What are the most important details I should know about the event?
Can I volunteer?
Do I get anything special if I’m an Active Trans member?
Will Metra allow bikes?
Why should I pay when I can just ride on the Lakefront Trail?
Does MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive partner with any charities?
Can I participate in MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive with inline skates?
I don’t have a bike. What should I do?
Why should I become a member of the Active Transportation Alliance?
What does the registration fee go toward?
How do I register?Is Bike the Drive accessible to everyone?
Do I become an Active Trans member when I register?
I’m having trouble registering online.
I would rather not register online. What should I do?
How do I know my registration was received?
Can I register my child?
My children are riding in a trailer—do I need to register them?
Can I have a refund?
How do I get my ride packet?
Can I pick up my packet on the day of the event?
Why is there a $3 increase starting May 9?
What should I do if my packet has not arrived in the mail?
Can I register the day of the event?
Can I transfer a registration?
I’ve registered, but I’m not receiving emails about the event. What should I do?
Why do I have a processing fee added to the cost of registration?
Can my registration fee be deducted from my taxes?
Where can I park downtown?
Where is volunteer parking?
Why is it required to wear a rider number?
Where does the ride start?
Can I start biking anywhere along the route?
What if it rains?
When should I arrive?
Can I start the ride at 5 a.m.?
I’m not sure I can ride 15 or 30 miles
What if I get tired?
How many times can I ride the route?
What safety concerns should I be aware of?
What emergency medical assistance will be available at the event?
Can I go straight home after the ride or do I have to go to the post-ride festival?
Still have questions? Contact us at 312.427.3325 x 251.
What are the most important details I should know about the event?
Here are three of the most important details you need to know about the event.
1. The event takes place on Sunday, May 27. And the sooner you register the more money you’ll save:
• Save $10 when registering before Feb. 5.
• Save $5 when registering between Feb. 6 through Mar. 4.
• Save $3 when registering between Mar. 5 through April 1.
• Pay an additional $3 when registering May 11 through May 26.
2. Your packet of rider materials will be mailed to you if you register between Jan. 20 and May 11 . If you register after May 11, you must go to a packet pickup location to receive your rider materials. Click here for packet pickup dates and locations.
3. All riders must display their rider number, helmet number and wristband visibly while participating in the ride (these items are contained in the ride packet). Displaying these items shows you are a paid participant, allows access to rest stops along the route, and use your number to find professional photos of yourself.
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Can I volunteer?
Yes! MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive relies on volunteers before, during, and after the event. From data entry, to working as a course marshal, to helping with teardown, your skills can help the event be the best it can be. We will work with you to find the most rewarding use for your talents and limited time. Visit the volunteer page or contact our volunteer manager at 312.427.3325 x223 or email christine@activetrans.org.
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Do I get anything special if I am a member?
Yes! You get a $5 discount on your event registration. We’d love to meet you! Stop by the Active Transportation Alliance tent at the post-ride festival for special goodies, news on recent victories and to learn about what’s next for biking, walking and transit. Thank you for your continued support! Not a member? You can add a membership to your registration. Learn more about membership.
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Will Metra allow bikes?
Yes. A number of Metra lines will get you downtown for the event. Check with Metra for schedules. You can bring your bike on CTA buses and trains. Find out more.
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Why should I pay when I can just ride on the Lakefront Trail?
Thanks for asking! There are several reasons.
• MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive is a fundraiser that benefits the Active Transportation Alliance’s work to improve biking, walking and transit. Your registration allows us to continue our fight to make walking, biking and transit safe and easy.
• Bike the Drive will provide you with a unique experience. Lake Shore Drive is usually crammed with cars; during this event, the historic road is transformed into a tranquil bicycling utopia. Come enjoy the camaraderie that transpires when you connect with a larger community of bicyclists.
• You’ll enjoy great views. Lake Shore Drive is built higher than the Lakefront Trail, giving you an unparalleled view of the city and lakefront. Expect stunning views of the lake and the downtown skyline.
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Does MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive partner with any charities?
Yes! MB Financial Bank is proud to partner with several regional charities.
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Can I participate in MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive with inline skates?
No. Inline skates and Trikkes are not allowed for the safety of all participants.
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I don’t have a bike. What should I do?
MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive participants are eligible for bike rental discounts! Click here to find out more.
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Why should I become a member of the Active Transportation Alliance?
