6th annual Officer Brian Shaw Memorial Scholarship Ride to draw 800-plus bikers

A charity motorcycle ride in memory of New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw has grown into the largest of its kind in Western Pennsylvania.

The event, scheduled to pull out of the Shrine Center in Harmar at 10 a.m. Saturday, is expected to draw more than 800 riders, organizers said.

Day-of registration costs $40 per rider and $20 per passenger.

Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Officer Brian Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund, which doles out $6,000 to two cadets each year who attend the Allegheny County Police Academy. The money also helps them pay for vests and other equipment to start their career.

“It’s taken on a life of its own,” said Leslie Zellers, founding member of the scholarship fund. “We certainly didn’t know what we were getting into when we started.”

Shaw, a lifelong resident of Lower Burrell, was shot and killed on duty during a 2017 traffic stop.

The first ride in his memory was held less than a year later, with about 640 riders leaving Valley High School and winding through the A-K Valley to end at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Harrison.

The event has since moved to the Shrine Center, partly because it is large enough to accommodate the growing crowd, Zellers said.

“It’s been big since Day 1, but it keeps growing every year,” she said.

This year’s 75-mile route will travel from Harmar to Route 28, through Freeport, Ford City, Vandergrift, Lower Burrell, New Kensington and back to the Shrine Center.

The route was adjusted slightly from previous years because of the closure of the New Kensington Bridge. A map with detailed turns is available at shawride.org.

The nonstop trek is escorted by police through each municipality.

Traditionally, bikers are cheered on by people in front yards or lining the streets.

“You would think the event might get smaller over the years, but people really care about keeping his memory alive,” said Eric Felack, event communications coordinator.

“Helping others is just as important.”

When the riders pull back into the Shrine Center by about 12:30 p.m., a celebration will kick off with food, basket raffles and live entertainment by Heidi and the Hellcats.

The cost is $10, and it is open to the public.

Zellers said special guests from local law enforcement are expected. Past recipients of the Shaw scholarship also will be recognized, including the June awardee, Corey Negley of New Kensington.

“It’s a neat way to gather, support the cause and raise money for the scholarship in (Shaw’s) name,” Zellers said. “I think, because our area has experienced so much loss in law enforcement, that it really is important for people.”