It’s that time of year! We’re in the middle of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping season, but did you know there’s a better way to do it that combines convenience, efficiency, and sustainability?

You guessed it— shopping by bike. Whether you’re headed out for gifts, picking up ingredients, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, biking can make your experience more enjoyable and beneficial for both you, local businesses, and your community.

Why Holiday Shopping by Bike is the Perfect Combination of Convenience, Efficiency, and Sustainability

When you think of holiday shopping, what comes to mind? If you’ve got a car-centric brain, then you’re probably thinking traffic jams, crowded parking lots, and the stress of finding a parking spot near your destination. However, if you’re thinking of it with the bike in mind, then honey you’ve got another, much more enjoyable, thing coming!

Getting on your bike (or a Pogoh bike share rental) for your holiday shopping means you can avoid the headache of driving and parking… and, you never have to worry about paying for bike parking. It’s also an environmentally-friendly choice, especially in a season when carbon footprints tend to rise. Every bike ride eliminates the need for a car trip, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

One of my personal favorite reasons to bike during the holidays is slightly cheesy, but I’ll say it anyways: I literally love rolling slow and seeing the lights! Yes, I’m a sucker for the holiday sights, and biking really puts you at a great vantage point to enjoy decorations. Become one with the holly jolly.

Biking is good for local business

One of the most important aspects of holiday shopping is supporting local businesses. Shopping locally helps strengthen our communities and keeps money circulating in our Pittsburgh economy. Local businesses are the heart of neighborhoods, and they thrive when we show up to spend our dollars with them. Riding your bike to shop in local areas like Pittsburgh’s iconic Strip District isn’t just a convenient choice; it’s also a choice that shows you care about the longevity of small businesses…. aaaaand that you know where to get the good olives (here’s lookin’ at you Penn Mac), the best bulk spices (we see you, Penzey’s!), and local spirits (whattup, PA Libations).

And, not only do bike riders tend to make shopping trips more often, but in the long run they tend to spend more money than those who drive. Studies show, cyclists are more likely to make repeat visits to local stores, and they spend more on average per month than car users. By choosing to bike, you are helping to build a more sustainable, thriving local economy.

The Strip District is in need of safe, connected bikeways

As I said, one of the best places to bike for holiday shopping is the Strip District. Known for its vibrant collection of shops, markets, and restaurants, the Strip is a central hub for locals and tourists alike. Thousands of Pittsburghers travel to and through the Strip District every day, whether for commuting, shopping, working, or enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Yet, despite its popularity, the roads in the Strip remain some of the most confusing, aggressive, and dangerous for both pedestrians and cyclists. A project to make the Strip more accessible for walkers and bikers started in 2014, but it has never been fully completed. As a result, cyclists often find themselves navigating poorly designed streets, dodging aggressive drivers, and taking unnecessary risks to get to their destination. It’s a problem that impacts both safety and convenience, discouraging people from biking to one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Thankfully, we’ve had some recent great news for the Strip District– In November, The City was awarded a grant for $1M to construct the Smallman St Complete Street project!

A fully completed bikeway would make the Strip District not only safer but also more inviting for cyclists and pedestrians. A connected network of bike lanes to and through the Strip would allow shoppers to easily access the area, visit local businesses, and leave without the stress of navigating through dangerous, car-dominated streets. When people feel safe biking, they’re more likely to ride, and when people ride, they shop.

That means, creating safe, accessible spaces for cyclists is a great way to improve the bottom line for local businesses. Studies show that improving bike infrastructure leads to increased foot traffic, which directly benefits merchants. It’s a small investment that yields big returns for local economies. You can hear directly from some local Strip District business owners here on why they support Safe Trips in the Strip.

As Pittsburgh continues to grow, it’s essential that we advocate for better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists

Whether you’re cruising to the Strip District for shopping or exploring your local neighborhood stores, biking is the way to go. (Oh, and don’t forget to check out our tips for Winter Riding here!).

A safe, connected bikeway to and through all of our neighborhoods is critical not only for safety but also for the health of our local businesses, and our city’s livability and longterm sustainability. We have the power to together to make our city a better place for everyone to shop, ride, and thrive.

Happy riding and happy holidays, from BikePGH’s favorite holiday elf.