Education at BikePGH would not be possible without our network of dedicated educators who teach classes, assist at events, work with schools and communities, and give private lessons. We created the Educator Spotlight Series to highlight these individuals and the incredible work they do to promote and teach cycling in the community.

Aryn shares the skills and knowledge to keep your bike rolling!

What is your name and preferred pronouns?

Aryn Gaslowitz she, etc

Do you represent a club or organization? Tell us about it!

Makeshift Bikes! It is mostly a bike shop. I do repairs and have various things for sale. There is some space for folks to come in to use tools for DIY repairs, and of course, there are classes available! I offer bicycle maintenance classes any Saturday afternoon when at least a couple of people sign up ahead of time. There are a variety of topics available and each week I tailor my instruction to the experience level and interests of the students who come. The shop runs occasional special programs. Learn more and sign up here.

What kind of bike education do you specialize in? Do you focus on a certain population or community?

I love teaching basic mechanics to folks who want to know more about their bikes. Especially people who may not have felt as welcome in other spaces, but really, the space is open to anyone who wants to be more comfortable with tackling their own repairs, anything from just-in-case roadside stuff to a full overhaul that they wouldn’t be able to try on their own.

How long have you been a bike educator and how did you get involved with bike education?

I started teaching the basic mechanics series at Free Ride maybe eleven years ago. I did some youth programming, partnering with camps and school programs there. I have since taught some one-off programs at the Children’s Museum and set up a bike repair stand in the park for years, sharing what I know with whoever stopped by.

Do you give private lessons – how should students contact you?

I can do private lessons. Reach out by calling (412-586-5410) or emailing (makeshiftbikes@protonmail.com) the shop, or filling out the contact form on the website and writing in the comments that you’d like a private class.

What is one piece of advice you give new bike riders?

I often tell people that it is scarier to think about riding in the street than to do it. So maybe get comfortable with just yourself and your bike on the trail first, but know that once you are out on the road you probably won’t feel as nervous as when you were home thinking about how you could never ride on the street. Take up space and ride confidently, but the biggest hurdle is to just start riding. Or am I supposed to say something about mechanics? I tell people it is good to know at least a little about how their bikes work. You may feel more comfortable going out in the world if you are prepared to speak with shared terminology about what you notice happening with it, especially as a woman or queer person.

What advice would you give aspiring bike educators?

Don’t be afraid to share what you know, even if you make a living by implementing it.

What has been your favorite experience in bike education?

It feels good to explain things in a way that my students understand, see those connections happen, and be able to implement what they have learned.

Where is your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh?

I like Noblestown Rd. That’s a weird one, I guess, but it mostly has a good shoulder and I like the grade of the hill(s), I’ve found a lot of reasons to ride out that way over the years. Also, going out through Woods Run up into Riverview Park.

Do you have a favorite bike currently or from the past? Why is it your favorite?

I do not have a favorite bike.

What’s your favorite riding snack?

I don’t think I have a favorite riding snack. I pack full meals if I’m going to be out a while, or sometimes nothing for shorter rides. I didn’t shy away from hauling cabbages or watermelon when that struck me while touring. (Cabbage keeps pretty well if you won’t be able to get veg for a while). Peanut butter? I don’t know. I like eating things, generally.

Anything else you’d like our community to know about you?

Probably!

Editor’s Note:

We love that Aryn is always willing to be a resource to our community by hosting classes at Makeshift Bikes or partnering with our various programs from Open Streets to Operation Illumination to our WMNBikePGH program. Look for her at one of our events or, even better, visit Makeshift Bikes at 431 E. Ohio St.!

Would you like to be featured or know another educator who should be? Let us know by emailing education@bikepgh.org. If you’re looking for more information on classes and lessons, visit our Education page.