Save the Date
Sunday, August 31, 2025

Registration opening in early 2025!

Save the Date
Sunday, August 31, 2025

Registration opening early 2025

Bike the Drive is a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance

Active Trans is a non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicagoland.

Already registered and need to log back into your registration account? Log in here. When logging back in, please sign your waiver, if needed, and make sure everyone for whom you have registered has also signed their waiver. More here .

Due to rising costs from our suppliers and contractors, we’ve increased the cost of Bike the Drive for 2024. As a non-profit organization, this event is our most important annual fundraiser, which helps fuel our advocacy work for better walking, biking and transit across Chicagoland. We will be providing youth and adult scholarships.

Over 16,500 riders attended the 22nd Annual Bike the Drive in 2023.

Event Info

Register

Volunteer

ABOUT THE RIDE

Watch our video of Active Transportation Alliance’s Bike the Drive

Grab your bike and reconnect with friends and family on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Whether you’re new to biking, a seasoned veteran, or biking with kids, Bike the Drive is an event to remember. With sweeping views of the lake and skyline, you’ll enjoy fresh air and the wind on your face!

Ride as little or as much of the 30-mile course as you’d like and then enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park. No bike? No problem! Rentals are available.

Don’t miss this once-a-year event when bicycles reign on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

FAQ

What is the refund policy?

Bike the Drive is a rain or shine event. No refunds allowed.

Where is my packet / where are my tickets?

We no longer offer packets. Instead, your eTicket will be emailed to closer to the event. Please print your eTicket/rider number and affix to your bike prior to entering DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Event t-shirts, ride guides, and 30-Mile Challenge medals can be picked up at all three rest stops along the course and in the festival.

What should I bring with me on the day of the event?

You’ll need to print your rider number (eTicket). Bring some layers as it can be chilly in the morning and get warmer into the day. Also, bring sunscreen, water and bike lights for your commute to the ride. Sunrise is roughly 6:20 am.

Specifically, what steps will be taken to make this a safe experience for everyone?

We are committed to your health and safety.

To decrease the chance of congestion, riders can start at a time of their choosing at any of five entry locations along the course.
Event t-shirts, ride guides, and 30-Mile Challenge medals will be available at the festival area and at north and south rest stops.
Attending the event festival, which will be entirely outdoors in spacious Butler Field in Grant Park, is optional.

In addition, all participants, staff, vendors, and volunteers are asked to:

Please stay home if you’re not feeling well or have tested positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to the event.

What if it rains?

Bike the Drive will be held rain or shine. If there is a serious weather warning, volunteers will direct riders to a safe location along the route. Please check our website for the latest information leading up to the event.

Can I start anywhere along the route?

For your safety, all participants should start at one of the below locations. We strongly discourage starting at any other point along the route. Starting locations: Main Festival (Grant Park), Bryn Mawr Ave., Fullerton Ave., Oakwood Blvd., and Museum of Science & Industry.

Want to sponsor or exhibit at this event?

Reach more than 20,000 participants who are interested in an active lifestyle! Join us as a sponsor of Bike the Drive. Sponsorship opportunities (cash and in-kind, from $1,200 to $65,000) for this event. Want more information? Please contact our Director of Development, Julie Strand, at 312-216-0460.

Does my child have to register?

Our rule is “if you pedal you pay.” All youth on their own bikes or tag-alongs must register. For those in trailers or child bike seats, registration is not required.

Is this event safe to attend?

With all four lanes of DuSable Lake Shore Drive closed to car traffic in both directions, there is plenty of space for participants to spread out during the ride. While two outdoor rest stops and a festival in Grant Park will be open to participants, no one is required to stop at these locations. Our top priority is the health and safety of our event participants.

I'm having trouble registering. Who should I contact?

We apologize for the trouble! If you are trying to register on a phone, please try registering on a desktop instead. If you’re still having trouble, contact btdinfo@activetrans.org, describe your issue in detail, and we’ll get back to you ASAP. You may also call our customer service line at 844-299-2087.

Can I ride something other than a bike?

No. For the safety of all participants, only bikes will be allowed on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. (eBikes are allowed; please remember to fully charge your eBike and bring your charging cable just in case!)