Check to make sure your bike’s in good working order before you ride: Do an ABC Quick Check

1. Check the AIR PRESSURE of your tires. Inflate to recommended PSI (limit is written on the sidewall of your tires)
2. Check your BRAKES. Your brake lever should not touch the handlebars when you squeeze them. If you have rim brakes, make sure the brake pads rub against the metal rims, not the rubber on the tires. 
3. Check your CHAIN and your drive-train mechanism (shifters and derailleurs) to see if it is lubricated and working properly

Need some help? Call to make an appointment with a local bike shop.

And don’t forget– if you’re riding at night, bike lights are required by law! Here’s how to Stay Visible while Riding in Low Light

Toto, we’re not in the suburbs anymore. Knowing how to lock your bike properly in the city is making sure your ride is still there when you’re ready to roll home. 

• Get a proper U-Lock to use as your primary lock. Chain locks can and will be cut.

• Need a U-Lock? Grab one from a local shop. 

• Remember to lock to your bike frame. Click for how-to video

• Lock to permanent fixtures such as a bike rack. Signs may be loose and railings may be broken, so double check that what you’re locking to is locked to the ground. Do not lock to trees. 

Use our “Route Recommendations” for navigation specific to the NFL Draft

Use The Pittsburgh Bike Map for local route planning and to find the best city streets to access the trails. For trail closures, please see the Friends of the Riverfront Trail Alerts page for the latest information.

Choose your route wisely: Make sure to consider the distance and elevation change – Pittsburgh hills are no joke.

RIDE SAFELY

• Yield to pedestrians and give them space!
• Ring your bike bell and say “On your left!” when passing
• Wear a helmet, and make sure to adjust it correctly
• Obey all traffic laws
• Drink water, have a snack, and stretch before riding to prevent injury 
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• Riding at night? Be sure to have bike lights

RIDE PREDICTABLY

• Use hand signals when turning
• Stop at all stop lights and stop signs
• Ride in the rightmost lane (unless turning left) or the bike lane
• Do not cross over the double yellow line on the road
• Do not ride on sidewalks in business districts. It is illegal.
• Ride no more than two abreast
• Try to avoid sudden movements left and right
• Take the lane rather than weaving in and out of parked cars

Riding in a Group? Watch our video: Group Ride Etiquette Every Cyclist Needs to Know

• Give other riders plenty of space both in front of you and to the side
• Say “car up” or “car back” to alert other cyclists in your group of approaching vehicles
• Alert other riders if you are going to stand or use your brakes – say “slowing / stopping”
• Point out potholes, glass, loose gravel, etc. to cyclists around you

There is free parking in Millvale Riverfront Park. From there, it’s an easy ride along the North Shore Trail directly to the event site. 

• Local tip: This route passes by the original Heinz factory!

There is free parking in South Side Riverfront Park where you can jump on the bike trail into Downtown via the Smithfield St Bridge (use the sidewalk). In Downtown, take Smithfield St and make a left onto Third Ave to the Stanwix St bike lanes, where you’ll be close to The Point.

Heading home, you can do the reverse, as Third Ave is two way for bikes thanks to the bike lane, and the Smithfield St bus lanes allow people on bikes.

• Local tip: Unfortunately, there is a break in the trail between S 3rd and S 2nd. You’ll need to ride along a shared, albeit slow, McKean St for a block.

Consider parking in the Four Mile Run Park Parking lot and take an easy pedal along the Eliza Furnace Trail all the way to Smithfield St in Downtown. From there, follow the directions from the South recommendation above.

An alternate parking location is on Blair St in Hazelwood Green, with instant access to the trail system, however, parking is on-street and paid via a kiosk.

• Local tip: If you’re looking for a longer ride, you can park for free in Homestead at the Pump House parking lot. It’s a beautiful ride along the Monongahela River, and you may even see some bald eagles!

There is free parking along Westhall St, with easy access to the Chateau Trail, which will take you directly to the site. Be aware if the current trail closure for a section due to construction, but the detour is fairly low stress streets and a sidewalk is clearly marked. This will get you as close as the Rivers Casino, where there are a large number of bike racks next to the trail.

An alternate parking location is at the Duquesne Incline Parking lot, with easy access to the trail to the Smithfield St Bridge (follow directions from the South recommendation above).

• Local tip: The City installed a temporary 2-way protected bike lane along Beaver Ave to facilitate the trail detour due to the construction closure