Making the streets friendly for all!

The mood was jubilant downtown today for OpenStreetsPGH which kicked off at 8 a.m. in Market Square. For four hours, downtown came alive with people dancing in the streets, doing yoga in Market Square and cycling, walking, skating and running on Penn Avenue which was closed for 3.5 fun-filled miles.

“It’s like one big gym,” said yoga instructor Janna Leyde of Market Square. And the rest of Open Streets PGH? Like one big, glorious street party.

Here are some photos that captured some of the excitement of the second OpenStreetsPGH following the trial run last year.

Missed it? Two more are scheduled this summer, on the last Sunday of June and July. Read more about Open Streets PGH here. And if you want to thank those who made it possible, start with the City of Pittsburgh, BikePGH, Red House Communications, Eve Picker, Kim O’Dell, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and the many fun and friendly volunteers along the route.

All we can say is, can’t wait for the next one!

Bikes piled up at Market Street for Open Streets PGH.
Bikes piled up at Market Street for Open Streets PGH. Photo by Tracy Certo.
At the start. Photo by John Norton.
At the start. Photo by John Norton.
In Market Square, they started the day with yoga, held every Sunday at 10 am.
In Market Square they started the day with yoga, held every Sunday through September at 10 a.m. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Zumba on Eighth drew lots of participants as well as spectators.
Zumba on Eighth drew lots of participants as well as spectators who loved the music. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Yoga in the Square is always a hit.
Yoga in the Square meets Healthy Ride, the bike share program.  Photo by Tracy Certo.
Yoga in the Square meets Healthy Ride, the bike share program.  Photo by Tracy Certo.
"How cool is this?" asked one spectator of Yoga in the Square.
“How cool is this?” asked one spectator of Yoga in the Square. Photo by Tracy Certo.
“How cool is this?” asked one spectator of Yoga in the Square. Photo by Tracy Certo.
The Strip was jumping.
The Strip was jumping. “This city never looked better,” said one cyclist. Photo by Tracy Certo
The Strip was jumping. “This city never looked better,” said one cyclist. Photo by Tracy Certo
Skaters on Penn. Photo by John Norton.
Skaters (and more) on Penn. Photo by John Norton.
Dogs brought owners along for the ride.
Dogs brought owners along for the ride. Very thoughtful of them. Photo by Tracy Certo.
All along Penn Avenue, a sea of happy campers. Photo by Tracy Certo.
All along Penn Avenue, a sea of happy campers. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Great day for a picnic in the Strip. Photo by John Norton.
Great day for a picnic in the Strip. Photo by John Norton.
Great viewing from Franktuary.
If you want to watch the action, Franktuary makes a perfect spot. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Stores opened and restaurants celebrated during Open Streets PGH
Stores opened and restaurants celebrated during Open Streets PGH. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Time to play!
Time to play! Larry Gioia with Nikki Barczak and Ian Neumaier, founder of Find Some Flow. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Time to play! Larry Gioia with Nikki Barczak and Ian Neumaier, founder of Find Some Flow. Photo by Tracy Certo.
Photo, anyone? Will Bernstein shoots as cyclists line up.
Photo, anyone? Will Bernstein shoots as cyclists line up. Photo by Tracy Certo
Kids, dogs, chickens on leashes. Everyone got into the act. Here's Kathy Risko with her buddy.
Kathy Risko with her very happy dog. Photo by Tracy Certo.

Tracy Certo

Tracy is the founder and Editor at Large of NEXTpittsburgh which she started in March 2014 and sold in December 2020. She is passionate about making Pittsburgh a better place for all and connecting people to do the same.