Digital Ride Guide 2025
Thank You For Registering!
Proceeds from the 32nd Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH fund Bike Pittsburgh, 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.
PLEASE READ this entire page to make sure you’re ready for event day!
The Digital Ride Guide contains everything you need to know: the event routes, Packet Pickup, access to digital & audio navigation through RidewithGPS, ride day checklists, and much more.
Let’s Get Started
The UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH start and finish line will be located in Allegheny Commons Park West.
- Arrive at the park in time to depart during your route’s rolling start time on Sunday August 24. Wear your bib number to identify yourself as a PedalPGH rider.
- BikePGH provides 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. Strava links will also be added to the Ride Guide before event day.
- Rest Stops will be located along the routes providing: Snacks 🍏, Water💧, Portable Restrooms 🚾, and Bike Mechanic Support 🔧.
- Support & Gear Vehicles (SAG 🚘) will be stationed along the course to pick up riders needing assistance. SAG can transport riders to the nearest mechanic location, or back to Allegheny Commons Park.
Return to Allegheny Commons Park by 2:30 PM to join the celebration with the NEW local Beer Garden, a dance party from DJ Samuel Andres, giant lawn games, sponsor giveaways & more!
- Turn in your lunch ticket at the Food Tent to get a FREE lunch: enjoy a hoagie, side salad, and fruits catered by Shuman’s Homewood! Additional treats will be available be for purchase from local food trucks.
- Turn in your drink ticket at the Beer Garden to get your first 8 oz pour free (or turn this in at the Food Tent if you are under 21 or prefer a soda / NA option!).
The Finish Line Festival will be ending at 3:00 pm, but the fun doesn’t have to stop! Head over to beer partner Allegheny City Brewing on E Ohio St for those who want to keep drinking great beer and celebrating with fellow riders.
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thanks for registering for UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH 2025!
You’re joining thousands of riders powering our movement for safer, more connected streets. Your ride isn’t just fun, it’s an investment in a city where biking and walking are safer, easier, and more joyful.
This year’s fresh route segments will delight and challenge you, taking you through dozens of Pittsburgh neighborhoods and even into nearby towns. We’ve got you covered with marked routes, downloadable maps, stocked rest stops, skilled mechanics, and SAG support if you need it. After you cross the finish line, keep the good vibes rolling at our Finish Line Festival in Allegheny Commons Park, where great food, cold beer, live music, and the energy of your fellow riders await.
When Bike Pittsburgh was founded in 2002, our city was one of the toughest in the U.S. for cycling. Today, 23 years later, Pittsburgh ranks among the nation’s top biking cities, with high bike-commuting rates and a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community award to prove it. This transformation happened because people like you showed up and joined the movement for a better city.
Ride safe, have fun, and know you are writing the next chapter of Pittsburgh’s biking story with every mile.
Scott Bricker
Executive Director
Bike Pittsburgh
Packet Pickup Time & Location
Remember, ride packets will not be mailed in advance of the ride. Avoid the crowds on event morning and make sure you stop by to pick up your packet at the BikePGH office!
⏰ Packet Pickup Hours:
THURSDAY AUG 21, 2025 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
FRIDAY AUG 22, 2025 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
📍 Location: BikePGH office (Lawrenceville)
188 43rd St #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
At packet pickup you will receive:
- 2025 PedalPGH T-shirt (wear it on event day!)
- Bib number (contains tear off tabs for lunch & beverage) & safety pins
- BikePGH Merchandise and giveaways from our Packet Sponsor, Chicken of the Sea!
- Paper cue sheets (available upon request)
- (Premium + Fundraiser Packets only) Limited-edition PedalPGH 2025 jersey
- (Premium, Fundraiser and Membership Packets only) PedalPGH 2025 Specialized Water Bottle
- (Fundraisers Packets only) Skip the Line Access Bracelet, PedalPGH Phone Dry Bag + An Extra Pour at the Beer Garden
Plus, we will be having a MASSIVE BikePGH merch sale with tons of items up to 50% off!
Browse limited remaining stock of throwback vintage BikePGH gear + get there early to have the best selection of sizes – before they are gone for good!
If you cannot make packet pickup, please do one of the following:
1) Have someone else pick up your packet for you. All they need is the First and Last Name that you registered with. It is helpful if they can forward you their confirmation email, but it is not required.
2) Arrive to the event with enough time to check in and pick up your bib + other ride items before starting your route. We recommend arriving a MINIMUM of 30 mins in advance of your ride’s rolling start 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/soda at the finish (21+ only – carry your ID).
