Cyclists to take over Lake Shore Drive for annual ‘Bike the Drive’

CHICAGO — A portion of Lake Shore Drive will shut down on Sunday morning, but there will still be plenty of traffic as thousands of cyclists are expected to hit the road to “Bike the Drive.”

The annual event, which benefits the non-profit Active Transportation Alliance, offers cyclists the chance to ride along a 30-mile loop along the Drive, soaking in sights usually reserved for motorists.

The once-a-year event kicks off on Sunday at 6:30 a.m. and riders can start anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., though organizers suggest starting no later than 8 a.m. to get the most out of the ride.

Cyclists can begin their rides by taking off from one of the following five entry locations spread around the loop:

• Main Festival (Grant Park)
• Bryn Mawr Ave
• Fullerton Ave
• Oakwood Blvd
• Museum of Science & Industry

Three rest stops will be located around the loop, offering riders access to restrooms, water and snacks. Rest stops also offer riders the chance to change directions if they would like.

During the event, cyclists can spend as much time as they want riding around the loop, but as the event begins winding down around 10:30 a.m., entry locations will begin closing. By 10:35 a.m., riders must either be north of Randolph Street or south of Roosevelt Road.

Rolling closures then begin at 10:45 a.m. before car traffic officially resumes between 11:30 and 12.

Following the event, a festival will be held at Butler Field, and that is where eligible participants will be able to pick up event t-shirts and 30-Mile Challenge medals.

Before hitting the Drive, there are some rules participants should keep in mind.

All riders who participate in the event are required to wear a helmet.

Riders who prefer a slower pace are encouraged to stay to the right while riders maintaining a faster pace are advised to stay to the left.

Additionally, organizers warn riders to stay aware of any potholes along the Drive by reading over the official list of potholes and uneven surfaces around the loop.

Sunday’s event is not just reserved for those with bikes, as organizers say bike rental will also be available on Sunday.

Registration for the event is still open, with adult general admission tickets starting at $78 and kids general admission running $18. Additional ticket packages are also available.

Visit the Bike the Drive website for more information on the event or to purchase tickets.