –7:00 PM (while supplies last)
  • Location: Allegheny Commons Park Northside near The Northeast Fountain
  • 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.
  • Facebook Event Page

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.

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

There will be at least 2 more opportunities to catch Operation Illumination in 2022. Stay tuned for details:

September 13th

November 3rd

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