A guide to biking in Pittsburgh
When we travel, we consider the destination as well as bicycle amenities and availability, and Pittsburgh has both.
They don’t call it The Golden Triangle for nothing. Where the Three Rivers converge, downtown Pittsburgh rises mightily out of the waters, each skyscraper a case study in historic architecture. The waterways are crowded with bridges, and at the very tip of Point State Park, a fountain gushes all summer long.
Undulating in all directions are the hills and neighborhoods of the Steel City, and every block is ripe for exploration. Here, a cyclist can explore a labyrinth of row houses and refurbished factories, slope-climbing stairways and century-old storefronts. And thanks to an ever-growing network of former railroad trails and dedicated bike lanes, you could spend days unraveling its secret routes.
What’s more, Pittsburgh marks one end of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail-trail through the sylvan highlands of Western Pennsylvania. The GAP connects to the C&O Canal, enabling riders to start anywhere in the ‘Burgh and pedal all the way to Washington, D.C. This trail system has become one of the most famous in North America; less known is the Panhandle Trail, which ventures toward West Virginia, Ohio, and all points West.
In other words, Pittsburgh is a thrill to explore by bike – and a promising springboard to long-distance journeys.
Where to Go
Pittsburgh has come a long way in the past 20 years, largely thanks to BikePGH and its feisty network of cycling advocates. You’ll find a patchwork of dedicated lanes, mostly in Oakland (the university district), the North Side (home of Heinz Field and PNC Park), and downtown, often known as the Cultural District. Port Authority buses are equipped with bike racks, and there are more places to lock up than ever.
That said, Pittsburgh is still a very confusing city, with narrow streets, steep climbs, and ludicrous intersections. Many drivers resent the new lanes and are openly hostile to bikers. Only the most skilled urban cyclist will feel confident on surface streets.
Luckily, the many rail trails are long and scenic, and they follow historical industrial corridors that once produced 60 percent of the world’s steel. You can ride the tranquil Three Rivers Heritage Trail down the Allegheny Rivera and take a bike-only detour to Herrs Island. In the North Side, you’ll find two world-class arts venues, the Andy Warhol Museum and Mattress Factory. Cross any number of bridges into Downtown Pittsburgh, and you have your pick of theaters and art galleries, including the superlative August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Take the South Side Trail up the Monongahela, browse shops and grab lunch on Carson Street, and sneak through Panther Hollow into Oakland. Here you’ll find Schenley Park, college campuses, and that inspired gothic skyscraper, the Cathedral of Learning. All of these sights are within a few blocks of the nearest trail.
And, of course, let’s not forget a visit to the cycling shrine that is Bicycle Heaven.
Where to Eat
The go-to eatery in Pittsburgh is Primanti Bros., a deli that has been slinging sandwiches since the 1930s. Beloved and defiantly local, Primanti’s sells only sandwiches that contain meat, french fries, and coleslaw pressed between slices of Italian bread. Pittsburgh is also home to a robust dining and brewpub scene, from Church Brew Works (built into a former basilica church) to retro-style Pamela’s Diner. Pittsburgh boasts a staggering range of international cuisine, including hometown favorite India Garden.
How to Get a Bike
As bike-share programs go, Healthy Ride is affordable, accessible, and easy to use. Download the app and you can rent a simple cruiser for the rock-bottom price of $2 per 30 minutes. Only a fraction of the fleet is electric-assist, so you may have to huff it up Pittsburgh’s breakneck hills, but they’re perfect for riverside trails and neighborhoods like Oakland and East Liberty. For more intrepid jaunts, there’s Golden Triangle Bike Rental, a company that rents bikes, arranges lodging along the GAP, and offers supported tours.
Where to Stay
Pittsburgh has a large number of high-end hotels, including the super-cool boutique hotel Kasa at the Maverick. But the lodging that was largely designed for cyclists is The Traveler’s Rest Hotel in the South Side. Opened in 2018, this long-awaited guesthouse is situated in the middle of the city’s most festive neighborhood – and it’s a stone’s throw from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, where your GAP journey can officially begin.
For a bicycle-centered travel take on other great cities check out Momentum’s selection of city guides.