Bikers take to the streets for 31st annual Pedal Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Thousands of cyclists used their pedal power to take them through Pittsburgh on Sunday during the 31st annual Pedal Pittsburgh event.
Many got up before the sun to take on dozens of miles. Bike Pittsburgh says this is Pennsylvania's largest one-day bike ride.
Each route is different, taking you through the sites of the Steel City. They all began at Allegheny Commons Park West.
Leon Dixon and his teammates were ready at the start. They "ride" or die with each other, pushing through the early beginning.
"Not quite awake yet, apparently, but pretty good! Feels great!" Dixon said.
Thousands of people followed their lead. Many wanted to push their limits and test their physique.
"We ran a 5K yesterday, so we'll see how it goes today," Kevin McNulty of Regent Square said.
McNulty and his son, Gavin, have been preparing for this. They didn't choose the 62-mile ride, and there's a reason.
"We're gonna do the 40-mile, which kind of goes close to our house," McNulty said. "So, our bailout option is to go home at 25.
Pedal Pittsburgh is still rolling strong at 31.
"It's Bike Pittsburgh's biggest fundraiser. So, it's extremely important to us," Julie Walsh of BikePGH said. "It's really just about making our streets safer, and more hospitable to people outside of the car."
Many people took advantage of those hospitable roads on Sunday.
"We have a ton of superfan cyclists who've been doing it for that long as well, and then a lot of newbies, too," Walsh said.
Those superfans include Kevin Huff, who said cycling has given him and his friends so much.
"It was a way to escape, to get out and see different neighborhoods," Huff said. "Now, as an adult, that same thing has been true. Here we are, as adults, showcasing Pittsburgh, from all the hills, the beautiful scenery, and out here mixing and mingling with people that love what we love – cycling."
They're with people they love, going through the beautiful sites in the city they love.
What happens when those wheels roll to a halt?
"Stop pedaling, see if everything still works, then we'll go drink beer!" Dixon said.