Event Day Details and Schedule
Date: Sunday August 24, 2025
Event Start / Finish Line: Allegheny Commons Park West (Google Maps Link)
- 6:30am – 10:00am – PedalPGH Registration & Rolling Starts
- 🎟 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 begins)
- ☕️ 🥐 Coffee Truck Onsite: Vital Sips
- 7:00 – 7:30 am – 62 Mile Rolling Start – All 62 Mile Riders Depart for the U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge
- 8:00 – 8:30am – 40 Mile Rolling Start – All 40 Mile Riders Depart for the Outside+ City Tour
- 9:00 – 9:30am – 25 Mile Rolling Start – All 25 Mile Riders Depart for the Steel City Media Local Tour
- 10:00 – 10:30am – 10 Mile Rolling Start – All 10 Mile Riders Depart for the BikePGH Northside River Loop
- 🎉 11:00am – 3:00pm: Finish Line Festival – All riders arrive back to Allegheny Commons Park
- 🥪 Enjoy a delicious post-ride hoagie from Shuman’s Homewood
- 🍻 Grab a free pour at the BRAND NEW local beer garden (21+ only): kick back and enjoy a variety of cold local brews from Allegheny City Brewing, East End Brewing Company, Trace Brewing, and Two Frays Brewery!
- 🕺🏽 Dance it out with DJ Samuel Andres
- 🚿 Cool down with the bike-powered misting station from Zero Fossil Energy Outfitters
- 📸 Snap a pic (or gif) at the free PedalPGH photobooth & under the BikePGH Arch 𖼆
- 💰 Enjoy giant lawn games, vendors and product giveaways from presenting sponsor UPMC Health Plan (and many more!)
- ☀️ 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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- Watch our video: Group Ride Etiquette and Skills Every Cyclist Needs to Know
- 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
- Watch our video: Group Ride Etiquette and Skills Every Cyclist Needs to Know
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.
- ✅ Two full water bottles (freezing one of them the night before is never a bad idea!)
- 🚨Important Hydration Tip: This year, free PedalPGH Water Bottles will be distributed ONLY with Fundraiser, Premium and Membership packages🚨 Make sure to bring your own water bottle(s) to fill up if you registered for a General or Kids/Youth package. You can also purchase the 2025 bottle for $10 on event day or at packet pickup!
- ✅ Helmet (mandatory for children under 12 years)
- ✅ Phone (for navigation & in case of emergencies!)
- Call for Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle assistance at any time during the listed hours below using the number on the back of your bib to be transported to the nearest mechanic / rest stop location.
- ✅Bib number and safety pins
- ✅ Spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, mini air pump, and multi-tool
- ✅ Sunscreen (or apply beforehand)
- ✅ Money for the beer garden & food trucks at the Finish Line Festival
- ✅ Photo ID (in case of emergencies and, if you are 21+, to enjoy an alcoholic beverage!)
- ✅ Bike lock
- ✅ Rain jacket / any other layers you may need
- ✅ 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 shop2025 PedalPGH Routes & Directions
How to Navigate:
Color-coded signs: Every route will be marked with color-coded cue signs at each turn.
10 Mile North Side Loop – Follow Blue Signs
25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour – Follow Green Signs
40 Mile Grand Tour – Follow Yellow Signs
62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge – Follow Pink Signs
TWO DIGITAL NAVIGATION OPTIONS: Strava or RidewithGPS
Access the Routes on Strava:
- 10 Mile North Side Loop – Here’s the Strava link
- 25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour – Here’s the Strava link
- 40 Mile Grand Tour – Here’s the Strava link
- 62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge – Here’s the Strava link
Access the Routes on RidewithGPS: 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 on Your Device” button below to get access to all 4 event routes in RidewithGPS.
You will need to create a free account (see below). It is best to download the routes to your device on Saturday 8/23 to ensure the most up to date routes. (Pittsburgh construction can be unpredictable and we might have to make last minute changes.)
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/or tap Download to save for offline use*.
6. Get familiar with the app before you ride. Test your audio navigation setup, whether relying on your phone speaker, earbud (single, please!) or a bluetooth speaker.
7. When you’re ready to roll on event day, open the app and tap Navigate to get turn by turn cues, rest stop & cautionary alerts and voice navigation throughout the ride.
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.
🔔 If downloading the routes in advance for Garmin / Wahoo /any 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.
*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.
Download on your Device
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 over 4,800 feet of intense hills and journey through the North Hills (including the new Davis Ave Bridge!), East Hills, and Mt Washington 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. Ride this route only if you can maintain an average speed of 10-12MPH over the entire 62 miles. Drop signage will be posted along the course directing you to follow the 40 mile signs if you are running behind schedule! You don’t want to miss the Finish Line Festival!
⏱ Rolling Start Time: 7:00 – 7:30am
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. **If you need SAG Support, call the number on the back of your bib.**
Rest Stops:
💧🍌Riverview Park Rest Stop – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
💧🍪 Brenckle’s Greenhouse Hydration Stop – 8:30 -11:00 am
💧🥨🍊Highland Park Rest Stop 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Ike’s Bike Shop
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven Rest Stop 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: REI
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza Rest Stop 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💲🍧 Kona Ice treat truck on site!
