IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Sunday, Sept 1, 2024
Time: TBA

Main Location: Butler Field in Grant Park
235 S. Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60604

Download the Fifth Third Bike the Drive app for maps of the route and festival, start and end times, safety information, and plenty of other details about the event.

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 also a safety hazard — always be aware of road conditions and warn others whenever possible. Here’s a list of potholes and other potential road hazards to be on the lookout for.

Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive (starting from the north end)

  • Bumps north of Lawrence Ave.
  • Bumps near Diversey Harbor
  • Bumps on North Ave. bridge
  • Pothole near Cedar St.
  • Between Roosevelt and 18th, many bumps and cracks
  • Bumps near I-55 off-ramp
  • Pothole north of 43rd St. pedestrian bridge
  • Bump north of 47th St. off-ramp, right lane
  • Pothole north of 51st St. off-ramp, left lane
  • Bump south of 53rd St. off-ramp

Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive (starting from the south end)

  • Pothole, Everett Ave. near the stop sign south of 57th.
  • Pothole near 53rd
  • Multiple large bumps south of 47th
  • KEEP AN EYE OUT: A large pothole near 47th St. in the middle lanes
  • Pothole south of Oakwood Bridge
  • Bumps North of 35th St.
  • Large bump, left lane south of I-55 Off-ramp
  • Pothole under McCormick Place Pedestrian Bridge
  • KEEP AN EYE OUT: A section with many bumps and cracks between 18th and Roosevelt
  • Bumps and cracks near McFettridge
  • Bumps and cracks south of Monroe
  • Bump south of Chicago Ave.
  • Large hole south of Oak Street Beach
  • Large bump at Division St.
  • Many smaller holes on the Fullerton Bridge
  • Large holes on Montrose Bridge
  • Bumps south of Bryn Mawr
  • Holes under Bryn Mawr bridge

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.

Fifth Third Bike the Drive is
produced by and benefits

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 7:30 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. It is for your own safety.  

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 Oakwood (south) or Fullerton (north) 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! 

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/D5mz1nf6ezIGACmkO0Ubo9xVv-Dv_x_B2AEVfX3F9DQmfau46B9HijNlXqGTN7jK.kRD–oOfIwJZwwCG
Passcode: 8#LXNR2F

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 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 frequently. 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.
  • Riding two abreast might not be 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.

What participants have said about Fifth Third 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!”

Fifth Third Bike the Drive is produced by and benefits

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

Event Info

Register

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