IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, Sept 1, 2024
Time: 6:30 am
Main Location: Butler Field in Grant Park
235 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60604
Please sign your waiver and make sure everyone included in your registration has also signed their waiver. People who have not signed the waiver are not event participants and registration will be canceled. More here.
SAFETY INFORMATION
We’ve implemented the Emergency Alert System, which is a color-coded flag system and will be located along the course and at the festival.
The flags communicate the status of conditions. Please familiarize yourself with the color indicators and remain alert for directions from event officials and volunteer leaders. Look for the flags at the rest stops, the festival, and along the course.
Potholes are a safety hazard — always be aware of road conditions and warn others whenever possible. Please be aware of the following potholes and uneven pavement conditions:
- From Foster heading south all the way to Grant Park be aware of seam cracks between roadway lanes – ride in the middle of the lanes to avoid issues
- There are often gaps/bumps between the roadway and the bridges/overpasses – use caution crossing onto every bridge/overpass
- Northbound Lane at Scott
- Belmont Bridge and surrounding area
- Wilson Bridge and surrounding area
- Southbound lane from Fullerton to North Ave
If you see a DuSable Lake Shore Drive exit or entrance with no police or traffic management personnel blocking access, please call our non-emergency hotline at 312-216-0464
Helmets are required.
Slower riders to the RIGHT, faster riders to the LEFT.
Here’s the location of Butler Field, the location of the festival.
Bike the Drive is a fundraiser held by
Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout chicagoland.
TIMING
You can start the ride anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., but we recommend starting no later than 8 a.m. to get the most out of your time.
Closures will begin at 10:30 a.m. depending on your location. Please follow the instruction of volunteers and course officials. It is for your own safety.
6:30 a.m. – OFFICIAL START
DuSable Lake Shore Drive will open to people biking upon police approval. We recommend you start by 8 a.m. to make the most of your ride.
10:30 a.m. – CLOSURES BEGIN
People biking may no longer enter DuSable Lake Shore Drive at Jackson. Please follow the instruction of volunteers and course officials.
10:35-10:45 a.m. – CHECKPOINTS REDIRECTED
At 10:35 a.m., riders must be north of Randolph Street or south of Roosevelt Road. At 10:45 a.m., riders will be redirected to the festival at the south (Oakwood) and north (Fullerton) checkpoints.
10:45-11:15 a.m. – ROLLING CLOSURES
Depending on your location on the route, riders will be guided off DuSable Lake Shore Drive onto the Lakefront Trail to return to the festival. Please see below for more information about using the Lakefront Trail.
11:30-12 p.m. – FULL CLOSURE
Car traffic resumes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
For more info about how the event will impact the surrounding area, please check out our Community Engagement webinar!
ENTRY LOCATIONS
Riders can enter DuSable Lake Shore Drive at any one of the following locations:
ROUTE DISTANCE
The entire route loop is 30 miles, but you can make your ride as short or long as you wish. Riders can change directions at any one of our rest stops and checkpoints.
REST STOPS
Take a break when you need one. There are three rest stops along the route with access to restrooms, water, and snacks. Event t-shirts and 30-Mile Challenge medals can be picked up at the North and South rest stops and inside the Festival at Butler Field.
Rest stops are located at Bryn Mawr Ave., The Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, and the main festival area in Butler Field.
CHECKPOINTS
Riders are required to show their rider number at checkpoints along the route. Please be sure to print out your rider number and affix it to your bike. Your rider number was emailed to you at the time of registration.
Checkpoints are for the safety of all riders and ensure that only registered participants enter the ride. Please slow down as you approach a checkpoint.
Checkpoints are located at Fullerton Ave. and Oakwood Blvd. along DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
Whether you’re biking, taking transit, or driving to the event, here’s our page with directions.
Various parking options are available, including the Millennium Lakeside Garage, which is offering a special price for the event. It’s located across from Butler Field and adjacent to Lake Shore Drive.
LAKEFRONT TRAIL
As the event concludes and car traffic is re-introduced back onto DuSable Lakeshore Drive, you will be instructed to exit and guided onto the Lakefront Trail. Please remember these tips while using the Trail.
- The entire trail has separate pathways for people walking and biking, and the arrangement of the pathways changes regularly as you proceed on the trail. Keep an eye on pavement markings to make sure you’re in the right place.
- People on foot always have the right of way. People on bikes have the most responsibility in keeping the atmosphere safe and friendly.
- Unfortunately, riding two abreast is not safe or courteous when the trail is busy.
- The Lakefront Trail can be a challenging environment for young kids; keep them very close.
- Ditch the earbuds or at least use only one earbud at a time.
- Want to ride fast? Consider a different location.
- Keep to the right except when passing. When you do pass, call out. It’s better not to surprise your fellow trail users.
- Move off the trail when stopped.
- Take extra care when entering and exiting the trail and changing direction.
RIDE SUPPORT
Bike mechanics will provide free safety checks and minor repairs, such as fixing flat tires. We also have hundreds of volunteers to make sure you have the best experience possible. Course Marshals, Ride Marshals, and SAG Vehicles are stationed throughout the course for riders who need support.
Community Outreach Webinar from 7/18
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/r3R2a-QDnyoWnP5OLHORQDo_fESp-RNk7KHWhhmEtIbuLXAbFWCZ18g3lW5Igqhl.TNj0EKFRbRYCic7v
Passcode: YJ$E5ycq
What participants have said about Bike the Drive
“The views of the lakeshore are amazing.”
“This was a terrific event and I would absolutely do it again. Really well organized, the volunteers were amazing, and it was so nice to be able to ride throughout the city on such a beautiful day!”
“An absolutely wonderful event!”
