BikeFest is approaching the finish line this Sunday with thousands of riders pedaling their way through the city with one last bicycle-themed event.
“PedalPGH is BikePGH’s biggest fundraiser of the year as well as Western Pennsylvania’s largest bike ride,” said event coordinator Mike Carroll. “It’s in its 21st year, and we expect record attendance of around 3,000 riders.”
He said cyclists can choose among three trails that BikePGH tries to scale for different skill levels.
The Breathe Project Family Ride is 12-miles long on car-free trails on the Southside.
“People looking to go a little bit further, we have a 25-mile Highmark City Tour that will take them through downtown, into the Northside, up into Bloomfield, Highland Park, Squirrel Hill, Oakland and then back to the Southside – really getting an opportunity to see a large part of the city by bicycle,” Carroll said.
The most challenging route, measuring 62 miles, tackles some of Pittsburgh’s large hills to lead to some of the city’s majestic views.
Carroll suggested cyclists bring a water bottle, helmet, sunscreen and sun glasses.
The event will finish at the REI Finish Line Festival where there will be food trucks, a cycling expo and local vendor and artist booths featuring bicycle-themed works.
Carroll said the fundraiser helps BikePGH highlight the importance of safe streets for cyclists – which is something that is extra important this weekend due to the large attendance.
“The ride does take place on open roads on Sunday morning,” Carroll said. “There’s going to be more bikes than usual out along the routes, so cars should use caution and just obey the rules of the road and keep in mind the four-foot passing law.”
He said the tours will give bike-riders the opportunity to see Pittsburgh differently.
“So often in a car, you have a very set view of what the city looks like, and on a bicycle that view changes dramatically,” Carroll said. “And you get to see some really great local shops, some amazing views of the city, you can stop any point in the ride, it’s not a race, and really just enjoy yourself.”
Bike enthusiasts can sign up online at PedalPGH’s website as well as in person Sunday.
