Bike Chicago 2004, the City's celebration of cycling, kicks off this week Bike The Drive '04 closes Lake Shore Drive to Car Traffic Sunday, May 30, 5:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Chicago---Chicago officially begins the summer cycling season this week with the kickoff of Bike Chicago (www.bikechicago2004.org), the City,s annual celebration of bicycling. Cyclists from Chicago and visitors to the city are also gearing up for the flagship event of Bike Chicago -- Bike The Drive (www.BikeTheDrive.org), which takes place on Sunday, May 30, 2004.

During May, June and July, Bike Chicago offers more than 100 activities of bike fun, including a wide range of bicycling events throughout the city. Bike Chicago strives to promote the health, economic and environmental benefits of bicycling, while offering families a great way to get together and exercise. Along with Bike The Drive, Bike Chicago also features Chicago,s famous Bike To Work Week on June 14-18, which includes the Bicycle Commuter Challenge (www.biketraffic.org) and the Bike To Work Day Rally at Daley Plaza on Friday, June 18.

The third annual Bike The Drive will bring together up to 25,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities to once again ride their bikes on a car-free Lake Shore Drive while enjoying gorgeous views of the City,s skyline. The event is produced by and benefits the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, a bicycle advocacy organization, in cooperation with the City of Chicago. Those interested in Bike The Drive are encouraged to visit the event Web site, www.BikeTheDrive.org, for complete information and registration.

"I am very proud of this program because Bike Chicago reinforces our commitment to being the best big city for bicycling in the United States," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Bike the Drive is an excellent opportunity for cyclists from Chicago and beyond to participate in a healthy activity while enjoying our city's beautiful lakefront."

During Bike The Drive, Lake Shore Drive will be closed to car traffic starting at 5:00 a.m., and the event step-off time is 5:30 a.m. Lake Shore Drive will re-open to car traffic by 10:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy the Bike The Drive Festival from 8 a.m. - noon with music, food, vendors, and more. Riders MUST register in advance and registration is limited to the first 25,000 cyclists. The cost is $35, $30 for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members and $20 for kids 14 and under.

In 2002, Bicycling Magazine named Chicago the #1 city (of those with a population of over one million) for bicycling in the United States.

For more information on Bike Chicago 2004 check out www.ci.chi.il.us/specialevents and for Bike the Drive check out www.bikethedrive.org/