💧🍪 Grandview / Emerald View Park – Hydration Stop – 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place GATE 4 will be open at 6:00am
- Gold Lot/Gold 1 Garage
- Free street parking around Allegheny Commons (that is not marked as “no parking”)
- Note: Ridge Ave is for Vendors and Sponsors ONLY
- Please be aware of any signage denoting game day parking restrictions
Elevation Preview (click to view full route):
Exact routes and lengths may vary by up to 3 miles and will be continuously updated on RidewithGPS for 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.
- 62 Mile U.S. Steel Epic Endurance Challenge – Here’s the Strava link
40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour
FOLLOW YELLOW SIGNS
The 40 Mile Outside+ Grand Tour will take you on an adventure through the North Side (including the new Davis Ave bridge!), the rolling East Hills, Oakland, South Side, and Downtown. From wooded roads to dense city streets, you will climb 2,500 ft and get a glimpse of more than a dozen Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
⏱ Rolling Start Time: 8:00 – 8:30am
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 only. **If you need SAG Support, call the number on the back of your bib.**
Rest Stops:
💧🍌Riverview Park Rest Stop – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
💧🥨🍊Highland Park Rest Stop 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Ike’s Bike Shop
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven Rest Stop 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: REI
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza Rest Stop 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💲🍧 Kona Ice treat truck on site!
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place GATE 4 will be open at 6:00am
- Gold Lot/Gold 1 Garage
- Free street parking around Allegheny Commons (that is not marked as “no parking”)
- Note: Ridge Ave is for Vendors and Sponsors ONLY
- Please be aware of any signage denoting game day parking restrictions
Elevation 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.
- 40 Mile Grand Tour – Here’s the Strava link
25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour
FOLLOW GREEN SIGNS
⏱ Rolling Start Time: 9:00 – 9:30 am
For those looking to explore a little more of the city, we have the 25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour. 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 1,100 ft of elevation. Rest stops are strategically placed along the route to keep the party going and 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 (SAG) vehicles are available from 7 am – 2 pm only.
**If you need SAG Support, call the number on the back of your bib.**
Rest Stops:
💧🥨🍊Highland Park Rest Stop 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Ike’s Bike Shop
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza Rest Stop 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💲🍧 Kona Ice treat truck on site!
Parking:
Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place GATE 4 will be open at 6:00am
- Gold Lot/Gold 1 Garage
- Free street parking around Allegheny Commons (that is not marked as “no parking”)
- Note: Ridge Ave is for Vendors and Sponsors ONLY
- Please be aware of any signage denoting game day parking restrictions
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.
- 25 Mile Steel City Media Local Tour – Here’s the Strava link
10 Mile BikePGH Northside River Loop
FOLLOW BLUE SIGNS
⏱ Start Time: 10am
The 10 Mile Northside 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, 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 from 11am-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!
Want to ride with a group? Keep an eye out for the Kidical Mass Slow Roll ride leaders at the start line!
We recommend starting on time to beat the heat. Please note that you will NOT be supported by Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles if you do not start on time. SAG vehicles are available from 7 am – 2 pm only.
**If you need SAG Support, call the number on the back of your bib.**
Rest Stop:
💧🥨🍊Millvale Riverfront Park with Friends of the Riverfront 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
🔧 Repair Cafe PGH
Parking:
- Below are a few parking suggestions:
- Nova Place Garage – Nova Place GATE 4 will be open at 6:00am
- Gold Lot/Gold 1 Garage
- Free street parking around Allegheny Commons (that is not marked as “no parking”)
- Note: Ridge Ave is for Vendors and Sponsors ONLY
- Please be aware of any signage denoting game day parking restrictions
Route Preview (click to view):
See section above for information on accessing maps and digital navigation.
- 10 Mile North Side Loop – Here’s the Strava link
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 7:30 AM & 2:00 PM on Sunday August 24th only.
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 be able to access the rest stops.
All Rest Stops (please note individual hours below!):
💧🍌Riverview Park Rest Stop – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
🚲 62 Mile and 40 Mile Routes
💧🍪 Brenckle’s Greenhouse Hydration Stop – 8:30 -11:00 am
🚲 62 Mile Route Only
💧🥨🍊Highland Park Rest Stop 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Ike’s Bike Shop
🚲 62 Mile, 40 Mile, and 25 Mile Routes
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven Rest Stop 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: REI
🚲 62 Mile and 40 Mile Routes
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza Rest Stop 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💲🍧 Kona Ice treat truck on site!
🚲 62 Mile, 40 Mile, and 25 Mile Routes
💧🍪 Grandview / Emerald View Park – Hydration Stop – 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
🚲 62 Mile Route Only
Ride Marshals + Support & Gear Vehicles (SAG)
PedalPGH safety marshals as well as Support and Gear vehicles will be riding along the route for the duration of the ride. Flag down a safety marshal in a high-vis BikePGH vest anytime if you require assistance, or call for SAG vehicle assistance with minor crashes, first aid, and pickups using this number:
PedalPGH Support & Gear (SAG) Line – (412) 227- 9208
*also located on the back of your bib*
SAG Support 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 will transport riders (and their bikes) who have broken down or are otherwise unable to complete their ride to the nearest rest stop or 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!
