History

The Western Pennsylvania Bicycle Club was founded as the Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen (WPW), founded in 1969, is one of the largest bicycle clubs in Pennsylvania with hundreds of individual and family memberships. Our purpose is to promote the general interests of bicyclists, to educate bicyclists in safe riding methods in adherence to the State Vehicle Code, to defend the rights of bicyclists, and to advocate the use of bicycles for pleasure, health, and transportation.

“Wheelmen” is a traditional term for bicyclists dating back over 100 years and in no way is intended to exclude women, or children. Our members are of all ages. Our cycling interests range from leisurely sport riding, to mountain biking, to ultra-endurance rides. The WPW is affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists (LAB, previously known as League of American Wheelmen (LAW).

WPW members financed half of the abandoned railroad assessment study by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy that gave birth to the local Rail-Trail lmprovement. WPW support has helped form the organizations to promote and develop the following trails: the Montour Trail, Yough River Trail, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Butler-Freeport Trail, Harmony Trail, Allegheny Highlands Trail, Armstrong County Trail, Roaring Run Trail, and the National Pike Trail. The WPW is a charter member of the Pittsburgh Area Cycling Coalition (PACC). PACC was formed in 1993 by local groups with an interest in promoting bicycling for recreation and transportation.