Impact Report: Inside The POGOH Bike Share Living Lab

Behind the measurable success of increased ridership and access in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.

“This work is about more than bikes — it’s about showing young people in Homewood what’s possible,” says Brother Lloyd. “When they build confidence, when they feel seen, when they realize they belong in these spaces — that’s how we start changing the future of our community.”

In 2024, the Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) chose four cities for its second cohort of Living Labs, focused on developing replicable programs to improve access to shared micromobility in BIPOC and low-income communities, with each city awarded $200,000 over two years.

Today, we unveil the first of four StoryMaps highlighting the impact of each Living Lab, starting with POGOH Bike Share in Pittsburgh!

In Pittsburgh, POGOH, operated by Bike Share Pittsburgh, used its lab to tackle transportation disparities in Homewood, a primarily African American neighborhood facing structural barriers due to historical disinvestment. Led by Dr. Lloyd Cheatom (“Brother Lloyd”), Community outreach and education manager, and Erin Potts, director of strategic communications, the Living Lab investment builds on a network of more than 60 bike share stations and hundreds of bikes, including both traditional and e-assist models.

The Advancing Equitable Outreach in Homewood StoryMap details the journey of intentional listening, learning, and working toward an equitable transportation ecosystem. The StoryMap also paints a picture of the importance of long-term investment in bike share programs in mid-size cities.

Over two years, the POGOH Living Lab made tangible progress in increasing access, boosting ridership, and promoting equity in Homewood. Key data points include:

• Mobility Justice membership usage grew from 1.9% to 6%, a meaningful shift toward more inclusive access
• 120%+ increase in ridership
• 277%+ increase in rides to and from Homewood stations
• 100+ first-time riders participating through Living Lab events

Through this Living Lab, POGOH learned many lessons applicable to the shared micromobility industry and the broader bike industry as a whole. Below are key lessons on how to best operationalize equity:

• Sustained investment in people, relationships, and community leadership is foundational to building equitable bike share systems
• Community co-design is a critical driver of success 
• Education and relationship-building create entry points that foster confidence, trust, and a sense of belonging
• Investing in local nonprofit leadership goes a long way

This April, POGOH received a BBSP mini-grant for a series of rides prioritizing bike safety, neighborhood pride, and outlets that empower the people of Homewood. We can’t wait to see the continued impact as POGOH pushes forward on its commitment to the neighborhood! 

👉 Check out the POGOH Living Lab StoryMaps impact report here. 👈

The Better Bike Share Partnership’s StoryMaps series was produced with advisory support from Excellence in Innovation.