Operation Illumination Returns May 2nd!

Bright idea 💡 Stop by Obama Academy for our first bike light giveaway of the year

Since 2011, Bike Pittsburgh has been giving away hundreds of free bike lights and bike helmets annually with its Operation Illumination program. On Tuesday, May 2nd from 5-7 pm, BikePGH will host the first Operation Illumination giveaway of 2023.

BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways to provide that assistance. Last year, thanks to the support of Edgar Snyder and Associates we gave out over five hundred free bike lights and over two hundred helmets at events across Pittsburgh.

🎥 WATCH

Check out this video to see it all on action and hear the real stories of Pittsburghers who have received lights from us. Thank you to Danielle Dawn (Early Dawn Productions) for capturing these great moments and putting this awesome video together!

The 2023 Operation Illumination bike light giveaway series is sponsored by Edgar Snyder and Associates

Did you know?

Riding without lights not only makes bicyclists near-invisible after dark – it’s also a ticketable 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.

🔦Help light the way for others

Pittsburghers are looking for safe, affordable, and sustainable ways to navigate the region, work, carry out essential activities, and get some exercise. We don’t want cost to be a barrier between people and essential safety equipment for biking!

Join BikePGH 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.)

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (while supplies last) 📍
📍 Location: We will be setting up on the wide sidewalk in front of Obama Academy at the corner of Highland Ave and East Liberty Blvd.
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.

PS: If you already own lights please don’t request a set. This event is intended for people who cannot afford lights. If you cannot make it to an event but still need a set of lights, contact education@bikepgh.org

What to expect?

BIKE LIGHTS! BikePGH staff and volunteers will provide free 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 will also receive BikePGH’s Biking 101 Guide (a graphic comic that tells you the basics of biking safely in the city of bridges) and the Pittsburgh Bike Map.

Tips for Riding in the Dark

Illuminate your ride: Use a white headlight and a rear reflector (or better yet, a red tail light) when riding in the dark. Try rechargeable batteries and keep your bike lights charged. Sick of dealing with batteries? A generator hub and light set may be a better option for you. PA state law states that the reflector and lights must be visible for 500 feet. Grab a friend and photograph each others’ bikes from a distance to see how visible your really are.
Assume drivers don’t see you: Veer on the side of caution and don’t assume that a driver can see you, even when you have the right of way. Give traffic an extra look before crossing at intersections.

Dress brightly: Wear reflective materials and/or bright-colored attire (high visibility helmet, jacket, shoes, and gloves are all items you can buy at your local bike shop). Reflective tape or stickers for your bicycle and gear are also a great idea!