Ride Guide 2023
Thank You
Thank you for registering for the 30th Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH Charity Bike Ride.
Proceeds fund BikePGH, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, working on behalf of the Pittsburgh community to make the city safe and accessible for everyone to bike and walk.
Your digital ride guide contains everything you need to know about UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH 2023: information about our four event routes, picking up your ride items at packet pickup, free access to digital & audio navigation through RidewithGPS, ride day checklists, and much more.
Please read the information below fully and carefully to make sure you are ready for event day!
Let’s Get Started!
This year, UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH will be held at a brand new location in Allegheny Commons Park West! See below for location details.
- Please arrive at Allegheny Commons Park in time to depart at your chosen route’s start time on Sunday, August 27
- Routes will be marked with colorful wayfinding signs to guide you around the city
- BikePGH will also provide free digital and audio navigation access through the Ride with GPS app. Printed cue sheets are available upon request at packet pickup and on event day
- Rest Stops will be located along the routes offering Snacks, Water, Portable Restrooms, Bike Mechanic Support free to all riders
- Support and Gear Vehicles circulating the course will transport riders needing assistance to the nearest mechanic or back to Allegheny Commons Park
- Lunch will be provided at the end of the ride back at Allegheny Commons Park, thanks to our partners Bistro to Go
And don’t forget, the Finish Line Festival is BIGGER and BETTER for 2023! Return to Allegheny Commons Park by 2:30 PM to join the celebration with a free lunch and beverage for every rider, games from Shorty’s PinsxPints, sponsor giveaways, a DJ dance party, & more. Details below.
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thank you for registering for the ride! Whether you’re a cycling newbie or enthusiast, we’re thrilled you’re part of the 30th Anniversary of UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH. Get ready to ride through Pittsburgh’s beautiful and challenging landscape on a supported bike adventure. We’ve got it all covered – from routes to rest stops, snacks to mechanics. We’ll celebrate at our NEW start/finish festival in Allegheny Commons Park in Pittsburgh’s Northside. Your participation fuels our mission to make biking and walking in Pittsburgh better and safer for everyone using our streets. Let’s ride, celebrate, and make a difference together!
Scott Bricker
Executive Director
Bike Pittsburgh
Packet Pickup Time & Location
Unless you added and paid for shipping with your registration, packets will not be mailed in advance of the ride. Make sure you stop by to pick up yours!
⏰ Packet Pickup Hours:
THURSDAY AUG 24, 2023 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
FRIDAY AUG 25, 2023 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
📍 Location: BikePGH office (Lawrenceville)
188 43rd St #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
At packet pickup you will receive:
- 2023 T-shirt (wear it on event day!)
- 2023 Water bottle
- Bib number (contains tear off tabs for lunch & beverage) & safety pins
- Swag and treats from event sponsors
- Limited-edition PedalPGH 2023 jersey (Premium Packets only)
Plus, NEW MERCH IS FOR SALE! Get one of only 150 pairs of 2023 PedalPGH socks, or one of 250 reusable waterproof smartphone (or snack!) bags. Browse the limited remaining stock of 2022 jerseys (vintage jerseys too…) and grab some of our wildly popular 2023 BikePGH gear for your closet.
If you cannot make packet pickup, please arrive to the event with enough time in the morning to pick up all your ride items (or at least your bib) before joining your route’s rolling start (recommended MINIMUM 30 mins in advance of ride departure time). All registered riders should wear their bib number during the ride and use the tear off tabs to access the free lunch and free beer (21+ only) .
