Cycling in Pittsburgh, PA 2024
Pedal your way around one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US
Best time: March–November
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.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Pittsburgh for cycling?
The window from March to November is perfect for cycling in Pittsburgh. Though the city has relatively mild winter, colder temperatures and snow may limit trail access. With comfortable temperatures in spring and fall, this is the ideal time for cycling enthusiasts to travel to Pittsburgh. It is recommended that travelers stay away during July and August as the temperature and humidity levels can soar very high.
What are the bike-friendly amenities in Pittsburgh?
Several amenities make Pittsburgh an ideal place for cycling. Bike transportation, bike storage-friendly hotels and accommodating shops are some of the bike-friendly amenities on offer. Pittsburgh's bike share program Healthy Ride has over 50 bike stations across the city, ensuring easy access to bicycles. Some bike-friendly Pittsburgh hotels such as Marriott City Center and Distrikt Hotel also offer secure bicycle storage and access for guests.
Where can I rent bicycles to explore Pittsburgh?
Renting a bike in Pittsburgh is easy, with plenty of options available. Starting with the Healthy Ride bike-sharing program, which has bicycles available all year round, several other companies offer cycling rentals. Golden Triangle Bike Rental operates between March until November, while the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Bicycle Rental Program offers season rentals between June and October, ideal for cycling through parks. Off-road biking can be found through Steel City Bike Tours and Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe.
What are the most popular bike trails in Pittsburgh?
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a popular 24-mile scenic trail throughout the city. Cyclists can enjoy popular sections of this trail network, such as South Side and Eliza Furnace Trail. For park lanes, Frick Park in the east and North Park in the north are preferred by cyclists. In contrast, the Panhandle Trail is perfect for taking long rides outside the city limits.
Are there any off-road biking options near Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has some off-road biking options, encouraging cyclists to come and explore its suburbs. North Park has mountain bike trails, making it a popular destination for Pittsburghers. Frick Park is also an option for off-road terrain. The Montour Trail is also a crushed limestone rail trail that stretches 63 miles and provides mountain bike and hybrid cyclists access to rural locations in the Pittsburgh international airport corridor.
