Cycling in Pittsburgh, PA 2025

Biking is the best way to explore Pittsburgh and its surroundings. The Steel City has all amenities necessary for cyclers—from bike-friendly transportation, hotels, and accommodating shops to safe and scenic biking trails. The city offers opportunities for hardcore cycling, leisure bike rides, and fun tours. It's not surprising that The Burgh has a fast-growing community of cyclists. What's more, People for Bikes named the city among the top 20 US destinations best-suitable for people on bicycles.

Best season to bike around The Burgh

You can rent bicycles from different operators across the city. Pittsburgh's bike share system Healthy Ride provides two-wheelers all year round. Fifty stations are scattered throughout the city, but over a dozen get removed for the winter season. Anyways, the balmiest weather to enjoy a ride is spring through fall (March–November).

Where to ride your bicycle

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Your number one itinerary is Three Rivers Heritage Trail—24 mi (39 km) of the finest riverfront bike trails running across historic Pittsburgh. One of the most popular sections of the network is South Side Trail, incredibly scenic in summer. Many start the ride with the South Side and continue along the rail trail to Steel Valley, named after steel roots. Another fave is the unique Eliza Furnace Trail, the oldest leg in the trail system. Eliza Furnace also goes by the nickname of "The Jail Trail" as it passes under the Allegheny County Jail.

Frick Park & North Park If you're more into cycling park lanes, the best option must be Frick Park, just 6 mi (10 km) east of downtown. The park's 644 ac (241 ha) have routes of all kinds and difficulties. You can also bike to North Park, another Pittsburghers' oasis, 13 mi (21 km) north of downtown. Ride the lanes looping around North Park Lake, or challenge yourself to one of the mountain trails. For sheer extreme, the park also has a Freeride Area.

Panhandle Trail If you're into a green adventure out of the concrete city, hit the road to the wilderness of the Panhandle Trail. Start your ride in Carnegie, 11 mi (17 km) southwest of downtown, and continue for 29 mi (47 km) west across the border to Weirton, West Virginia. It's going to be an enjoyable clean flat ride on road made of crushed limestone. You'll find picnic tables and public bathrooms at the Panhandle & Montour Trails intersection in McDonald, Pennsylvania. That's roughly one-third of the route if your starting point is Carnegie.

After all, feel free to pedal off the road and explore the areas that lure you most. Spontaneity is often a winning strategy.