Event Day Details and Schedule
Date: Sunday August 27, 2023
Event Start / Finish Line: Allegheny Commons Park West
- 6:30am – 10am – PedalPGH Registration & Rolling Start Times
- 🎟 Packet / Bib Number Pickup (if you need to pick up your packet / bib make sure to arrive 30 mins before your route’s rolling start time)
- ☕️ 🥐 Coffee / Breakfast Truck Onsite: Knock About Coffee
- 7:00am – 62 Mile Start – All 62 Mile Riders Depart for the U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge
- 8:00am – 40 Mile Start – All 40 Mile Riders Depart for the Outside+ City Tour
- 9:00am – 25 Mile Start – All 25 Mile Riders Depart for the Steel City Media Local Tour
- 10:00am – 7 Mile Start – All 7 Mile Riders Depart for the BikePGH River Loop
- 🎉 12:00pm – 3pm: Finish Line Festival – All riders arrive back to Allegheny Commons Park
- 🌮 Enjoy a delicious post-ride lunch from Bistro to Go
- 🍪 Put a smile in your belly with Eat n’ Park cookies (while supplies last)
- 🕺🏽 Dance it out with DJ Willionaire
- 🚿Cool down with our bike-powered misting station from Zero Fossil
- 🍻 Sip on a free Straub Beer (21+ only)
- 🥤 Sip on a free Natrona Bottling soda
- 📸 Snap a pic (or gif) at the free PedalPGH photobooth
- 💰 Enjoy games and product giveaways from our sponsors
- ☀️ Lay in the grass with friends and congratulate yourselves on a ride well done
- 🆕 PedalPGH & BikePGH Merchandise for Sale
RIDE SAFELY
- Wear a helmet, and make sure to adjust it correctly
- Obey all traffic laws
- You are responsible for making sure your bike is in working order
- Fuel up before riding with a meal and plenty of water
- Stretch before riding and during breaks to prevent injury
- Choose your route wisely: Out of the four routes, choose the one that you can reasonably accomplish. Preview the route using the links below to choose which route is best for you – make sure to consider the distance and elevation change – Pittsburgh hills are no joke! Note where the rest stop locations will be along your route and the distance between stops.
RIDE PREDICTABLY
Remember, PedalPGH is held on city streets, and you will be riding alongside vehicle traffic. Use your signals and follow all rules of the road!
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- Use hand signals when turning
- Stop at all stop lights and stop signs.
- Yield to pedestrians and give them plenty of space; Leave crosswalks clear for safe walking.
- 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
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times; do not wear headphones while riding.
RIDE POLITELY
You can help lift up the perception of cycling in Pittsburgh, and keep everyone safe by biking respectfully and responsibly. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and communicate with your fellow riders while on the road:
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- 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
- Give other riders plenty of space both in front of you and to the side
For more help with city cycling, visit bikepgh.org/101 to learn the rules of the road.
And finally, ENJOY THE RIDE!
RIDER CHECKLIST
- Choose your route wisely: Out of the four routes, choose the one that you can reasonably accomplish. Preview the route using the links below to choose which route is best for you – make sure to consider the distance and elevation change – Pittsburgh hills are no joke! Note where the rest stop locations will be along your route and the distance between stops.
- Bring everything you need. Here’s your checklist:
- Your bike
- Check to make sure it is in good working order before the ride. Visit bikepgh.org/abc to perform an at-home ABC quick check.
- Sunscreen (or apply beforehand)
- Two full water bottles (freezing one of them the night before is never a bad idea!)
- Helmet
- Phone (for navigation & in case of emergencies!)
- You can call a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle using the number on the back of your bib to be transported to the nearest rest stop location.
- Bib number and safety pins (if you picked them up at packet pickup)
- Spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, mini air pump, and multi-tool
- Money for food trucks at the Finish Line Festival
- Bike lock
- Rain jacket / any other layers you may need
- Face mask (optional, rest stop areas may become crowded!)
- Friends and family members – to ride with you and/or celebrate together with us at the finish!
- Your bike
Prepare your bike
An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order is to do an ABC Quick Check.
- Check the AIR PRESSURE of your tires. Inflate to the recommended limit (written on the sidewall of your tires)
- 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.
- Check your CHAIN and your drive-train mechanism (shifters and derailleurs) to see if it is lubricated and working properly
Need some help to get your bike ready to ride? Call and make an appointment ASAP – local bike shops are busier than ever!
find a local bike shop2023 PedalPGH Routes & Directions
Color-coded signs: Every route will be marked with color-coded cue signs at each turn.
7 Mile BikePGH River Loop – Follow Blue Signs
25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour – Follow Green Signs
40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour – Follow Yellow Signs
62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge – Follow Pink Signs
Ride with GPS Digital Navigation: Follow these directions carefully to access free turn-by-turn audio navigation, route maps, printable cue sheets, and GPS files through the Ride with GPS website or app.
Click the “Download Map on Your Device” button below to get access to the private event, then follow these additional steps to access the routes & free audio navigation on any smartphone:
1. Sign in or create a free account with Ride with GPS
2. Install the free Ride with GPS app on your phone
3. Open the app on your phone and sign in
4. Tap “More”, then “My Events” to access the PedalPGH routes. (Do not search for PedalPGH or the app may show you routes from previous years.)
