Jess Audey, along with her 10-year-old daughter Darcy Evert, traveled from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago to join the annual Bike the Drive event. This was the one time of the year when cyclists could enjoy DuSable Lake Shore Drive free from car traffic. Despite cloudy weather early on, conditions improved, allowing mother and daughter to relish their ride together. Darcy expressed her joy by noting, “That I got to do it with my mom.”
Bike the Drive, celebrating its 25th year, serves as a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance. This nonprofit works to enhance infrastructure for pedestrians, bikers, and public transport users in the Chicago area. The event featured a 30-mile loop from Hyde Park to Edgewater, shutting down the drive to vehicles from 6:30 a.m. Cyclists ranged from families and city workers to seasoned riders seeking new experiences. Clare McDermott, director of events and marketing for the Alliance, reported an attendance of about 15,500 participants.
McDermott highlighted, “Bike the Drive is a day to experience what it could feel like if our roads were more comfortable for bikers to ride on.”
To improve road accessibility for bikers, McDermott suggested installing curb-protected bike lanes. These separate lanes from the road using concrete dividers, aiming to prevent accidents like those caused by car doors opening into bike lanes. A tragic incident in June claimed the life of Riley O’Neil, a 35-year-old Chicago Department of Transportation employee, illustrating the need for such protective measures.
However, bike lanes can stir political controversy. Attempts to introduce lanes along Archer Avenue in Brighton Park met resistance from local business owners and drivers. Sunday’s event offered not only cycling but also activities and refreshments in Grant Park’s Butler Field. A DJ kept spirits high with music, as cyclists enjoyed pancake breakfasts. Entry points for the ride extended as far as the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on the South Side.
Among the participants was Frantz Jerome, a 65-year-old Lakeview resident and avid cyclist. Jerome began near Fullerton Avenue alongside his wife. He remarked on the impressive turnout, stating, “You ride the whole thing and get surprised; there’s always someone at arm’s length.” Jerome noted the road’s imperfections, highlighting the potential for injury from potholes and seams. Bike the Drive’s website lists known road hazards to inform cyclists.
Cycling at the event was Sean Madison, general manager at Lyft Urban Solutions for the Divvy program. Divvy, a partnership with Chicago, provides rental bikes and scooters, setting a record in July with over one million rides. Madison, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s staff, and other city leaders participated using Divvy bikes.
Madison shared, “One: that Chicago is a bike city. And then two: that we will continue to lead and turn our city into a world-class bike destination.”
By 11:30 a.m., normal car traffic resumed on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, concluding the event.