Bike the boulevards and beyond this Saturday with the Active Transportation Alliance as they celebrate their 30th anniversary by bringing back the Boulevard Lakefront Tour.
The alliance, which is credited with getting the ball rolling on biking in the region, held the lakefront tour as its first major fundraising event in 1989. Results of their advocacy include protected bike lanes, the Divvy bike-sharing system, and the annual Bike the Drive event.
Bikers of all ages and ability can take a ride down memory lane with this event that takes bikers through several historical Chicago neighborhoods along the city’s scenic boulevards and bike-friendly streets.
Participants can choose between 14, 28, 36, and 63-mile routes depending on how much of a challenge they seek. Start times are staggered with the longest routes starting earliest. Water and snack stations will be placed along the routes.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes, but rental services are suggested on the event’s website.
After the biking portion of the event is over, riders are encouraged to stick around for a festival with music, food, and camaraderie at Circle Memorial Grove on UIC’s campus.
The routes start and end on UIC’s campus. The online registration for adults is $37 and $16 for youth, while same day registration is $49. All proceeds go to the Active Transportation Alliance. For more information, visit bltride.org.