5. Tap the ride you want to follow and tap Download to save for offline use*. When you’re ready to ride, tap Navigate to get turn by turn alerts and voice navigation.
7. Get familiar with the app before you ride! Test your audio navigation setup, whether relying on your phone speaker or a bluetooth speaker.
Questions about Ride with GPS navigation, or connecting to your GPS device?* Get help here!
Paper directions: Paper cue sheets will be available by request at packet pickup and in limited quantities on ride morning only. Help us limit paper use by following the color-coded signs and using audio navigation.
*Please Note: Exact routes and lengths may change by up to 3 miles due to road issues, construction, etc. on the day of the event.
If downloading the routes in advance, or using a device other than the RidewithGPS app remember to refresh the GPS files on the day of your ride to make sure you have the most up to date cues. Pay attention to posted signs and follow any posted detours while riding.
Download map on your device here
62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge
Follow pink signs
The 62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge is an exhilarating ride for cyclists seeking a true challenge. You will climb nearly 4,800 feet of intense hills and journey through the North Hills to earn your PGH bonafides through over a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods. Please note, this route is for experienced cyclists only – be sure to preview the route in advance – follow drop signage to the 40 mile if you are running behind!
⏱ Start Time: 7:00am
We recommend starting on time to beat the heat and return to the finish in time for lunch! Support and Gear vehicles are available from 7 am – 2 pm.
Rest Stops:
💧Avonworth Elementary Water Stop – 8 – 9:30 am
💧Scholl’s Bikes Water Stop – 9 -11:00 am
💧🍏 Allegheny Commons East Rest Stop (Cedar) – 9 – 12:30 pm
+ Mechanic on-site – SweetWater Bikes
💧🍏 Highland Park Rest Stop 9:45 – 2:00
+ Mechanic on-site – Steady State Cycles
💧🍏 South Side Rest Stop – 10am -3:00pm
+ Mechanic on-site – REI
💧 Emerald View Park – Water Stop – 12 – 2 pm
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place has confirmed GATE 4 will be open at 6am
- Gold Lot/Gold 1 Garage
- Any street parking around Allegheny Commons that is not marked as “no parking”
Route Preview (click to view):
Exact routes and lengths may vary by up to 3 miles and will be continuously updated on RidewithGPS due to road issues, construction, hazards etc. leading up to the day of the event. If you are downloading the routes in advance, or planning on using a device other than the RidewithGPS app remember to refresh the GPS files on the day of the ride to make sure you have the most up to date cues. Pay attention to posted signs and follow any posted detours while riding.
See section above for information on accessing maps and digital navigation through Ride with GPS.
40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour
Follow yellow signs
The 40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour will take you on an adventure through the South Side, Northside, Downtown, and East End. From wooded roads to dense city streets, you will climb 2,500 ft and get a glimpse of more than a dozen Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
⏱ Start Time: 8:00 am
We recommend starting on time to beat the heat and return to the finish in time for lunch! Support and Gear vehicles are available from 7 am – 2 pm.
Rest Stops:
💧Riverview Park – Water Stop- 8-9:30 am
+ Mechanic on-site – Free Ride
💧🍏Allegheny Commons East Rest Stop (Cedar) – 9 – 12:30 pm
+ Mechanic on-site – SweetWater Bikes
💧🍏Highland Park Rest Stop 9:45 – 2:00
+ Mechanic on-site – Steady State Cycles
💧🍏South Side Rest Stop – 10am -3:00pm
+ Mechanic on-site – REI
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place has confirmed GATE 4 will be open at 6am
- Gold Lot / Gold 1 Garage
- Any street parking around Allegheny Commons that is not marked as “no parking”
Route Preview (click to view full route):
Exact routes and lengths may vary by up to 3 miles and will be continuously updated on RidewithGPS due to road issues, construction, hazards etc. leading up to the day of the event. If you are downloading the routes in advance, or planning on using a device other than the RidewithGPS app remember to refresh the GPS files on the day of the ride to make sure you have the most up to date cues. Pay attention to posted signs and follow any posted detours while riding.
See section above for information on accessing maps and digital navigation through Ride with GPS.
25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour
Follow green signs
⏱ Start Time: 9:00 am
For those looking to explore a little more of the city, we have the 25 Mile City Tour. This ride offers plenty of fun on lower-traffic streets, some of which feature bike infrastructure, as you sightsee throughout Pittsburgh’s South Side, Downtown, Northside, and East End. There will be some climbing, since we *are* in Pittsburgh after all! This ride has 1,200 ft of elevation. Rest stops are strategically placed along the route to support riders of all experience levels. We recommend starting on time to beat the heat and return to the finish in time for lunch!
