Bike Light (and Pie) Giveaway

On Wednesday, March 14th, Bike Pittsburgh will be hosting its first Operation Illumination Bike Light giveaway of the year. Not only does March 14 make your mouth water for pie on Pi Day, it’s also just three days after you “spring forward” for daylight saving time.

As we spring forward and the days get longer, the morning sunrise will start later than usual. In light of that (get it?), BikePGH will host a pop-up bike light (and pie) giveaway at Constellation Coffee from 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM.

Since 2011 Bike Pittsburgh has been giving away hundreds of free front and rear bike lights annually with it’s Operation Illumination program. BikePGH cares about riders’ safety and education, and this is one of the most direct ways that we can interact with our community to provide that assistance.

This year of bike light giveaways is made possible due to the generous donation by 5801 Video Lounge and Café who have noticed the lack of lights on cyclists and wanted to help support getting more lights out to people.

Riding without lights not only makes bicyclists near-invisible in the dark, but it is also a ticketable offense. PA state law requires that a front light and rear reflector be visible after dusk and before dawn, but this helps increase and improve visibility. Lightless riding is risky, and whether people are simply unaware or they cannot afford lights, we want to be sure that they are covered. That’s why BikePGH has three strategically planned bike light giveaways occuring in 2018.

Cyclists will also be sent off with BikePGH’s Biking 101 Guide (a graphic comic which tells you the basics of biking safely in the city of bridges) and the 6th edition Pittsburgh Bike Map. Consider making a contribution to Bike Pittsburgh today to help consider the legacy of illuminating the cyclists of the night. $30 is the cost of one set of lights for an unlit rider.

What to expect?

PIE! BIKE LIGHTS! The Operation Illumination Pi Day pop-up will be located at Constellation Coffee, part of the Penn Ave corridor, heading into town. Look for us out front next to the bike corral. Constellation Coffee will generously provide pie, until supplies run out.

Unsuspecting unlit cyclists will be flagged down and called over so we can install front and rear light sets on their bikes.

Sign up for Bike Pittsburgh’s newsletter, The Messenger, to get the latest news on events, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and fun, delivered straight to your inbox. Twice monthly emails, no spam.