Bike Pittsburgh (BikePGH) will host three OpenStreetsPGH events this summer on the following SATURDAYS from 10 AM – 2 PM: May 11, June 29, and July 27. This year introduces one brand new event route and debuts exciting changes to crowd favorite routes.
Presented by UPMC Health Plan, OpenStreetsPGH is a free community event series that temporarily closes roads to car traffic and invites Pittsburghers to reimagine their streets as places for people, not just cars. The event is organized by BikePGH, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, working on behalf of the community to make Pittsburgh safe, accessible, and friendly to pedestrians and people who bike.
“Over 10 miles of city streets will be closed to vehicles and given back to the people for the ninth year of this beloved event series. This special BikePGH event is creating more connected communities and encouraging the public to envision our streets as places for people-powered activity,” said Kéya Joseph, Events Director of BikePGH.
“Once again, UPMC Health Plan is a proud supporter for this summer’s OpenStreetsPGH series. We look forward to partnering with BikePGH as they bring Pittsburghers together for family-friendly bike rides and events that will improve the health of our communities,” said Dr. James Schuster, chief medical officer, UPMC Health Plan.
Last year marked record-breaking attendance, with each event drawing crowds between 15,000 and 20,000+, for a total of over 55,000 guests over the course of the summer. OpenStreetsPGH partners with local businesses and organizations to curate an exciting array of activities like free fitness classes, community arts performances, food vendors, and special promotions. Each route includes Activity Hubs with themed partners and activations: a Health & Wellness Hub featuring group exercise classes, a Community & Cultural Hub featuring rich local arts within the host neighborhood, and the Kids & Family Hub featuring BikePGH Kids Bicycling Education and family activities.
OpenStreetsPGH does not require a continuous street closure. At each event, vehicle drivers will be able to cross several intersections along the closed route, as shown on the Route Map. OpenStreetsPGH is inspired by the open streets movement – a global phenomenon promoting healthy outdoor activity and community engagement using city streets. Pittsburgh is one of hundreds of cities worldwide (100+ in North America alone) holding open streets events.
Schedule + Details
Full route details and traffic crossing points will be available on openstreetspgh.org/route. Media and the public are encouraged to visit openstreetspgh.org/media, or follow OpenStreetsPGH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for updates and details on event happenings.
> Saturday, May 11 - Downtown to South Side
- Over a 2-mile route: Take a car-free adventure from Market Square, through the Armstrong Tunnel, across the 10th St Bridge, to lively E. Carson St.
- Where to go:
- The event’s “Activity Hubs'' are a great place to stop and connect with the community. BikePGH’s Health & Wellness Hub in Market Square features fitness classes for all ages and skill levels hosted by the YMCA and a cooling station from our presenting sponsor UPMC Health Plan. Follow the route to two of Pittsburgh’s defining features– an iconic tunnel and bridge– through the Armstrong Tunnel, then over the 10th St Bridge to enter the South Side. See historic architecture and unique businesses along E. Carson Street as you make your way to BikePGH’s Arts & Culture and Kids & Family Hubs between 19th and 21st for fun-filled activities from local organizations and a Learn to Ride course from BikePGH’s Education Team.
- Full event details and activities schedule TBA at openstreetspgh.org
> Saturday, June 29 - Northside to Hill District
- Route Map + Details TBA at openstreetspgh.org
> Saturday, July 27 - Homewood & East End
- Route Map + Details TBA at openstreetspgh.org
This event is organized by Bike Pittsburgh and is made possible through major support from UPMC Health Plan. Additional support is provided by McAuley Ministries, Zero Fossil, Wahila Creative, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, PWSA, Walnut Capital, Pittsburgh City Paper, PublicSource, NEXTPittsburgh, Citycast Pittsburgh, and more!
