Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, Mayor Daley and City of Chicago Kick-off Summer Bicycling Memorial Day Weekend

Chicago, IL---(May 26, 2005) It's almost time for that annual summer phenomenon when Lake Shore Drive closes to car-traffic and thousands of bicyclists take a beautiful morning ride the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's biggest fundraiser, the 4th Annual Bike The Drive on Sunday, May 29, 2005 kicks off summer bicycling in cooperation with the City of Chicago and Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Lake Shore Drive will close to car traffic at 5:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. from Hollywood Avenue to 57th Street. During this time, CTA, walking and biking are encouraged for Lakefront access. Cars will be able to access the Museum Campus via 18th Street and Navy Pier via Illinois Street.

Registration for Bike The Drive is still available online and pre-registration is required. Up to four children 13 and under can register for $5 with a paid adult registration*. It's $35 for non-members, $30 for CBF members and $4 extra for a pancake breakfast*. Register at www.bikethedrive.org , the event is open only to bicyclists.

Bike The Drive's start/finish and Post-Ride Festival are located near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Participants can choose their own course by heading north or south. Bike The Drive spans from the Museum of Science and Industry at 57th Street on the South Side to Hollywood Avenue on the North Side.

The Post-Ride Festival starts at 8 a.m. and goes until noon. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the Bike The Drive Post-Ride Festival.

Visit www.bikechicago2005.org for more information about Bike Chicago.

Founded in 1985, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has as its mission to improve the bicycling environment and thereby the quality of life in our region. With more than 5,000 members, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation works toward its mission by promoting bicycling safety, education and facilities. Over the past year the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation board has been working to define a multi-modal vision; exploring the synergies between our bicycle advocacy and new projects that also improve the street environments for pedestrians, transit riders and local communities.