Let’s face it: Most of the time you spend on Lake Shore Drive, you’re muttering (cursing?) under your breath about your ridiculously slow pace—and not even noticing the glorious vista right out your car’s window. Take a break from your road rage at Bike the Drive, the Active Transportation Alliance’s annual liberation of Lake Shore from the tyranny of traffic.
If you go
Bike the Drive
5:30-10:15 a.m. ride; 8 a.m.-noon festival. May 28
Columbus & Jackson drives, Chicago
– adults; kids
For five hours on May 28, the road is closed to automotive traffic, freeing it up for all those intrepid bicyclists to take a car horn-free journey. Pedal-ers of all ages can start at one of five locations, making their ride as long (or as short) as their legs can handle. The full loop, which starts at Columbus and Jackson drives, is 30 miles. Along the way, take a break at a rest stop, where fruit, water and light snacks will be available, as well as bike mechanics who can help in case calamity strikes.
Once you’ve ridden to your hearts’ content, re-fuel with a pancake breakfast ($10) at the post-ride festival, where you can stash your wheels at the free valet and meet some bike-related exhibitors.
And in case your little ones aren’t quite ready for their own set of wheels, the ride is trailer-friendly. Better yet, they’re free! (The rule is: “If you pedal, you pay.”) So get your whole family helmeted up, because it’s about time you saw our beautiful lake without a windshield in the way.