Members are the momentum we need to build a movement around biking, walking and transit. We envision a region where there are half as many crashes and half the population gets around on foot, by bike and on transit. You want safer streets and more bike lanes and trails. We need members to make that happen! As an Active Trans member, you receive the Chicagoland Bike Map, discounts at local businesses and events, and we’ll keep you informed and engaged through our newsletters and volunteer opportunities. Join by registering for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive with a package option that includes membership and a $17 savings at the base price.
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What does the registration fee go toward?
All proceeds from MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive support the Active Transportation Alliance’s work to make the region better for biking, walking and transit. In fact, 86 cents out of every dollar raised goes directly back into advocacy efforts that make your community a better place for biking and walking. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit that has been making bicycling better in Chicagoland for over 25 years. Learn more about our mission and work.
Your fee also pays for the event’s costs. Bike the Drive’s costs include food, route closures, police, barricades, toilets, tents, permits, staff time and countless other items. We wouldn’t be able to produce this event if your registration fee didn’t offset those costs.
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How do I register?
See our sign up page for information on registering.
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Is Bike the Drive accessible to everyone?
Yes, anyone and everyone! The MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive is for cyclists of every kind, age and ability. We want to ensure your participation. If you have a disability and special arrangements are needed to help you participate, please contact Stacey Lebda at 312.427.3325 x225.
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Do I become an Active Trans member when I register?
No, but if you’re not a member, we sure wish you would join! Two different registration options allow you to save when registering for the event while joining. Learn about the many benefits of membership here!
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I’m having trouble registering online
If you have trouble signing up online, please contact Stacey Lebda at stacey@activetrans.org or 312.427.3325 x225.
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I would rather not register online. What should I do?
We strongly encourage you to register online, but we do have a paper registration form. Download this form and have it into our office by May 4, 2011. Please note, there is an extra $5 processing fee on all paper registrations and up to a two-week processing time. You can also visit any packet pickup location to register and receive ride materials on the spot.
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How do I know my registration was received?
When you submit your registration online, a confirmation screen will appear. You should also receive an e-mail confirmation immediately. These confirmations offer proof that your online registration was processed, please save these for your records. If you do not see either confirmation, your registration has not been processed! The charge on your credit card will appear as “ActvTransBTD." Questions? Contact Stacey Lebda at stacey@activetrans.org or 312.427.3325 x225.
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Can I register my child?
You can register youth participants (17 and under) for $15 each, which includes a T-shirt. All paid registrants, including children, are required to wear wristbands and rider and helmet numbers. If you sign up for the Two Ride registration option, you can sign up a youth for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive for $20, which includes a T-shirt. (T-shirts not included with day-of-event registration.)
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My children are riding in a trailer—do I need to register them?
If you pedal, you pay. Children in trailers do not need to register. However, each tandem or tagalong rider must register and wear his or her wristband and rider and helmet numbers.
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Can I have a refund?
No, registration for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive is non-refundable. All proceeds from the event support the non-profit Active Transportation Alliance’s work to make Chicagoland safer and more fun for all transportation users.
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How do I get my ride material packet?
When you register by Friday May 11, your packet of rider materials will be mailed to you. You have the option to upgrade to have your t-shirt mailed too. If you register from May 12 – May 26, you will need to go to a packet pickup location near you. Registration confirmation is REQUIRED to pick up your packet. Remember, you can pick up any family members’ or friends’ packets as long as you bring their confirmation email.
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I missed the mailing cutoff; can I pick up my packet on the day of the event?
Yes, but it is highly recommended that you pick up your packet before the day of the event in order to avoid long lines, which cut into your time of bicycling bliss.
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Why is there a $3 increase starting May 12?
We charge a fee starting May 12 to offset the additional resources it takes for us to order last-minute T-shirts and food for the rest stops and to process and manage registrations closer to the event.
Sign up early to avoid the increase and to have your packet mailed to you! Check out the discounts here, and look for coupon codes in our advertising and through our sponsors or partners.
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What should I do if my packet has not arrived in the mail?
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Did you register before the May 11 mailing cut off date? If yes, then review your confirmation email to ensure that you entered your mailing address correctly. If the information is correct, but you still have not received your materials, t call Stacey Lebda at 312.427.3325 x 225 or email her at stacey@activetrans.org.
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Can I register the day of the event?
Yes, if the ride is not sold out. Day-of-event registration is $57 and does NOT include a T-shirt.
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I’ve registered, but I’m not receiving emails about the event. What should I do?
Your spam filter might be blocking our messages. Check your junk mail for event communications and add “donotreply@activetrans.org” to your list of safe senders. We cannot keep you informed if we cannot reach you.
