Blog Category

Women’s Bike Month – Ashanti SP

Ashanti

Customer Support

She/Her

Hi, my name is Ashanti and I am a Customer Support Rep. I started working for POGOH in November 2022. I am currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Psychology with a certificate in Nonprofit Management. SP I had done previous work for nonprofits and thought working for POGOH would be a really cool opportunity. I absolutely love coffee and cats <3

Q: What's your favorite thing about working at POGOH?

A: The people! SP I've never been a part of such a fun loving staff. Everyone has such care for what they are doing and everyone loves bikes!

Q: Who taught you how to ride a bike? Tell us about it! SP What do you remember about riding bikes as a kid? What did your bike look like?

A: My mom taught me how to ride a bike. I remember the first time I rode without training wheels I slipped on a pothole and came tumbling down. SP I still have the scar on my knees to show for it. But I loved riding around my neighborhood with my group of friends.

Q: Where's your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh? It can be a route, a destination, a bike lane or road, whatever feels good!

A: Since I am a student I spend a lot of my time on Pitt's campus; most of the routes I'll bike are to and from there. My favorite (and coincidentally most biked) route is from Oakland over to the Southside. SP I love crossing over the bridge in the evening and watching the sunset.

Q: How do you describe riding a POGOH e-assist bike to someone who hasn't ridden an e-bike before?

A: Hmm it feels similar to gliding on water. There's a gentle helping hand pushing you up the steep hill in the city. Super smooth and easy! SP

Q: What's your favorite thing about biking in Pittsburgh?

A: I love how bike friendly the city is. It never feels too treacherous to bike anywhere.

Women’s Bike Month – Sam SP

Sam Smith

Equity Initiatives Manager

She/Her

Bio: I grew up in the East Bay of California. I have two sisters: one older, the other, my identical twin. SP I moved to Pittsburgh in an effort to individuate from my twin. Six years later, Pittsburgh is the place I call home (and also the home of my twin, who moved to Pittsburg, California). I bought my first bike in 2020 - a pale blue Jamis hybrid - that I still use to commute everywhere. I recently added a vintage Lemond road bike to the repertoire after joining PMTCC and delighting in the community of cyclists I found there. SP I am bringing over 4 years of management experience to this role as well as the deep interest and intention to make Pittsburgh more equitable, diverse, and bike-friendly.

Q: What's your favorite thing about POGOH?

A: This is my second day on the job! So far, I love the open workplace vibe and being able to interact with bike people all day. SP I am excited by the Mobility Justice Membership and hope to be able to expand its reach within the city.

Q: Who taught you how to ride a bike? Tell us about it! SP What do you remember about riding bikes as a kid? What did your bike look like?

A: I remember biking in circles in my old neighborhood in Newark. My dad must have taught us, since he still rides regularly, but all I can remember is raucous summer days with my sisters on our neighborhood block. SP

Q: Where's your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh? It can be a route, a destination, a bike lane or road, whatever feels good!

A: I love taking my Lemond up Highland Drive (to the right of the cycling track), taking a right on Lemington Avenue, and busting my ass to St. Peter's Cemetery. From there, it's a leisurely bike around Larimer and Homewood. The National Opera House on Apple Street is a beautiful historical landmark. SP

Q: How do you describe riding a POGOH e-assist bike to someone who hasn't ridden an e-bike before?

A: Imagine biking on a travelator.

Q: What's your favorite thing about biking in Pittsburgh?

A: If you're sick of fighting cars, you still have a few great options for getting around with the Lawrenceville Cemetery, the alleyway neighborhood ways, and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Q: Anything else you'd like to include? SP

A: I love when people tell me they spotted me biking. It's my only mode of transportation, so I'll take anything to keep my energy boosted. Keep it up!

Meet the Pittsburgh Bike People! SP

Let's talk about bikes!

Pittsburgh Bike People is a partnership between BikePGH & POGOH that builds an inclusive biking community through a shared outreach team capable of talking about ALL things biking in the Burgh.

Keep an eye out for this crew all summer long! SP Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just getting started on your biking journey, Pittsburgh Bike People are here to help you navigate all avenues of biking in Pittsburgh.

Free Ride Day: Friday, May 19th SP

Bike to Work Day is a POGOH Free Ride Day!

In honor of national Bike to Work Day, POGOH is celebrating with a system-wide Free Ride Day! Pay As You Go customers can enjoy free unlimited 30-minute rides all day. Standard rates apply after 30 minutes ($4.00/30 minutes for pedal bikes, $5.50/30 minutes for e-assist bikes). SP Download the PBSC App and create an account to get started.

Bike to Work Day Commuter Cafes:

The POGOH team will also be joining our friends at Bike Pittsburgh at 2 of their pop-up PM Commuter Cafe’s on 5/19. SP You can catch us from 4pm-7pm at Sly Fox Brewery (South Side) and Spirit (Lawrenceville). Stop by for a cold beverage and a snack, grab some swag, or just to say hi! Check out BikePGH's full schedule of the day's eventshere!

Free Ride Day Details: SP

Friday, May 19
ALL DAY
Unlimited 30-minute rides

How can you take advantage of the free riding? You just need an active POGOH account. SP Free ride time starts at 12:01am and ends at 11:59pm on May 19. All rides under 30-minutes taken during that time are FREE. Annual Members, Mobility Justice Members, and Flex Pass holders don't have any extra ride perks on Free Ride Day, but if you stop by one of the Commuter Cafe’s at Sly Fox Brewery or Spirit we’ll have some fun swag for you!

Questions?

Contact hello@pogoh.com SP

Open Streets: May 28 SP

Ride with POGOH at Open Streets!

Save time! Download the PBSC App & create a POGOH account before arriving at a station. SP
POGOH Staff will be present at 8 locations along the route to assist you.
Overflow POGOH parking is available at all staffed stations from 10am-2pm. SP
POGOH bikes must never be left unattended.
POGOH bikes must be returned to an official POGOH station. SP

Open Streets Maps - Open Streets Map May

How do I rent a POGOH Bike?

Download the PBSC App.
Create a POGOH account.
Choose a membership plan & attach a payment method. SP
Scan the QR code on the bike you wish to rent.
Listen for the beep, look for the green light on the left side of the dock, & pull the bike from the dock.

How do I return a POGOH Bike?

Where can I return a POGOH Bike? SP

POGOH Bikes must be returned to an official POGOH Station.
POGOH Bikes can be returned to any POGOH Station with an open dock.
If you arrive at a POGOH Station that is completely full, use the map in the PBSC App to locate another station with an open dock. SP

Have questions about POGOH?

POGOH Staff will be present at 8 locations along the route to assist you
Call Customer Support - 412-595-9421
Visit OpenStreetsPGH.org for event specific information.

Descargue la aplicación PBSC