Boulevard Lakefront Tour (BLT) routes are designed by bicycling experts and feature an assortment of bike-friendly streets. As much as possible, BLT organizers created routes with minimal traffic, safe crossings with signals and the most straightforward turns – while also taking riders to interesting sights and neighborhoods.
Routes are not closed to car traffic; riders share the road and must adhere to all traffic rules and regulations.
Participation requires you to actively follow and navigate your ride. Each rider receives a ride guide specific to your chosen route. The ride guide includes a route map, a cue sheet with turn-by-turn directions and points of historic, architectural and visual interest along the way.
Route maps will be sent to you via email starting August 7th. You will receive a PDF that can be printed at home. You will also receive a link to the Ride with GPS, which is a digital course map.
North Side Route (30 mi)
Explore the amazing North Side on your bike! Enjoy the north portion of the lakefront trail and then enter the beautiful neighborhoods of Wrigley, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, Albany Park, Avondale and Lincoln Park. You'll also be riding on the new North Shore Channel Trail! PDF route map and Ride with GPS instructions will be emailed August 7th
West Side Route (30 mi)
West side best side! You'll really see it all with this ride! We'll be going through Wicker Park, Logan Square, Belmont Cragin, Humboldt Park, West Town, East Garfield Park, Little Village and Pilsen. You'll really enjoy the Boulevards and Parks with this ride! PDF route map and Ride with GPS instructions will be emailed August 7th
South Side Route (30 mi)
Take the lakefront path south to Chicago's historic South Side neighborhoods. We will be riding into Jackson Park, through South Shore, across Greater Grand Crossing and then north through Englewood followed by a beautiful ride down Garfield Boulevard as we enter Washington Park. From there we head back north through Bronzeville, Bridgeport and Chinatown. PDF route map and Ride with GPS instructions will be emailed August 7th
City Neighborhood Route (75 mi)
This long route takes us back to the classic BLT days. This route is one long ride that is a blend between the North, West and South routes. This is a great way to enjoy a day exploring Chicago's amazing diversity throughout it's neighborhoods.
Family Ride (8 mi)
We wanted to offer something new this year for the young families. This family friendly ride starts in Ravenswood and heads north through Andersonville and near Rogers Park. You then make your way back by the new North Shore Channel Trail. Families will be able to enjoy a shorter ride while sharing the joys of city biking with their children! PDF route map and Ride with GPS instructions will be emailed August 7th
