Bike Pittsburgh to host bike light giveaway

Bike Pittsburgh will give away bike lights Wednesday in the city’s Homewood neighborhood.

The event, called Operation Illumination, will be held at the corner of Homewood Avenue and Hamilton Avenue from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., while supplies last.

Bike Pittsburgh is a nonprofit that advocates for safe bicycling in Pittsburgh. The group focuses on educating people about safe biking and making Pittsburgh accessible for cyclists.

To receive free lights, cyclists should bring their unlit bikes. Instructors will be available to demonstrate how to properly install both the front and rear lights.

“Being able to provide lights is such a great opportunity to help these cyclists get where they need to go safely,” Alex Shewczyk, Bike Pittsburgh’s marketing and communications director, said, adding that the lights also are mandated by state law for riding after dark.

Bike Pittsburgh’s Operation Illumination has been giving away hundreds of free bike lights annually since 2011. This year, Shewczyk said the event has become even more important, as more people are gravitating towards biking as a safe method of transportation and exercise during the pandemic.

“Biking is such a great way to be able to get around the city while following these social distancing guidelines. Public transportation is potentially an unsafe option,” she said. “Being able to ride a bike is such a great opportunity to not only get exercise, but also limit the amount of cars on the road.”

The pandemic also made bikes and bike equipment scarce, Shewczyk said. She said she hopes this program will help people who couldn’t find lights due to widespread shortages — or because of cost — get the lights they need for safe cycling.

Shewczyk also encouraged cyclists to dress in bright colors and be extra cautious around traffic when biking in the dark.

The giveaway will be outdoors. Bike Pittsburgh is requiring masks and encouraging visitors to abide by social distancing guidelines.

Bike Pittsburgh also is hosting a Bike Match event, helping connect people searching for a bike with people who have an extra or unwanted bike, Shewczyk said.