Chicago Bike Week events celebrate the city’s strong bike culture

If you bike to the office, get ready for a little competition on your commute. The Bike to Work Challenge, part of the 28th annual Chicago Bike Week, kicks off on Friday. The two-week competition pits office teams against one another to see who can get the most employees commuting on two wheels.

Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy group based in Chicago, runs the event which includes rallies, rides, and meet-ups for bikers throughout the second half of June. The organization encourages cities to build better sidewalks, biking infrastructure, and public transit. The nonprofit’s work played a big role in getting the state to designate $50 million annually for walking and bicycling projects in the massive capital infrastructure bill.

In addition to that funding, the city opened part of the Navy Pier Flyover project and finished the Lakefront Trail Separation project this year. So, there’s a lot to celebrate—here’s where you can do that, with hundreds of other bikers, in June.

Bike to Work Challenge

June 14 to 28

Grab your road bike or hop on a Divvy! For two weeks in June, workplace teams compete to see who can log the most bike commutes. Even if you’re not in it to claim the title, there are raffle prizes and pit stops with coffee during the challenge.

Chicago Bike Week Rally

Friday, June 21

From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. hundreds of bikers will gather in Daley Plaza. Here you’ll be able to snag bike-themed giveaways, get a free Bike Week t-shirt, and meet with some state legislators.

Divvy’s 6th birthday celebration

Thursday, June 27

From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join Divvy to celebrate the bike-share’s birthday at Theater on the Lake. Divvy reps, city officials, and bike advocates will be on hand to talk about equitable transportation. Registration for the event is $15 and includes a drink ticket. Plus, all proceeds will benefit Active Trans.

Bike safety and tune-ups

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16 at the North Park Community Market
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at the Horner Park farmers market

Community bike rides

Saturday, June 22

• Spin 4 Peace Community Bike Ride begins at noon in Tilton Park at 230 North Kolmar Avenue
• South Shore Neighborhood Bike Ride will follow a route through South Shore Nature Sanctuary, Rainbow Beach, and the now-defunct South Chicago Velodrome. For a start time, check the schedule.
• The 4th Annual Legacy Community Bike Ride will begin at 9 a.m. at 13134 South Vernon Avenue and travel through Little Calumet Underground Railroad project vision area, Cal Sag Trail, and the Beaubien Woods Boat Launch.

Divvy workshop and information session

At West Town Bikes, the Divvy Youth Street Team and the affordable housing organization LUCHA will host a workshop to educate residents on how to use Divvy and the benefits of the Divvy 4 Everyone program. Check the schedule for dates.

Bike commuter safety training

At the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago at 2915 N. Leavitt Street, kids aged 12 and older can learn about bike safety. The session will finish with a ride along the North Branch of the Chicago River. For dates, check the schedule.