Support and Gear vehicles are available from 7 am – 2 pm.
Rest Stops:
💧🍏 Allegheny Commons Park (East) – Rest Stop – 9 am – 12:30 pm
+ Mechanic on-site – SweetWater Bikes
💧🍏 Highland Park – Rest Stop – 9:45am – 2:00 pm
+ Mechanic on-site – Steady State Cycles
💧🍏 South Side Rest Stop – 10am -3:00pm
+ Mechanic on-site – REI
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place
- Gold Lot
- Any street parking around Allegheny Commons that is not marked as “no parking”
Route Preview (click to view):
Exact routes and lengths may vary by up to 3 miles and will be continuously updated on RidewithGPS due to road issues, construction, hazards etc. leading up to the day of the event. If you are downloading the routes in advance, or planning on using a device other than the RidewithGPS app remember to refresh the GPS files on the day of the ride to make sure you have the most up to date cues. Pay attention to posted signs and follow any posted detours while riding.
See section above for information on accessing maps and digital navigation through Ride with GPS.
7 Mile River Loop
Follow blue signs
⏱ Start Time: 10am
The 7 Mile River Loop is a fun, 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 and ends back at the park for the Finish Line Festival from 12-3pm. Everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy the day. At the festival, there will be restrooms, bike parking (don’t forget to bring your bike lock), music, food and ice cream trucks and a free photo booth. It’s going to be fun!
We recommend starting on time to beat the heat. Please note that you will NOT be supported by Support and Gear vehicles if you do not start on time.
Rest Stop: Millvale Riverfront Park with Friends of the Riverfront – 10:30 – noon
Parking:
Participants may begin at Allegheny Commons anytime between 10am and 10:45am. Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place
- Gold Lot
- Any street parking around Allegheny Commons that is not marked as “no parking”
Route Preview (click to view):
See section above for information on accessing maps and digital navigation through Ride with GPS.
Rest Stop Locations, Support Vehicles, and Marshals
Rest Stop Locations:
There will be rest stops located around the city with bathrooms, water refills, and grab-n-go snacks for PedalPGH riders! Mechanics will be available at each rest stop to help with minor issues or diagnose problems that may come up during the ride and emergency services will be on hand to help riders with injuries or other medical issues. Rest Stops will be open between 8 AM & 2 PM, Sunday August 27th. Please note individual rest stop hours below. Riders arriving outside these hours will not be able to access rest stop support! Plan your ride and pace accordingly.
Make sure you have and are wearing your bib number to show you are registered for the event and access the rest stops.
Rest Stops:
- 💧Avonworth Elementary Water Stop – 8 – 9:30 am
- 💧Riverview Park Water Stop – 8 – 9:30am
- 💧Scholl’s Bikes Water Stop – 9 -11:00 am
- 💧🍏 Allegheny Commons East Rest Stop (Cedar Ave) – 9 – 12:30 pm
- + Mechanic on-site – SweetWater Bikes
- 💧🍏 Highland Park Rest Stop 9:45 – 2:00
- + Mechanic on-site – Steady State Cycles
- 💧🍏 South Side Rest Stop – 10am -3:00pm
- + Mechanic on-site – REI
- 💧 Emerald View Park – Water Stop – 12 – 2 pm
Marshals + Support & Gear Vehicles (SAG)
PedalPGH safety marshals as well as Uber Support and Gear vehicles will be riding along the route for the duration of the ride. Flag down a safety marshal in a yellow BikePGH vest anytime if you require assistance, or call for SAG vehicle assistance with crashes, first aid, and pickups using this number:
Uber Support & Gear (SAG) Line – (412) 227- 9208
Hours: 7 AM – 2 PM
Riders calling outside these hours will not be able to receive support; please make sure to have a backup plan in place or call for a pickup BEFORE 2 PM if you are unable to finish the ride.
If you are in a crash and any injured party requires medical assistance, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. SAG drivers are NOT medical professionals or mechanics. SAG vehicles will transport riders (and their bikes) who have broken down or are otherwise unable to complete their ride to a) the nearest rest stop, or b) back to the finish festival. SAG vehicles also carry water bottles, snacks, and first aid kits for riders to self-administer minor first aid.
Thank you for supporting BikePGH!
