More than 700 motorcycles expected for 8th annual Shaw Ride

The largest charity motorcycle ride in Western Pennsylvania returns to the Alle-Kiski Valley this weekend.

The eighth annual Brian Shaw Ride is set for Saturday.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, Harmar, and kickstands go up at 10 a.m.

The ride is in memory of Officer Brian Shaw, a New Kensington policeman shot and killed in the line of duty in November 2017.

“It’s grown every year,” said Eric Felack, communications director for the ride. “We’re expecting over 700 motorcycles and trikes in the ride this year.”

The cost on event day will be $40 per rider and $20 per passenger, cash only.

Funds raised are used to award two scholarships to students at the Allegheny County Police Academy.

Last year’s ride raised about $35,000, Felack said.

The route: expect delays

The ride is about 63 miles and travels throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley.

Major roadways where drivers should expect possible traffic restrictions include the Route 28 Expressway, Routes 56 and 356, Tawney Run Road and Riddle Run Road. The ride also will cross the New Kensington Bridge and the Ford City Veterans Bridge.

Notably, the ride will pass through Lower Burrell between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m. Saturday, on Leechburg Road from Route 56 at the former Rite Aid and proceed down Leechburg Road into New Kensington on Freeport Road.

It would then be anticipated to enter New Kensington between 11:35 a.m. and noon. There, riders will turn onto Locust Street, cross the viaduct onto 11th Street and pass the New Kensington City Hall and Police Department building to Industrial Boulevard, cross the New Kensington Bridge and head back toward the Shrine Center.

People should expect slight traffic delays. Motorists should use caution near the ride route.

After-party

A celebration will be afterward from noon to 4 p.m. at the Shrine Center. Heidi and the Hellcats will perform and there will be games, food, T-shirts and a basket auction. Admission for the celebration only is $10.

“It’s a large event,” said Tim Borland, who has volunteered with the event for the past several years. “We have a lot of people come out to support the cause.”

Borland believes the event has grown because people want to keep Shaw’s memory alive and support his legacy.

“Brian was a good person and a good police officer,” Borland said. “It’s good to see people come out and support a continuation of his legacy.”