ADAPTIVE POGOH BIKES ARE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT THE ELIZA FURNACE TRAILHEAD IN SOUTH OAKLAND. | PHOTO BY RUBY SIEFKEN

This summer, Pittsburgh’s bikeshare program has switched gears to provide more accessible cycling opportunities for people of all abilities.

The new Adaptive POGOH initiative offers seven cycles tailored to riders with different needs. Whether it be a physical or cognitive limitation or just a lack of confidence, the program’s mission is to extend the cycling community beyond the constraints of two wheels. 

“We are really dedicated to providing the most inclusive, affordable and convenient mobility option for Pittsburgh,” says Erin Potts, director of marketing and community outreach, who has been with POGOH since it launched as Healthy Ride in 2015. 

The new fleet of adaptive cycles includes a hand-powered tricycle, tandem bicycle, low-step through bicycle, adult tricycle, cargo bicycle, side-by-side tricycle for two people and recumbent bicycle. So far, Potts says the side-by-side tricycle has been the most popular model as it allows riders to sit next to one another and pedal simultaneously. 

ONE OF THE ADAPTIVE BIKES IS A TANDEM FOR TWO RIDERS. | PHOTO BY RUBY SIEFKEN

Cycles are available by reservation or walk-in rental at the Eliza Furnace Trailhead in South Oakland and are available in two-hour blocks on Wednesdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. All rentals for adaptive bikes are free during this summer’s pilot program; POGOH charges fees for its fleet of regular and electric bikes.

Quinn Ferris, Adaptive POGOH’s fleet manager, says these specialty cycles are available only at this location and times so staff can provide one-on-one assistance and adjustments to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. But, the cycles can be taken anywhere in Pittsburgh depending on the rider’s comfort level. 

The Adaptive POGOH team took inspiration from adaptive bikeshare programs in other cities following a conference in 2018. Since then, the team has been anticipating their own launch to provide accessible transportation and recreation vehicles in Pittsburgh to get community members out of the car, outdoors and active. 

“We started thinking very seriously about the fact that we’re not serving everyone in Pittsburgh, and not everyone is able to ride a two-wheeled bicycle,” Potts says. 

Though Adaptive POGOH currently has only one version of each adaptive cycle, Potts says the program will likely expand with more cycles and locations in the future. The program is currently in its pilot phase and encourages riders to complete post-ride feedback forms and leave comments on their website. 

POGOH is sponsored by Highmark and Allegheny Health Network. The Adaptive POGOH initiative has also been largely sponsored by the Livable Communities grant from AARP. 

More information about each cycle’s capabilities and availability can be found on Adaptive POGOH’s website or at the Eliza Furnace Trailhead, which will operate through September.