Time extension for Lake Shore Drive bike ride

Now more time to enjoy MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive   

 

The Active Transportation Alliance announced that Chicago’s largest bike ride, MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive, will last 30 minutes longer. The ride takes place along a stunning, car-free 15-mile stretch of Lake Shore Drive.

The extension means riders will have even more time to enjoy great views of the Chicago skyline and lakefront on the one day of the year when only bikes are allowed on Lake Shore Drive.

Registered riders may start at 5:30 a.m. and bike as late as 10:15 a.m., depending upon their location on the route. The Chicago Police Department will restore car traffic to Lake Shore Drive by 11:30 a.m. The extension was carefully planned in cooperation with city agencies and the police department.

“There’s no better way to start the summer season than enjoying Chicago’s magnificent lakefront during Bike the Drive – I’ve enjoyed participating in the event for years and love traveling leisurely along Lake Shore Drive among enthusiastic bikers from beginners to pros, families, couples, seniors and children,” said Michelle T. Boone, commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “This is just one of many joyful Bike Chicago 2012 events and experiences that Chicago is proud to present.”

Sign up now at www.bikethedrive.org before prices go up $3 on Saturday, May 12. The event will be capped at 25,000 participants.

After the ride, get to know your fellow cyclists and browse the booths while enjoying breakfast and live music at the post-ride festival. Save by registering for the Summer Rides package, which includes the Four-Star Bike Tour on Aug. 26. When people sign up, they can choose to join Active Trans to support better walking, biking and transit in Chicagoland.

“We’re thrilled to offer the opportunity for nearly five hours of car-free biking,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “Sincere thanks to Mayor Emanuel and the city of Chicago for making this spectacular event even better.”

The MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive is a family-friendly event that is great for everyone. Choose to ride a 15- or 30-mile option, or feel free to use one of the many turnaround points for a more leisurely ride.

Everyone who registers gets a full morning of uninterrupted bicycling, assistance from helpful volunteers, access to rest stops and snacks—all followed by a fun-filled a post-ride festival.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit safe, convenient and more commonplace in Chicago and the suburbs. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

MB Financial Bank is a locally-operated financial institution that has been delivering competitive personalized service for 100 years to businesses and individuals who live and work in the Chicago metropolitan area. MB has over 90 locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

MB Financial Bank is the Illinois local operating unit of MB Financial, Inc., a financial services holding company which is traded on the NASDAQ as “MBFI.” MB Financial, based in Chicago, has approximately $10 billion in assets. Information about MB Financial can be found at www.mbfinancial.com.