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Bicycling Clubs & Organizations Chicago
The cycling community in Chicago is thriving, and there are several clubs that cater to riders of all skill levels and organizations that work towards safer cycling in the city.
The Benefits of Joining a Chicago Cycling Club or Organization
Joining a cycling club/organization in Chicago can expand your social circle while improving your riding skills, plus everything in between. When you’re part of a group, cycling becomes more fun and motivating because of your riding buddies who share the same passion and push you to improve.
Cycling clubs also have the benefit of encouraging good health and providing access to well-planned routes allowing you to explore parts of the city you never knew existed.
Major Bicycling Clubs in Chicago
Chicago boasts several well-established cycling clubs offering plenty of opportunities for group rides, socializing, events, skill development, and advocacy.
This is one of the most active clubs in the city filled with cycling enthusiasts. Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome. The club organizes regular rides like casual neighborhood tours and long-distance training rides, plus there are numerous social events.
Evanston Bicycle Club is based in the northern suburbs. It offers a variety of rides, from leisurely social outings to long-distance endurance challenges. The club also promotes cycling education, safety, fitness, plus it fosters a strong community among its members.
Based in the western suburbs, this Windy City cycling club provides frequent and diverse riding opportunities, educational programs, training, and community engagement initiatives, as well as cycling for recreation, fitness, and everyday transportation.
Chicago Area Tandem Society (CATS)
CATS is a cycling club focused on tandem biking and is the ideal place for those who are interested in the teamwork aspect of riding in pairs. The club also organizes many social events.
Chicago Bicycle Advocacy Organizations
There’s a good deal of organizations dedicated to advocating for the rights of cyclists, improving infrastructure, and promoting cycling safety.
Critical Mass is more of a grassroots movement, not so much a formal organization. It gathers cyclists for big monthly rides throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming the streets in a show of solidarity, raising awareness about the presence of cyclists and their rights in the Chicago community.
Active Transportation Alliance
One of the most influential advocacies for the improvement of options for biking, walking, and public transit in the Windy City. This non-profit organization pushes for safer bike lanes, stronger cycling policies, and infrastructure projects.
One of the newer but rapidly-growing advocacy groups. They’re campaigning for a connected network of safe, low-stress routes throughout the city.
Specialty Cycling Groups and Resources in Chicago
Chicago’s cycling community is diverse, and because of this, many specialty cycling groups exist for different demographics, interests, and riding styles.
Women’s Cycling Groups
A number of organizations and informal groups support women in cycling specifically (e.g., BFF Bikes, Femmes + Thems, Black Girls Do Bike, Women’s Elite Cycling, Mayor Taylor Cycling Club), as well as offering workshops for skill-building and mentorship, and a supportive community.
LGBTQ+ Cycling Groups
Slow Roll Chicago – LGBTQ+ Rides, Half Acre, Queer Cycling Chicago, and others are welcoming to LGBTQ+ cyclists. They organize social rides and they also advocate to promote inclusivity in Chicago’s biking culture.
Youth Cycling Programs
Nonprofit programs like West Town Bikes and Working Bikes are focused on introducing young riders to cycling. They organize workshops, events, educational classes, and rides to help kids of all ages develop cycling skills.
Adaptive Cycling Programs
Adaptive Adventures and Chicago Park District’s Adaptive Cycling Program ‘Move United’ are among the programs that provide specialized bikes and support for people with disabilities.
Bicycle Touring and Adventure Groups
Chicago Randonneurs and Adventure Cycling Association’s Chicago Chapter are meant for cyclists who are interested in long-distance touring, bikepacking, and endurance rides beyond the city limits.
Bike Polo and Other Niche Groups
The Chicago Bike Polo Club gathers players who like this sport, and they host regular matches. The cycling club is very welcoming towards new participants. There are also other niche cycling communities, like fixed-gear enthusiasts, gravel riders, and cargo bike collectives.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cycling Club or Organization for Safe and Enjoyable Cycling
The right club or organization can make bicycling a fantastic experience, but it’s important to choose carefully:
- Consider Your Riding Style and Goals – Think of what matches the riding pace you prefer, as well as your objectives.
- Research Different Groups Online and Attend Introductory Rides – A lot of Chicago cycling club websites and social media are where ride schedules, details on membership, updates on events, and beginner-friendly rides are posted.
- Talk to Current Members – Have a talk with people who are part of the club to see what the atmosphere is like, check the ride structure, and what others would expect of you.
- Try Different Groups – If unsure or undecided, or simply want more, join several rides from different organizations in the Chicago area. This will help you find the one that’s most comfortable and, naturally, fun.
Safety and Legal Considerations for Group Rides
If you take part in group rides, you need both awareness and responsibility to make sure the ride is safe for everyone:
- Following traffic laws, obey signals, yield when you need to, and use hand signals to communicate with others.
- You also need to stick to group etiquette, like maintaining a predictable pace, avoiding sudden stops, and calling out hazards to prevent accidents.
- The ride can’t start until everyone wears safety gear, meaning a properly fitted helmet and front and rear lights for visibility and protection.
- It’s important to understand liability in group ride accidents because responsibility changes depending on the crash and its circumstances.
- If there’s an accident, you should seek legal representation for potential claims and to make sure you’re treated fairly.
Our Law Firm is a Partner of Chicago's Cyclists!
Our Chicago bike crash attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of all cyclists in the city of Chicago. We provide legal support for accidents, injuries, and liability disputes. We have extensive knowledge of local bicycle laws and will fight for fair compensation and safer streets.
