Digital Ride Guide 2024
Thank You For Registering!
Proceeds from our 31st 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
For the second year in a row, our 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 25. 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.
- 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 a DJ dance party from Pittsburgh Open Decks, lawn games from Shorty’s PinsxPints, sponsor giveaways & more!
- Turn in your lunch ticket at the Food Tent to get a FREE lunch: Condado taco, fruit, side salad, and of course, an Eat’n Park Cookie! Additional food will be available be for purchase from local food trucks.
- Turn in your drink ticket at the Straub Beer or PA Libations tents to get a FREE beer or canned cocktail (or turn in at the Food Tent if you are under 21 or prefer a soda / NA option!).
While the Finish Line Festival will be ending around 3:00, the fun doesn’t have to stop! Swing by Shorty’s Pins x Pints on the North Shore for the “official” after event.
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thank you for registering for UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH 2024. Your participation as one of nearly 3000 riders each and every year fuels Bike Pittsburgh’s year-round work to make our city streets safer for biking and walking. We think you’re going to love the changes we made to the event this year, including new routes and segments that will challenge you while also encouraging you to explore further into some beautiful neighborhoods. You’ll have everything you need to have a fun adventure in the saddle including marked routes, downloadable directions, rest stops, delicious snacks, helpful mechanics and SAG Vehicle Support should you need it. Then, I hope you will join us to celebrate the day at our great new Finish Line Festival location in Northside’s Allegheny Commons Park. Thank you for riding with us, for supporting our mission, and for making this annual fundraiser a truly special day in the city.
Ride safe, and have a great time!
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 22, 2024 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
FRIDAY AUG 23, 2024 (11:00am – 7:00 pm)
📍 Location: BikePGH office (Lawrenceville)
188 43rd St #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
At packet pickup you will receive:
- 2024 PedalPGH T-shirt (wear it on event day!)
- Bib number (contains tear off tabs for lunch & beverage) & safety pins
- Limited-edition PedalPGH 2024 jersey (Premium Packets only)
- 2024 Water Bottle (Premium and Membership Packets only)
- Paper cue sheets (upon request)
Plus, we will be having an UNPRECEDENTED merch sale with tons of items up to 50% off!
Browse limited remaining stock of throwback vintage BikePGH gear + get there early to snag one of the wildly popular 30th Anniversary PedalPGH jerseys – 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/cocktail at the finish (21+ only – carry your ID).
Event Day Details and Schedule
Date: Sunday August 25, 2024
Event Start / Finish Line: Allegheny Commons Park West
- 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: Colombino Coffee
- 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 – 7 Mile Rolling Start – All 12 Mile Riders Depart for the BikePGH River Loop
- 🎉 11:00am – 3:00pm: Finish Line Festival – All riders arrive back to Allegheny Commons Park
- 🌮 Enjoy a delicious post-ride taco from Condado Tacos
- 🍪 Put a smile in your belly with Eat n’ Park cookies (while supplies last)
- 🕺🏽 Dance it out with the DJs of Pittsburgh Open Decks
- 🚿Cool down with the bike-powered misting station from Zero Fossil
- 🍻 Sip on a free Straub Beer (21+ only), PA Libations canned cocktail (21+ only), or N/A beverage
- 📸 Snap a pic (or gif) at the free PedalPGH photobooth & under the BikePGH Arch 𖼆
- 💰 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.
- ✅ 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 2024 bottle for $10 on event day or at packet pickup!
- 🚨Important Hydration Tip: This year, free PedalPGH Water Bottles will be distributed ONLY with Fundraiser, Premium and Membership packages🚨
- ✅ 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 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
- ✅ 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 shop2024 PedalPGH Routes & Directions
How to Navigate:
Color-coded signs: Every route will be marked with color-coded cue signs at each turn.
12 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 on Your Device” button below to get access to all 4 event routes in RidewithGPS.
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 nearly 4,800 feet of intense hills and journey through the East 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. It is suggested to ride this route only if you can maintain an average speed of 10-12MPH – follow drop signage to the 40 mile if you are running behind schedule!
⏱ 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.
Rest Stops:
💧🍌Riverview Park Rest Stop – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Allegheny County
💧🍪 Brenckle’s Greenhouse Hydration Stop – 8:30 -10:30 am
💧🥨🍊Highland Park Rest Stop 9:30 – 12:30
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Edgar Snyder & Associates
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven Rest Stop 10:00 – 1:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Free Ride
This rest stop generously supported by Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza Rest Stop 10:30 – 1:30
This rest stop generously supported by Alco Parking
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💧🍪 South Side Works Hydration Stop – 11:00 – 2:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: REI
💧🍪 Grandview / Emerald View Park – Hydration Stop – 11:30 – 1:30 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”)
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 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.
⏱ 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.
Rest Stops:
💧🍌Riverview Park – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Allegheny County
💧🥨🍊Highland Park 9:30 – 12:30
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Edgar Snyder & Associates
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven 10:00 – 1:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Free Ride
This rest stop generously supported by Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza 10:30 – 1:30
This rest stop generously supported by Alco Parking
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💧🍪 South Side Works Hydration Stop – 11:00 – 2:00
🔧 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”
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 through Ride with GPS.
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 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 only.
Rest Stops:
💧🥨🍊Highland Park 9:30 – 12:30
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Edgar Snyder & Associates
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven 10:00 – 1:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Free Ride
This rest stop generously supported by Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza 10:30 – 1:30
This rest stop generously supported by Alco Parking
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Pitt Bike Cave
💧🍪 South Side Works Hydration Stop – 11:00 – 2:00
🔧 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.
12 Mile BikePGH River Loop
Follow blue signs
⏱ Start Time: 10am
The 12 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 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!
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:
- Nova Place
- Gold Lot
- FREE street parking on Sundays – any area 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 7:30 AM & 2:00 PM on Sunday August 25th 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 – 7:30 – 9:30 am
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Allegheny County
💧🍪 Brenckle’s Greenhouse Hydration Stop – 8:30 -10:30 am
💧🥨🍊Highland Park 9:30 – 12:30
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Edgar Snyder & Associates
💧🥨🍏 Protohaven 10:00 – 1:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: Cottle Built
This rest stop generously supported by Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
💧🥨🍌 Schenley Plaza 10:30 – 1:30
This rest stop generously supported by Alco Parking
💧🍪 South Side Works Hydration Stop – 11:00 – 2:00
🔧 Mechanic on-site: REI
💧🍪 Grandview / Emerald View Park Hydration Stop – 11:30 – 1:30 pm
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 pink 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
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!
