UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH is BikePGH’s annual fundraiser ride on August 24, 2025

It’s the return of Pittsburgh’s biggest bike ride, which also serves as a full-on tour of the city’s most iconic, scenic, and downright fun spots to bike. Whether you’re tackling the full 62-mile challenge or cruising the family-friendly 10-miler, PedalPGH’s four curated routes get you riding the best of Pittsburgh by bike. And YES, adaptive bikes and e-bikes are always welcome!

Here are the top spots to take in at PedalPGH

• Allegheny Commons Park in the Northside (all routes: 10, 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: It’s where we party! Beers will be poured and food will be enjoyed. With lots of green grass and shady trees, all routes meet here at the start and the finish. The layout of the paths through this park have remained the same since they were established over 150 years ago in 1784. It is the oldest park in the city… now, that’s history! Riverview Park is also one of our PGH road cyclists’ favorite spot for loops.
• Three Rivers Heritage Trail (all routes: 10, 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: An urban rail trail that runs parallel to the river, has great views of the city, and is maintained by our pals at Friends of the Riverfront.
• Davis Ave Bridge, Riverview Park – (routes: 40 and 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: It’s spankin’ brand new, a really gorgeous view, and an important bike/ped connection in Brighton Heights and Riverview Park. The bridge is a vital community link that’s been gone since 2009. After the bridge, get ready one of the best climbs in the city through Riverview Park. If you want a brief side quest off the route, we also recommend climbing up to the Historic Allegheny Observatory.
• Smithfield St Bridge – (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: A great big bridge, shaped like an infinity symbol! Going inbound you get a classic view of the city, going outbound you head by Pittsburgh’s historic Station Square and toward South Side.

• 28th St Bridge, Polish Hill (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: Connecting Polish Hill and the Strip District, this bridge calls to memory PGH’s industrial past, while spanning over Sassafras Way, Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, and the Pittsburgh Regional Transit East Busway. Continuing up Brereton St, riders get a glimpse of historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (the big green dome that can be seen from miles around!), while also getting a taste of Polish Hill’s unique neighborhood charm (filled with punks and normies alike).
• Rachel Carson Bridge, Downtown – (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: One of the Three Sisters Bridges, spanning the Allegheny River in Downtown Pittsburgh. Also known as the Ninth Street Bridge, this one’s named for conservationist icon and legend, Rachel Carson. At night, she lights up!

• Grandview Ave, Mt. Washington (routes: 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: It’s literally called GRAND VIEW… There’s only one way to get this view, and that’s to make the climb. This one will take you up PJ McArdle and under the iconic Mon Incline. And this long, steep journey is well worth the reward.
• Serpentine Drive, Schenley Park (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: A scenic, twisty road through historic Schenley Park, car-free Serpentine Dr lives up to its name. These rolling hills are one of the best riding sections, with an amazing descent through one of PGH’s biggest parks. It will make you forget you’re riding in an urban core.

• Hot Metal Bridge (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: One of Pittsburgh’s more goth bridges, this dark black truss bridge was used during Pittsburgh’s steel mill era and has since been converted for car-free enjoyment. It crosses the Monongahela River and connects South Oakland to South Side to the Eliza Furnace Trail, aka the Jail Trail.
• Lincoln Ave, Larimer (routes: 40, 62) –
  • Why’s it cool?: Roadies love this one, too! It’s a long, sustained climb. One of few spots that briefly leaves the city.
• All 5 major parks! (routes: 25, 40, 62) –
  • Almost every route hits at least one (or more) beautiful city park! Cruise through the rolling hills and green trees of Riverview, Schenley, Highland, Frick, and Emerald View Parks.

*Please Note: Routes may vary due to road issues, construction, and more on the day of the event. Pay attention to posted signs and follow any posted detours while riding. Make sure to consider the distance and the elevation when choosing your route.

Next Steps

1.) Register now! You do not need to choose your route when you register, rather, you can make the decision at your leisure.

• The 10 Mile Northside Loop: A mostly flat, family-friendly ride along the riverfronts. Ride fully on trails and protected bike lanes (~200ft of elevation)
• The 25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour: See the best highlights of the Steel City with this on-street route. There’s some climbing to challenge the average rider (~1130ft of elevation)
• The 40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour: A challenging route for more experienced riders, an opportunity to see most parts of the city and tackle some serious hills (~2500ft of elevation)
• The 62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge: A metric century ride – for highly experienced riders and strong climbers only! Grind your way to the top of PGH’s iconic hills with ~4500 ft of elevation). All riders must be able to keep a minimum average pace of 10 mph and should drop to follow the 40 mile route if they are having difficulty.

2.) Look out for the UPMC Health Plan Pedal PGH 2025 Digital Ride Guide coming to your email inbox the week of the event. Route maps, GPS downloads, final details, parking info and more are ONLY available in the Ride Guide and will not be circulated to the general public.

Routes will be marked with colorful way-finding signs to guide you around the city and free audio navigation is also available when using the RidewithGPS app. Download Ride With GPS onto your phone and/or bike computer and familiarize yourself with the route when it becomes available. 

4.) Get your bike ready: Learn how to do an ABC Quick Check here. If your bike needs a tune-up or general service, contact a local shop. Our PedalPGH course mechanics are incredible, but they are not miracle workers – make sure to test the bike you will be riding for event day in time to book a service appointment if needed!

5.) Brush up on your riding skills with our educational videos and blogs