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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Celebrate pedal power during Pitt’s 4th annual Bike to Campus Week. Kicking off on Sept. 12 with a bike festival at the William Pitt Union, the weeklong event sponsored by the Office of Mobility brings together new and experienced cyclists for a series of bike education classes, information sessions and a Friday group ride — just the inspiration you need to spend more time on two wheels.
“Biking isn’t just fun and good for your health. It’s good for the planet,” said Corey Robinson, Pitt’s mobility specialist. “Our goal for Pitt’s Bike to Campus Week is to provide our students, faculty and staff with the confidence and resources they need to shift to eco-friendly commuting options like biking or walking — reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting healthy lifestyles.”
Here’s what you need to know about Pitt’s cycling infrastructure and how it makes biking to campus easy and accessible.
Plus, here’s the full schedule of Bike to Campus Week events.
The Pitt Bike Cave
The Pitt Bike Cave, located in the passage between Posvar Hall and David L. Lawrence Hall, is a student-run, DIY bike shop that provides the Pitt community an inclusive space to repair bicycles, receive safety and educational materials, participate in workshops and gather as a community.
Don’t have a bike? Stop by to purchase an affordable used one refurbished by Pitt Bike Cave staff.
Hopping on a bike is easy
Students, faculty and staff on the Pittsburgh campus enjoy unlimited 30-minute rides anywhere in the city on bikes checked out from POGOH, Pittsburgh’s bike-sharing system.
And if you’re in need of a little help pedaling up Pittsburgh’s legendary hills? POGOH e-assist bikes are available for only $1 per 30-minute rental.
There’s always somewhere to park your bike
Pitt has more than 1,350 bike parking spaces on campus, including indoor and outdoor racks, covered racks, secure bike lockers and bike storage rooms in select residence halls.
Here’s a handy campus map to locate bike parking resources.
[Read more: Transportation is an important part of the Pitt Climate Action Plan.]
Fix-it stations for when you’re in a jam
Pitt hosts two outdoor fix-it stations with the tools you’ll need to perform basic bike repairs such as changing a flat tire or adjusting your brake tension. The stations even include a bike stand with hanger arms so you can access the wheels and pedals.
Find fix-it stations outside the Swanson School of Engineering and outside of the University of Pittsburgh Police Department.
A commitment to safety
New to urban biking or biking in general? Pitt Sustainability, in partnership with BikePGH, regularly hosts Confident City Cycling classes covering the ins and outs of how to ride safely on Pittsburgh’s streets. This on-the-bike class will cover basic and advanced cycling skills and best practices for solo and group riding. Classes culminate in a group ride around the city’s Oakland neighborhood.
— Nichole Faina