Safety

Gain confidence riding in the city with Safe City Cycling

Have you ever wanted to participate in a ride such as this one, but were hesitant because you don’t regularly ride in city traffic? We understand and we’re ready to get you informed, empowered and on the road to city biking!

The Four-Star Bike Tour is a fun urban ride that explores a number of Chicago neighborhoods on city streets--some with bike lanes and some that are very quiet residential streets. For newer riders, this can be a challenging first step.

For an extra $25, you can get bicycling instruction while participating in the 12-mile Neighborhood Ramble. The Safe City Cycling program includes pre-ride instruction from a trained cycling instructor who will lead you in a group of 20 people along the route.

This is only available for the 12-mile Neighborhood Ramble route and limited to 80 people. Your 40-minute pre-ride instructional session and group ride will include:

>>Basic maintenance checks of your bike that you can repeat at home
>>Customized helmet fittings
>>Introduction to the rules of the road for cyclists
>>Review of what to expect on the ride

For the 12-mile ride, you’ll ride together at a moderate pace with other beginning “city riders” to share the learning experience. You’ll make a stop on the route to review your practical experiences, what you’ve learned and to answer questions.

Space is limited and timing is tight; it is imperative participants are on time (you will be notified of your start time after you register).

We’ll do our best to create groups of 20 that include your friends and family. Space is limited to 80 persons or four groups of 20.  

Disclaimer:

Riders must have bikes that are ready to ride. Please make sure that tires are inflated and holding air, and that chain and gears are operating smoothly and brakes are working. We will give all bikes a basic mechanical check, and make every attempt to address any mechanical issues in the brief time allotted before departure. However, our qualified mechanics may be forced to declare a bike unfit to participate if the bike is found to be unsafe to ride.

Have a safe ride!

The Active Transportation Alliance hopes you have a fun, safe time at the Four-Star Bike Tour.

Helmets are required for Four-Star Bike Tour participants. All Four-Star Bike Tour participants will be riding on city streets with car traffic.

• Follow all traffic laws
• Stop at red lights
• Signal when turning
• Do not ride more than two abreast (It’s an Illinois law)
• Ride on the right and pass on the left
• Say “on your left” to alert riders when you are passing
• Do not wear headphones during the ride.
• Do not use a cell phone while riding—it’s against the law

Read more safety tips here

Recommend to bring:

• Rider numbers and helmet (required)
• Your driver’s license or ID and some cash
• Water bottle, bike lock
• Sunscreen, a spare inner tube, pump and tire levers
• Extra snacks for yourself

While you are on the route, hydrate often and enjoy the light snacks at the rest stops to keep your energy up during your ride.