Bike Pittsburgh will host its second bike light giveaway of the year on Monday.
Operation Illumination, the group’s initiative to offer free bike lights for cyclists, will continue on the sidewalk in front of the Winchester Thurston building at 5099 Ellsworth Ave. in Shadyside. Bike Pittsburgh volunteers will distribute bike lights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. while supplies last.
Bike Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to riders’ safety and education. Its staff distributes hundreds of free bike lights annually.
Did you know that riding without bike lights is a ticket-able offense in PA?
— BikePGH (@BikePGH) April 15, 2021
Stop by the Winchester Thurston building on Ellsworth Ave next Monday for our Operation Illumination Bike Light giveaway! https://t.co/TDzwHQjQ0M
Bike Pittsburgh will not distribute lights to anyone who does not have a bike with them.
Cyclists who participate will also get Bike Pittsburgh’s Biking 101 Guide, a Pittsburgh bike map and samples and coupons from StarKist, which is sponsoring the event.
Bike Pittsburgh requested that anyone who already owns lights does not request a free set. Their event is meant to help those who may not be able to afford bike lights.
During the covid-19 pandemic, bicycling has proved to be a safe and affordable mode of transportation, plus a form of recreation and outdoor exercise compatible with social distancing guidelines.
But the pandemic has also made resources scarce, leaving some cyclists struggling to find bikes or bike gear, like lights. Bicycle sales have boomed, leaving shops in short supply.
Anyone participating in the Operation Illumination giveaway will be asked to follow covid-19 protocols during the event. Though it is outdoors, everyone will be required to wear a mask and follow social distancing measures.
