Bike the Drive brings out thousands of cyclists, shuts down stretch of DuSable Lake Shore Drive

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of bicyclists took over DuSable Lake Shore Drive on Sunday morning.

It was the return of the annual Bike the Drive, one of the only days of the year where the roadway is temporarily shut down for cyclists.

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Thousands of cyclists of all ages converged on DuSable Lake Shore Drive for one of the most memorable bike rides out there. It's a cyclist's dream, enjoying a leisurely ride alongside the stunning Chicago skyline on a picture-perfect Sunday morning.

"It's gorgeous, weather is perfect," cyclist Hymay Maldonado said. "Look at this breeze. Sun is coming right over the lake. It's just a perfect morning."

The Active Transportation Alliance has organized the event for 23 years. It's a nonprofit that raises money to improve walking, biking and public transit across Chicago.

Organizers said more than 16,500 people took a ride down DuSable Lakeshore Drive last year for the event. Volunteer Steve Andes said Bike The Drive is the best way to see Chicago.

"This is our joy event," Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director Amy Rynell said. "There's so many people having so much fun out there. There's this freedom you feel on a bike and it's people of all ages and abilities out there. So it's just cool."

Bike the Drive creates a 30-mile loop on DuSable Lakeshore Drive from 57th Street on the South Side all the way to Hollywood Avenue on the North Side, setting the stage for unforgettable views of Lake Michigan and the city.

"To actually be on Lake Shore Drive where I drive to go to work in the morning, it's just amazing that it's open for everybody, just let your hair down," cyclist Quinton Scurlock said.

First-timer Delilah Renegar came out from far west suburban Sandwich and said you could not have asked for a better morning.

"Oh my gosh, it can't be any better," Renegar said. "The sun over the lake, the coolness of the temperature, the people... it's just wonderful."

Riders could enter the Drive at the Museum of Science and Industry, Grant Park, Bryn Mawr Avenue, Fullerton Avenue and Oakwood Boulevard beginning at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. The ride started at 10:30 a.m. All roads opened back up by noon.

Bike mechanics were ready to help riders if needed and rest stops offered snacks and water. Officials has suggested cyclists to start their ride by 8 a.m. to make the most of the experience.

Registration was $68 for Active Transportation Alliance members and $78 for nonmembers. Youth admission was $18. Day-of tickets were $88 for nonmembers. There were also a number of add-ons, as low as $15 for the newly added medallion for youth to ride any amount of the course, or as much as $75 for a VIP package that included a continental breakfast and "luxury" bathrooms.

The Active Transportation Alliance also hosted a festival from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Butler Field in Grant Park. The festival had bicycle-related vendors, live music, food and drinks - as well as a free bike valet.

2024 Bike the Drive Schedule

6:30 a.m. - Official start to Bike the Drive.

10:30 a.m. - Closures begin, people biking may no longer enter DLSD at Jackson.

10:35 to 10:45 a.m. - 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 to 11:15 a.m. - 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.

11:30 to noon - Car traffic resumes.

To see a map of Chicago road closures, click here.

The Chicago Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.