Pitt staff members earned BikePGH Educators of the Year award

The University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to fostering a bike-friendly community has again earned regional recognition. Mobility Specialist Lucy Klug (A&S ’22) and Assistant Director of Outdoor and Adventure Pursuits Sarah Sleva were recently named BikePGH’s Educators of the Year, marking Pitt’s third award from the organization. Previous honors include the Bike Friendly Employer Award in 2012 and Organization of the Year in 2021. 

In April, Klug and Sleva gained their League Cycling Instructor designations from the national League of American Bicyclists. Since then, the two have worked tirelessly to develop their skills and advance biking programs at Pitt. In fall 2024 alone, they organized 23 rides and classes, including Confident City Cycling courses, POGOH bike share demonstrations and bike maintenance workshops — all designed to make biking more accessible and enjoyable for the Pitt community. 

As Pitt’s mobility specialist, Klug champions sustainable transportation both on and off campus, collaborating with Campus Recreation and others to foster a welcoming biking culture. Her passion for equitable mobility and sustainability began when she was an environmental studies student at Pitt. 

Sleva, as assistant director of outdoor and adventure pursuits, has brought cycling to the forefront through rides, activities and managing the Pitt Bike Cave, an on-campus student-run bike repair shop. 

The BikePGH Educator of Year award supports Pitt’s Sustainability Plan, which includes the goal of becoming a Gold Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) by 2025. Pitt earned a silver BFU designation in 2021, up from bronze in 2018, recognizing its commitment to safe, accessible bicycling on campus. 

“They are models of how educators can build a community to support cycling,” said Ted King-Smith, BikePGH’s education manager. 

Looking to level up your skills with Pitt’s award-winning bike educators? Learn more about biking at Pitt and check the Campus Recreation Portal or Pitt Sustainability event calendar this spring for bike-focused events.