Bicycles take over Lake Shore Drive for annual Bike the Drive
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of bicyclists took over Lake Shore Drive for the 16th annual Bike the Drive Sunday morning.
The event gives bikers the chance to see Chicago in a way they can't on any other day of the year. They took over Lake Shore Drive from Hollywood Avenue to the north and 57th Street to the south.
This year's event punctuates Chicago's recent recognition by Bicycle Magazine as America's number one bike-friendly city.
"It's a lot more miles than I am used to. There's a lot of people out there, but there is enough room to maneuver around if you're trying to go a little faster," said rider Alex Poppen.
"You do see it from a different vantage. It really is cool. Coming up right around Navy Pier you hit a downslope, it's pretty cool," said rider Jordan Frahm.
The event got underway at 5:30 a.m. and Lake Shore Drive reopened to cars by 11 a.m. After the event, there was a festival at Butler Field with a pancake breakfast, live music and sponsor contests.
Money raised from Bike the Drive will go toward the Active Transportation Alliance, which fights for safer streets in Chicago for bikers, pedestrians and people who take public transit. For more information on the event, visit bikethedrive.org.
