Don’t fright, shine a light!

Since 2011, Bike Pittsburgh has been giving away hundreds of free bike lights and bike helmets annually with its Operation Illumination program. On Friday, November 3rd from 4-6 pm, BikePGH will host its final pop-up light giveaway of 2023 at Southside Color Park near Sly Fox at The Highline. We’ll be giving away free bike lights, helmets, information, and free safety checks courtesy of our friends at Unison Bike Lab! Plus, it’ll also be an exciting mashup event with POGOH (more on that below).

BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways we 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 these events across Pittsburgh.

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

Don’t just get a light, try a bike!

Our friends at POGOH will also be there to show off their brand-new Adaptive POGOH bike fleet at the same time. This fleet of bikes aims to make cycling accessible for people of all abilities. Try out these new bikes free of charge and get more information before the program’s full launch.

EVENT DETAILS:

Operation Illumination – Free bike light giveaway!

Date: Friday, November 3rd, 2023

Time: 4 – 6 PM (while supplies last)

Location: Southside Color Park near Sly Fox at The Highline

To receive your free lights, please be sure to bring your UNLIT BIKE. 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:

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.

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

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.

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. Contact a local bike shop to learn more! 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 you 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!

Upcoming Operation Illumination Dates & Locations:

• Friday, November 3rd from 4-6 pm at The Highline