If you ever dreamed of biking along the Lake Shore with no cars around, Bike the Drive Chicago, the largest annual cycling event in Chicago, might be your only chance for the whole year! So don't miss this non-competitive and uncompetitive occasion! You will pass several parks, beaches, and beautiful gardens. Ride past playgrounds, soccer fields as well as museums and a theater. Enjoy as little or as much of the 30-mi (48-km) track to deserve a post-ride festival in Grant Park.
It makes no difference if you’re a seasoned veteran or new to biking, grab your bike and line up with 20,000 people ready to hit the Lake Shore Drive. If you have no bike, no worries, the rentals are available in many places. So get ready for a drive to remember!
The Schedule
Participants can start their ride between 6:30 and 10:30 am. However, it's recommended to start before 7:30 a.m. to finish in time. The official Bike the Drive start takes place at DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 6:30 a.m. Riders can enter the course at Grant Park, Bryn Mawr Ave, Fullerton Ave, Oakwood Blvd, or the Museum of Science & Industry. Course closures begin at 10:30 am. At this point, riders must be north of Randolph Street or south of Roosevelt Road. Riders will be redirected off DuSable Lake Shore Drive onto the Lakefront Trail to return to Grant Park.
The Festival
All participants can enjoy some relaxation during the post-ride festival, located at Butler Field, near the north end of Grant Park. The festival runs from 8 am to 12:30 pm. The Festival features live music, beer, kids' activities, vendors and exhibitors with various offerings.
Fifth Third Bike the Drive is produced by Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit organization. The event is raising money for the good cause to make biking, walking, and public transportation easier and safer throughout the region. To support healthy, sustainable transportation, you can register for this event online. Bike the Drive is possible, thanks to Fifth Third Bank.
