Lake Shore Drive takeover: Fifth Third’s Bike the Drive fundraiser

Fifth Third’s annual Bike the Drive fundraiser is returning on Sunday, September 3, and will take over DuSable Lake Shore Drive for four hours.

Riders will start anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and have the chance to bike down the 30-mile route loop. Participants can make their ride as short or as long as they wish, with rest stops and checkpoints along the way. Closures will begin at 10:30 a.m., depending on your location. Bikers are advised to follow volunteer and course official’s instructions.

The event will raise money for the Active Transportation Alliance Active Trans, a non-profit advocacy organization working towards improving conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicago. Third will also give participants wicking t-shirts and provide youth and adult scholarships.

The safety of the riders and volunteers is the top priority for Bike the Drive. Bike mechanics will be on-site for free safety checks and minor bike repairs. The City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management will also implement additional safety measures to ensure riders feel secure and have the best experience possible.

After the bike, a post-ride festival will be held in Butler Field, the north end of Grant Park, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The park will have live music, beer, activities for kids and bike-friendly businesses with freebies and samples. Registration for the event is still open and can be found here. The schedule and closure plan for the event is below:

6:30 a.m. - Official start

DuSable Lake Shore Drive will open to people biking upon police approval. They recommend starting by 8 a.m. to make the most of the ride.

10:30 a.m. - Closures begin

People biking may no longer enter DuSable Lake Shore Drive at Jackson. Follow the instruction of volunteers and course officials for your own safety. 

10:35 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. - Checkpoints redirected

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 Oakwood (south) or Fullerton (north) checkpoints.

10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. - Rolling closures

Depending on the location on the route, riders will be guided off DuSable Lake Shore Drive onto the Lakefront Trail to return to the festival.

11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Full closure

Car traffic resumes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.