Pittsburgh Bike Buddies is a volunteer service that links people who want to begin bike commuting with veteran Pittsburgh riders to facilitate the transition from casual rider to commuter. With maintenance concerns, parking needs, the hills, weather, and tight roads, we know--trust us, we've been there, too!--it isn't easy to start bike commuting in Pittsburgh. We increase the number of cyclists on the road in two ways: by offering personalized, one-on-one ride escorts (Bike Buddies) and group commuter Trains (Pgh Bike Trains). Both methods are designed to equip folks who want to bike commute but don't quite feel comfortable riding alone with enough confidence to get out there and catch the breeze.
How Bike Buddies Works: The Pittsburgh Bike Buddy service is completely free for individuals seeking a Bike Buddy. All Bike Buddies are dedicated volunteers working for the inherent joy of having more bicyclists cruising around on Pittsburgh's streets. Finding a Bike Buddy and becoming a Bike Buddy volunteer both start with filling out a short form by clicking on the appropriate button above. Individuals seeking to become Bike Buddy volunteers will list their level of experience riding in Pittsburgh, knowledge of bike laws, and volunteer availability before going through Bike Buddy training. People looking for a Bike Buddy simply indicate their bike commuting barriers and desired commute route (point or region a to b) and are then paired with an appropriate Bike Buddy by the Bike Buddies administrative team. After connecting to figure out a mutually agreeable date and time for the initial ride, the Bike Buddy will meet at the new rider's desired commute origin point where the Bike Buddy will go over bike laws, riding safety, a bicycle maintenance safety check, and the pre-determined best biking route before riding together all the way to the new commuter's destination. Often times, Bike Buddy teams reverse commute at the end of the day (or night) and repeat the trip several times until the new biker feels confident enough to do it on his/her own. By increasing ridership and commuting joy, Pittsburgh becomes a safer and friendlier place for everyone!
How Pittsburgh Bike Trains Works: Bike trains start and end at specific locations, run on a consistent schedule, obey traffic laws, and are totally inclusive -- we pace to the slowest rider and aim to make everyone feel comfortable and confident on the street by teaching new riders rules of the road and expert tips. Riders can jump on or off the Train at any point if their commute differs from the official. If you don't see your commute represented on the Bike Train schedule, please fill out this form to add it!
Disclaimer: Pittsburgh Bike Buddies and Pittsburgh Bike Trains are voluntary and volunteer efforts designed to assist people who want to feel confident riding on the streets do just that. Although Bike Buddies work to plan safe routes and practice defensive, safe riding, accidents can happen. Bike Buddies and new riders working with their Bike Buddies are ultimately responsible for what happens on the road and must ultimately agree to hold each other and the Pittsburgh Bike Buddies administration harmless. Ride safe, and RIDE ON!
Contact: [email protected]
How Bike Buddies Works: The Pittsburgh Bike Buddy service is completely free for individuals seeking a Bike Buddy. All Bike Buddies are dedicated volunteers working for the inherent joy of having more bicyclists cruising around on Pittsburgh's streets. Finding a Bike Buddy and becoming a Bike Buddy volunteer both start with filling out a short form by clicking on the appropriate button above. Individuals seeking to become Bike Buddy volunteers will list their level of experience riding in Pittsburgh, knowledge of bike laws, and volunteer availability before going through Bike Buddy training. People looking for a Bike Buddy simply indicate their bike commuting barriers and desired commute route (point or region a to b) and are then paired with an appropriate Bike Buddy by the Bike Buddies administrative team. After connecting to figure out a mutually agreeable date and time for the initial ride, the Bike Buddy will meet at the new rider's desired commute origin point where the Bike Buddy will go over bike laws, riding safety, a bicycle maintenance safety check, and the pre-determined best biking route before riding together all the way to the new commuter's destination. Often times, Bike Buddy teams reverse commute at the end of the day (or night) and repeat the trip several times until the new biker feels confident enough to do it on his/her own. By increasing ridership and commuting joy, Pittsburgh becomes a safer and friendlier place for everyone!
How Pittsburgh Bike Trains Works: Bike trains start and end at specific locations, run on a consistent schedule, obey traffic laws, and are totally inclusive -- we pace to the slowest rider and aim to make everyone feel comfortable and confident on the street by teaching new riders rules of the road and expert tips. Riders can jump on or off the Train at any point if their commute differs from the official. If you don't see your commute represented on the Bike Train schedule, please fill out this form to add it!
Disclaimer: Pittsburgh Bike Buddies and Pittsburgh Bike Trains are voluntary and volunteer efforts designed to assist people who want to feel confident riding on the streets do just that. Although Bike Buddies work to plan safe routes and practice defensive, safe riding, accidents can happen. Bike Buddies and new riders working with their Bike Buddies are ultimately responsible for what happens on the road and must ultimately agree to hold each other and the Pittsburgh Bike Buddies administration harmless. Ride safe, and RIDE ON!
Contact: [email protected]