Bike The Ridge Opens Evanston Road Normally Closed To Cyclists

EVANSTON, IL — Local cyclists are set to get their annual chance to ride on Ridge Avenue in Evanston for four hours Sunday, Sept. 26, during the city's annual "Bike the Ridge" event.

A 2-mile stretch of Ridge Avenue — between Howard and Church streets — will be closed to cars and motorcycles from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the city-sponsored event.

Bicycles are forbidden from Ridge Avenue during the rest of the year.

Live music from Evanston School of Rock, food trucks and bike repairs are planned at Ridgeville Park at 908 Seward St. during Sunday's event, according to an announcement from city staff.

Unvaccinated people must wear face coverings when unable to maintain 6 feet of distance and everyone under age 18 is required to wear a bike helmet. City staff suggested non-bicyclists to walk along the sidewalk to support the riders.

Skateboards and motorized bicycles — including "e-bikes" — are not allowed to participate in Bike the Ridge, which is also supported by the Ridgeville Park District, NorthShore University HealthSystem and Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital Evanston.

Ridge Avenue residents will be unable to move cars out of their driveways between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, so city staff suggested they move vehicles onto side streets before the event if they wish to drive around that morning.

Mayor Daniel Biss is scheduled to officially kick off the event at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street.