Operation Illumination Lights Up The Strip on May 8th

Bright idea: Stop by De Fer Coffee in The Strip for our first bike light giveaway of the year!

Since 2011, Bike Pittsburgh has been giving away hundreds of free bike lights and helmets annually with its Operation Illumination program. On Thursday, May 8th from 5-7 pm, BikePGH will host the first Operation Illumination giveaway of 2025 in front of De Fer Coffee at 2002 Smallman Street in The Strip.

BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways to provide that assistance. Last year we gave out over seven hundred free bike light sets and over two hundred helmets at events across Pittsburgh. As you may have heard, BikePGH is working to make The Strip’s streets safer for everyone who uses them, so we’re proud to bring to bring this vital program to this historic neighborhood!

This year’s free bike light and helmet giveaways are made possible thanks to generous support from US Steel.

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 Dani 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 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: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (while supplies last)
Location: In front of De Fer Coffee (2002 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)

PS: If you already own lights please do not 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 the Pittsburgh Bike Map as well as information on all of our upcoming classes and events!

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!