THE WHEEL MILL IN HOMEWOOD | PHOTO BY KRISTI JAN HOOVER

The Wheel Mill, Pittsburgh’s only indoor bike park that encouraged children and adults alike to take up cycling, will be closing its doors on March 18 after nearly 11 years. 

Owner Harry Geyer posted the news Saturday on social media. 

“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that after nearly eleven years, The Wheel Mill will be closed permanently as of March 18, 2024. It has been my greatest honor to have the opportunity to create a place for everyone to ride and hang out with friends.”

In his posts, Geyer acknowledged that this isn’t the first time The Wheel Mill, at 6815 Hamilton Ave. in Homewood, faced financial hardship, but rising costs from the pandemic and a lull in revenue caused by warmer weather have made running “a business that operates on razor thin margins” an impossibility.

“We were able to keep things going until Covid hit. We lost a ton of money (along with so many other businesses) and went way into debt. Since then costs have gone up and revenue has stagnated (or even decreased when it’s 61 degrees for three days in February),” the posts said. 

Opened in 2013, The Wheel Mill has had a lasting impact on both Pittsburgh and the cycling community at large, many bicycle enthusiasts say. The 80,000-square-foot converted warehouse is filled with ramps and trails, as well as a bike shop offering parts and service. The operation’s mission is to be an inclusive space for riders of all skill levels, attracting everyone from beginners to stunt cyclists and BMX riders.

BikePGH, the local cycling advocacy and safety organization, highlighted The Wheel Mill’s impact on the community in one of its newsletters from February 2023, when the bike park celebrated its 10th anniversary.

“From a dusty old warehouse to now one of the nation’s biggest and most beloved indoor bike parks, The Wheel Mill has had quite the ride. Although it has acquired quite a reputation as the proving ground for a generation of high-flying BMX riders and mountain bikers, The Wheel Mill has a special place in our hearts for its work to build a better bike community for everyone.”

The news of its closing drew a mixed outpouring of support and dismay on social media. Many posted about their memories of The Wheel Mill, from children’s birthday parties to getting their start cycling in a judgment-free environment. Some even asked about starting a GoFundMe effort to save the park.

“Thank you for creating a spot for an adult noob to feel comfortable enough to try BMX for the first time,” Danielle Hovermale posted on Instagram.

“I know how to mountain bike because of your Monday night clinics and the women and girls weekend. Your work has done so much to bring more people into the sport that would not have otherwise had an opportunity,” another poster, Monica Marie, said on Facebook.

Sara London had heartfelt sentiments on Facebook as well: “My child became the person he is today at, and in part because of, The Wheel Mill and we will be forever grateful.”

The Wheel Mill will continue to hold events and sales throughout the month, and it has asked people to share their photos and memories on the park’s social media platforms.