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Why do I have a processing fee added to the cost of registration?
The processing fee covers the cost of registering online. This fee is standard among all major registration sites and includes credit card transaction charges.
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Can my registration fee be deducted from my taxes?
Your registration for Bike the Drive is a donation that does not exceed the fair market value of the goods and services received, and is not be eligible for a tax deduction. If you signed up for an Active Trans membership with your event registration, you may deduct $20, which is the value of the membership less the $10 value of the Chicagoland Bike Map. If you made a donation above your registration fee, you can deduct that amount. We recommend consulting a tax professional for additional guidance.
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Where can I park downtown?
Go here for directions and parking information.
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Where is volunteer parking?
There is no on-site parking provided for any participants, volunteers, sponsors/vendors, or staff. See our directions and parking page for more information.
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What do I need to bring?
Rider and helmet numbers, helmets and wristbands are required.In addition, bring your bike, appropriate clothing, a water bottle and spending money. See the event info page for more information.
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Why must participants wear rider and helmet numbers and wristbands?
Your rider numbers and wristbands are proof you have paid for this fundraiser. They entitle you to participate and access the rest stop, festival refreshments and services. We will be asking registrants to show their numbers at checkpoints along the route. Your rider and helmet numbers are required for safety. They’re also needed so you can easily access professional photos of yourself on the route. You can register your number before the event and get notification once photos have been posted
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Where does the ride start?
For your safety, all participants must start downtown at Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive. We strongly discourage starting at any other point along the route for your safety. Visit the event info page for more information.
Event participants can stay at the Fairmont Hotel (less than 1 mile from the start/finish) for a special discounted rate. Details here!
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Can I start biking anywhere along the route?
No. For the safety of all participants, riders must enter Lake Shore Drive at the designated start area at Columbus and Jackson.
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What if it rains?
MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive will be held rain or shine. If there is a serious weather warning, please check our website or call the event hotline at 312.427.3325 x 251 for further information.
Refunds are not available. Your investment in this event directly supports our work to make Chicagoland better for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit users.
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When should I arrive to start my ride
Visit this page for suggested guidelines on when to start your ride. We encourage you to start early – the route opens at 5:30 a.m. (upon police approval). . Take advantage of a beautiful morning on the lakefront and start your ride early. The earlier you start, the longer you can ride. We recommend getting on the route by 7:30 a.m. at the latest.
The Chicago Police and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications set the schedule. Participants will not be allowed to start after 9 a.m. Strict cutoff times are necessary to ensure safety for all participants in closing and reopening Lake Shore Drive. Please do not endanger yourself and others by ignoring the rules.
Allow adequate time to park your car or travel by public transportation. And if you choose to pick up your packet that morning, allow time to wait in line. We strongly recommend that you visit an earlier packet pickup location, if possible, to avoid long lines and a delayed start
What if I arrive late?
Arrive late and you won’t be able to do the ride. The Chicago Police and the Office of Emergency Management set the schedule. Participants will not be allowed on the route after 9 a.m.
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I’m not sure I can ride 15 or 30 miles
MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive is a fun, laid-back ride where participants can set their own pace. If you can walk 1 mile, you can bike 5 miles. Make sure to check out our tips and training guides.
If you get tired, there are three rest areas with water, light snacks and toilets located along the route. Learn how to get ready for the ride.
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How many times can I ride the route?
As many times as you can! Lake Shore Drive is 15 miles long. Bike just the southern loop (15 miles), the northern loop (15 miles) or the whole thing (30 miles)!
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What happens if I don’t think I can make the time cut-offs?
Depending where you are riding at cut-off time, you may either be turned around to head back to Grant Park or re-routed onto the Lakefront Trail. Please watch out for cars once you leave Lake Shore Drive—the roads that cross under Lake Shore Drive will be open to car traffic.
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What safety concerns should I be aware of?
Visit this page to find out more.
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What emergency medical assistance will be available at the event?
There will be three ambulances along the route. In addition, there will be about 40 ride marshals riding the route who act as the eyes and ears of the event. In case of an emergency, they have radio contact with the ambulances, SAG vehicles and ride marshal manager.
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Can I go straight home after the ride or do I have to go to the post-ride festival?
You certainly don’t have to go to the post-ride festival, but if you miss it, you’ll be missing some good fun. We’ll have exhibits, demos, live music and food. Take advantage of this time to hang out with your friends, family and the biking community in Grant Park.
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