Chicago is a great city for biking and we’re happy to help new urban riders with maps, gear and guidance. Whether you ride for recreation, transportation, competition or all three, the local cycling community is diverse and dynamic. There are many fun cycling events and groups such as Kidical Mass to get involved with. Kidical Mass Roscoe Village is the first Sunday of every month from May through December. The ride gathers at the Audubon Elementary School playground at 10:00 for a 10:30 departure. Learn more about this fun, family friendly ride at Chicago Family Biking’s page.
Participating in a group ride is a great way to train and to learn new routes in the area. In the warmer months there are several group rides that depart from Roscoe Village Bikes. Most are informal groups of friends who often welcome new riders. Please call or stop by the store to find out if any rides are planned. Typically the rides that leave from the store are fast-paced road rides to Highland Park and back. Most of the rides are not “no-drop” so riders are responsible for knowing their way home. If you are new to riding in a group be sure to check with the other riders about safe practices. You may be asked to stay in the back of the group until you’ve gone on several rides. We also recommend The Chainlink, The Chicago Cycling Club and Chicago Area Mountain Bikers for organized group rides in the area.
Some groups and websites we recommend are:
- Active Transportation Alliance*
- UCI: Union Cycliste Internationale*
- Chicago Family Biking Facebook Page
- The Chainlink
- Bike My City Chicago
- Chicago DOT Complete Streets
- Chicago Area Mountain Bikers
- West Town Bikes
- The Recyclery
- Streetsblog Chicago
- Out Our Front Door
- World Bicycle Relief
- Rails to Trails Conservancy
- Zappa Wheels Blog
- Map My Ride
- USA Cycling*
- USA Triathalon*
- Chicago Stolen Bike Registry
- Chicago Cycling Club
- Women Bike Chicago
- XXX Racing
- Chicago Cross Cup & Intellegentsia Cup
- The 606 – The Bloomingdale Trail project
- Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
- Roscoe Village Neighbors
*Members or licensed racers of these groups can receive 10% off on parts and accessories. Please present your card and request your discount at the point of purchase.