Bike Share Pittsburgh aims to make transportation accessible to all

PITTSBURGH — Bike Share Pittsburgh unveiled its new mobility program on Wednesday, announcing that an estimated 400 bicycles would roll out on streets across the region beginning in April.

“We have to change the way we get around in our cities,” said David White, the executive director of Bike Share Pittsburgh.

POGOH, a new sleeker bicycle that comes in both an electric and traditional pedal version, will replace the Healthy Ride bicycles, keeping both Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Allegheny Health Network as title sponsors.

“We want to make sure if you’re in the city of Pittsburgh, you can get your basic needs met, like [getting] fresh fruits and vegetables within 20 minutes travel time of your home,” said Kim Lucas, the acting director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (Pittsburgh).

Lucas explained the program has five pillars to make mobility in the city more accessible, enjoyable, safe, beautiful, and affordable.

“A bike is not going to serve every single trip, and a salad isn’t going to serve every single meal,” said Lucas, while adding, “[But] when you make more bikes available, people will use them.”

A yearly unlimited pass for those who receive government assistance will cost $10. POGOH will be the city’s first program that takes Cash App for those without major credit cards.

Additionally, a new $120 annual pass provides unlimited rides, while a $20 Flex Pass is good for five hours of riding. Pay-as-you-go pricing is still available at $3.50 per 30 minutes for regular bicycles and $5 per 30 minutes for e-bicycles.

The age to access a bicycles has been lowered from 16 to 14.

“I want to upgrade our mobility platform,” said White.

White’s vision for the city is to one day dedicate as many resources as it does to the roads and cars as it does for bicycles.

“Instead of feeling the anxiety of rushing traffic around us, we feel the joy of the people around us,” said White.

Bicycles will initially be available at 38 stations around the region in the spring, with an additional 20 or so stations added in the fall.

For more information or to purchase a membership, click here.

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