Experience the famous bridges, hills, rivers, and the best views of the city at BikePGH’s annual fundraiser ride on August 30
Western PA’s biggest bike ride happens every year right here in Pittsburgh! And it’s a full-on tour of the city’s most iconic, scenic, and downright fun spots to bike. Whether you’re tackling the full 53-mile challenge, the 25-mile, 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, e-bikes, kids, and dogs are welcome.
40-miler Reminder: The 40-Mile Route isn’t marked with its own color of turn by turn signs this year, but you can still ride it! Just follow the PINK 53-Mile signs and follow the bailout signage to skip the Troy Hill and Mt. Washington climbs.
Here are the top spots to take in at PedalPGH
- Allegheny Commons Park in the Northside (all routes: 10, 25, 53) –
- Why’s it cool?: It’s where we party! Beers from Two Frays and Allegheny City Brewing 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)-
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: 53) –
Why’s it cool?: It’s gorgeous view and an important biking and walking connection in Brighton Heights and Riverview Park. 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, 53) –
Why’s it cool?: A great big bridge, shaped like an infinity symbol if you look at it from the side! 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, 53) –
- 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, 53) –
- 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: 53) –
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, 53) –
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.
Schenley Plaza, Oakland (routes 25, 53) –
Why’s it cool?: This luscious green space is surrounded by 2 of Pittsburgh’s most famous landmarks, The Cathedral of Learning and the Carnegie Museum + Library complex.
The plaza was once a parking lot for nearby universities and Forbes Field. It is now a 5-acre park complete with permanent canopy tent, merry go round, and restaurants. It’s a great example of taking back space for people!
- Hot Metal Bridge (routes: 25, 53) –
- 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.
- All 5 major parks! (routes: 25, 53) –
- 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 Grandview 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.
OK, now what?
1.) Register now! You do not need to choose your route the day you register, rather, you can make the decision at your leisure:
The 10-Mile Outside+ Northside Loop: ~200 ft of elevation
- A fun, mostly flat route that mostly follows river trails and protected bike lanes, with a few on-road sections. This novice-friendly, all-ages ride starts at Allegheny Commons Park, loops around the historic Manchester neighborhood, rolls along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to Millvale, and ends back at the park for the Finish Line Festival.
- Highlights include: Historic Manchester Loop, The National Aviary, the scenic river trail ride along the Allegheny River, and Millvale Riverfront Park.
25 Mile Steel City Media Tour: 1,200 ft of elevation
- For those looking to explore a little more of the city and see Pittsburgh’s best highlights, we have the route for you! This ride offers plenty of fun on lower-traffic streets, some of which feature bike infrastructure, as you sightsee throughout Pittsburgh’s North Side, East End, South Side, and Downtown.
- There will be some climbing, since we *are* in Pittsburgh after all! This ride has 1,200ft of elevation to challenge average riders. Rest stops are strategically placed along the route to keep the party going and support riders of all experience levels.
- Route Highlights include:
Iconic Bridges
Punchy Polish Hill Climbs
Bustling Strip District Terminal
Car-free Serpentine Drive
53 Mile U.S. Steel Endurance Challenge: 3,700 ft of elevation
- An exhilarating ride for cyclists seeking a true challenge. You will climb over 3,700ft of intense hills and journey through over 30 Pittsburgh urban and suburban neighborhoods. Earn your PGH bonafides dominating the toughest hills to the North, East, and South of the City.
- Please note, this route is for experienced cyclists only – be sure to preview the route in advance. It is suggested to ride this route only if you can maintain an average speed of 10-12MPH over the entire 53 miles. You don’t want to miss the Finish Line Festival!
Route Highlights include: Davis Avenue bike/ped bridge
Climbs to Riverview Park, Troy Hill, and Mt. Washington
Car-free Serpentine Drive
Iconic Bridges
PGH’s Longest Protected Bike Lane!
40-miler Reminder: The 40-Mile Route isn’t marked with its own color of turn by turn signs this year, but you can still ride it! Just follow the PINK 53-Mile signs and follow the bailout signage to skip the Troy Hill and Mt. Washington climbs.
2.) Look out for the UPMC Health Plan Pedal PGH 2026 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.
3.) 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
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