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Riding Tips

We want all of our riders to feel safe and confident whenever they're riding POGOH! There are lots of ways that you can prepare yourself for a good ride, and knowing the rules of the road can help you feel confident and secure.

Ride Safe

  • Avoid the Door Zone: Ride four feet away from parked cars to avoid “the door zone”
  • Communicate: Use hand signals, use your bell, use your voice. Let other road users and pedestrians know what you're about to do.
  • Be Seen: Avoid riding in car’s blindspots
  • Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line and avoid swerving in and out of parked cars
  • Be Alert: Never use headphones or your cellphone while riding
  • Ride Right: Ride with traffic, never against it.
  • Obey all traffic signals and signs
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Don't Drink and Ride
  • Wear a helmet that fits properly

Learn more ways to ride safe by checking out Bike Pittsburgh's Cycling 101 Guide.

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Check Your Bike

Adjust Seat Height

Release the clamp on the side of the seat post, raise or lower the seat to your preferred height, and re-tighten the clamp. Typically a seat is at the right height when you can almost fully straighten your legs when pedaling.

Check Tires

Push each tire hard against a curb or the ground. If you can flatten it, it needs air. Turn each wheel slowly and look for cuts, bulges or bubbles in the tire.

Test Brakes

Give each wheel a spin to check that it does not catch against the brake pads or anything else.

 

Inspect the chain, pedals, lights and frame for any additional damage. Report damages by pressing the RED service button on the left side of each dock or contact hello@pogoh.com or call customer service at (412) 595-9421.

Plan Your Ride

  • POGOH Station Map – What’s the closest station to you? What’s the closest station to your destination? Know where you’re headed for a safer ride.
  • Ride Spot – Ride with us virtually! Our Community Ambassadors have created routes that riders of all experience levels can explore.
  • Bike Pgh Map – It’s Pittsburgh’s most comprehensive bike routes map, and this year it will include all Healthy Ride Station Locations. Print maps are available at most cycling shops in Pittsburgh – get yours.
  • Google Maps – Plan your ride with Google Maps and see what hills you may have to tackle. Note: Google doesn’t always consider safest routes.

Wear A Helmet

Helmets are required for riders under the age of 14, but we strongly encourage everyone to wear one when they ride!

 

  • Wear it level on your head, about two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
  • Your helmet should fit snugly on your head and not rock side-to-side. Use the foam pads that came with the helmet or the internal adjuster to fine-tune.
  • Always buckle the chin strap and make sure the straps are snug. Only about two fingers should fit beneath the chin strap.
  • Replace your helmet after any crash or whenever you see signs of damage.