Start your ride early! The earlier you start, the longer your ride. We recommend starting before 7:30am at the latest.
Start location: Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive downtown Chicago. Riders must enter Lake Shore Drive at this start location.
Make your ride as short or long as you like by using turnarounds located along the route.
>> Bike north to the Bryn Mawr Avenue Rest Stop and return: 15 miles.
>> Bike south to the Museum of Science and Industry Rest Stop and return: 15 miles.
>> Bike the entire loop: 30 miles.
Rider numbers, helmet numbers and wristbands are required to show you are a paid participant. Rider numbers and wristbands
>> Allow you access to rest stops
>> Must be shown at checkpoints along the route
>> Allow you to easily find professional photos of yourself on the ride
An official ride guide for MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive will be given to you in your packet of materials. You can also view the ride guide online.
| 5:30 a.m. | Lake Shore Drive opens for ride participants (upon Chicago police approval). |
| 5:30-7:30 a.m. | Recommended time for starting the ride to maximize your time on the course. |
| 9:00 a.m. | Ride participants are no longer allowed to enter onto Lake Shore Drive. |
| 9:15-9:45 a.m. | Participants must leave Lake Shore Drive and move to the Lakefront Trail, to return to the post-ride festival at Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive (volunteers will help guide you to the trail). |
| 9:45 a.m. | All bicyclists must be off Lake Shore Drive. Our event permit with the Chicago police and the City of Chicago stipulates that all bicyclists must leave Lake Shore Drive at 9:45 a.m. |
Three rest stops provide places to take a break on the route.
>> The north end of the route at Bryn Mawr Avenue.
>> The south end of the route at 57th Street, on the lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry.
>> The middle of the route at the southwest corner of Columbus Drive and Jackson Drive.
Enjoy a break! Fruit, water and light snacks are available at rest stops. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle. If you have any special dietary needs or need more than a light snack, feel free to bring your own food to the event.
Please display your rider number, helmet number and wristband visibly to access the refreshments and services at the rest stops. Bike shops are also on site to fill your tires and provide basic bike repair.
You must display your rider number, helmet number and wristband visibly while bicycling on Lake Shore Drive.
Active Trans asks riders to show their helmet numbers and wristbands at checkpoints along the route. This is to prevent riders from entering the event without paying.
The event is the Active Transportation Alliance’s main fundraising event for the year. Proceeds generated by the event allow Active Trans to carry out its work of making biking, walking and transit easier and safer throughout the Chicago region. Thank you for your support!
RSVP to the official event on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and use #bikethedrive