Everything you need to know about Western PA’s biggest bike ride – UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH 2026

Get ready to ride in the 33rd Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH on Sunday August 30th, 2026

Pittsburgh, it’s almost time to ride! On Sunday, August 30 we’ll have 3000 bike riders taking to the streets for the biggest bike ride in Western Pennsylvania. This is a fundraiser for BikePGH and a celebration of how far Pittsburgh has come as a biking city. Remember, streets will remain open to car traffic as we pedal across the bike infrastructure that BikePGH and supporters have spent more than 20 years advocating and pushing for.

Whether you’re a longtime cyclist or gearing up for your first big ride, PedalPGH is your chance to ride the city while also supporting our mission to make Pittsburgh better for biking and waking. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know ahead of event day!

Step 1: Preview the Routes

We welcome cyclists of all ages and fitness levels, and to make that possible we have different routes for riders to choose from on event day. Each route is a different length, and each one takes you through iconic Pittsburgh neighborhoods, parks, and bridges. Yes, there really is a ride for everyone!

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: Historic Manchester Loop, The National Aviary, the scenic river trail ride along the Allegheny River, and Millvale Riverfront Park.

*We’re also leading a Slow Roll group ride: This is great for anyone who is new to riding, riding with kiddos, or maybe you just want to ride with a chill group. Look for our signs in Allegheny Commons to join!

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. 

Highlights: 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! 

Highlights: 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!

  • Looking for the 40-miler? Follow pink 53-mile signs + orange bailout signage located before major climbs. Digital maps and navigation for the 40-miler will be available on Ride with GPS and Strava.

When you register, you won’t need to choose your route immediately. It’s flexible, and zero pressure – simply decide what route you’re riding on event day and make sure to arrive for that route’s rolling start time! Start times are available below and more details will also be available online in the 2026 Ride Guide.

Step 2: Review the Schedule + Festival Details

Start / Finish Line: Allegheny Commons Park West

All PedalPGH routes begin and end in Allegheny Commons Park in the North Side. From here, participants choose to embark on any of our routes. Routes are marked with colorful way-finding signs to guide you around the city and free digital navigation is also available via RidewithGPS and Strava.

➤ 7:30 – 8:00am- 53 Mile U.S. Steel Endurance Challenge departs (if you’re riding the 40, you can leave around then, too)

➤ 8:30 – 9:00am- 25 Mile Steel City Media Tour departs

➤ 9:30 – 10:00am- 10 Mile Outside+ North Side Loop departs

➤ 11:00am – 3:00pm- Finish Line Festival at Allegheny Commons Park (*ends at 3pm!)

Featuring….

  • Local beer garden (21+ must show ID) — thanks to Allegheny City Brewing + Two Frays Brewery!
  • Local food trucks and treats
  • Activities for the whole family at the Kids Zone
    • with activities from the City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Moonshot Museum, and Kamin Science Center.
  • Photo booth
  • Lawn games and hanging out in the park with friends
  • Merchandise for Sale

Step 3: Learn WHY we ride, and if you haven’t yet, register now!

As a fundraiser, UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH makes it possible for BikePGH to continue to transform our streets and communities into vibrant, healthy places by making them safe and accessible for everyone to bike and walk. We’re on pace for registrations to sell out quickly, so sign up today if you want to explore Pittsburgh by bike at the 33rd Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH!

Step 4: Know before you go

  • The 2026 Digital Ride Guide is coming to your email inbox soon! It has the Routes, Schedule, GPS downloads, and parking info. Be sure to check your spam folder.
  • Come to Packet Pickup (info below) to collect your ride supplies, including your bib number with Lunch/Drink ticket
  • Get your bike ready
    • Do an ABC quick check!  Find out how here
    • If your bike needs a tune-up or general service, contact a local shop, like, YESTERDAY!  
  • Brush up on your riding skills with all our educational resources
  • Download Ride With GPS onto your phone and/or bike computer and familiarize yourself with the routes
  • Remember: If you got a Fundraiser ticket, you have until the 30th to raise $250 for our mission!

Step 5: Visit a Packet Pickup day at the BikePGH Office

All registered riders should pick up their ride materials in advance at Packet Pickup at the BikePGH office in Lawrenceville. Your packet has everything you need to be ready to roll on event day! Ride packets will NOT be mailed to you.

Location: BikePGH – 188 43rd St #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 – Lawrenceville

➤ Pick up your packet during these Hours of Operation:

At packet pickup you will receive:

  • 2026 t-shirt (wear it on event day!)
  • Bib number & safety pins
  • Paper cue sheets available on request (limited quantities)
  • 2026 Jersey (with Premium/Fundraiser tickets)
  • Sponsor giveaways
  • Browse our merch FLASH SALE 

➤ If you cannot make packet pickup, you must:

1) Have someone else pick up your packet for you: All they need is the First & Last Name that you registered with, and/or your confirmation email.
2) Come early on event day:
 A MINIMUM of 30 mins in advance of your ride’s start time. 

Step 6: Make sure you have these items on event day

  • Your bike in good working order
  • A helmet and bike lock
  • Your bib number & safety pins
    • *Remember: Your bib has your Lunch ticket if you are a Premium or Fundraiser rider, or, if you purchased Lunch as an add-on when you registered.
  • Wear your PedalPGH 2026 T-shirt or jersey!
  • Your ID for the Beer Garden
  • Credit/debit card or cash
  • A phone with your route downloaded on the free Ride with GPS app (or your device of choice)
  • Two refillable water bottles
  • A multitool, mini-bike pump, plus tire levers, patch kit, and a tube for your tire size and valve type.
    • *Note: PedalPGH has mechanic support, but our SAG drivers are not mechanics. If you call for a SAG vehicle pickup, they will take you to the nearest rest stop for support. Learn how to fix a flat with our video! 
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable gear for riding: Watch the forecast and dress appropriately- the ride is rain or shine.
  • Your riding buddies! 

And that’s it for now! Keep an eye out in your email inbox for the official 2026 Ride Guide.