Bike Pittsburgh will hold its annual PedalPGH Fundraiser at the end of the month, calling 3,000 cyclists to ride around the city and invest in the future of biking infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The event calls people of all ages from all over the country to the largest bike ride in Western Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt PedalPGH there is a route for everyone,\u201d Bike PGH events manager Caitlyn Brooke said in a press release. \u201cThe event welcomes riders of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to discover Pittsburgh by bike.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julie Walsh, senior communications and marketing manager at BikePGH, said the event\u2019s route changes each year.<\/p>\n
This year, riders looking for an easier route can opt for PedalPGH\u2019s 10-mile bike ride, which starts at Allegheny Commons Park, loops around Manchester, and then takes the Three Rivers Heritage Trail to Millvale before returning to the park.<\/p>\n
Intermediate riders can choose the 25-mile route, which runs through Pittsburgh\u2019s North Side, East End, South Side, and Downtown.<\/p>\n
Experienced riders who can sign up for a 53-mile bike ride along Pittsburgh\u2019s longest protected bike lane. The trail climbs over 3700 feet, and is only recommended to riders who can maintain an average of 10-12 MPH over the entire 53-mile course.<\/p>\n
Justine Volka, 30 of the city\u2019s South Side neighborhood, said she used to think that biking was just for kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never really took it seriously as like a means of transportation until recently,\u201d Volka said.<\/p>\n
Originally from Michigan, Volka said she joined up after moving here and watching the event move through her neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Volka did the 25-mile route last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Pittsburgh is actually a really good city for bike commuting,\u201d Volka said. \u201cI feel like it could give some of the more famous bike cities like Portland, Oregon or Amsterdam a run for their money, despite the hills.\u201d<\/p>\n
PedalPGH has grown into Bike PGH\u2019s largest fundraiser, bringing in over $1.5 million through its sign-ups. Walsh said the proceeds have gone into ensuring that the biking infrastructure in Pittsburgh is maintained and expanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cPittsburgh is a biking city, but we all belong here,\u201d Walsh said. \u201cWe deserve safer streets, so it\u2019s really a great way to make that statement.\u201d<\/p>\n