Here are some shots we culled from the flickr pool of yesterday's very damp and foggy Bike the Drive.
In Pictures: Bike the Drive
In Case You Missed It
We hope you enjoyed a great holiday weekend (mostly) full of sunshine, barbecues, enjoying some time off of work, and, of course, remembering those who gave their lives in service for this country. While you were doing all of that, you may or may not have missed a weekend full of news so here's what we covered since Friday.
Thousands Bike The Drive, But Somber Tone As Rider Dies
Up to 20,000 bicyclists took to Lake Shore Drive yesterday morning for the annual Bike The Drive event and were greeted by beautiful, warm weather. But the event was marred by the death of a rider, identified as Larry Williams, 54, of Dolton. Witnesses say Williams fell off of his bike around the 2300 block of North Lake Shore Drive around 8 a.m. yesterday morning. Volunteers and fellow bikers responded, calling 911, and Williams was transported to Northwestern Memorial where he was pronounced dead. While the official cause of death won't be known until an autopsy is performed later today, reports indicate that Williams suffered a heart attack. Bike the Drive spokesperson Margo O'Hara said, "Every year we work to ensure all riders' safety during our events. We are very sad to hear of the death and we send our thoughts and condolences to the family."
Bike to Work Next Week, Bike the Drive After
If you need an excuse to bike to work and you can't wait for the Active Transportation Alliance's event next month, next week is national Bike to Work Week and next Friday, May 21, is national Bike to Work Day, so get your bike ready. After all, we're a bike-friendly city, right? Bicycling magazine has some resources for staying safe on the road. If you're a biker, it's time to brush up on avoiding the five most common bike-car collisions. If you're a driver, here's a primer on how to drive around cyclists.
Extra, Extra
- More on the Scott Cohen fiasco as his divorce papers have surfaced.
- The Chicago Reporter examines if residents who live near rail yards face an increased risk of cancer. [via]
- Officials discovered and recovered a vehicle from the Chicago River earlier today.
In Case You Missed It...
We hope everyone enjoyed their long holiday weekend. While you were grilling, we were still working, so here are some of the things you might have missed.
Around Town: Bike The Drive
While it was a little cooler than expected yesterday - especially along the lake - plenty of folks still showed up to Bike the Drive. Here are some shots, shared by readers in our Flickr Pool, of yesterday's event. Have some you still want to share? Add them to our Flickr pool and we'll run a few more tomorrow.
Did You Bike The Drive?
It was a gorgeous day for the annual Bike the Drive event and if you went and took pictures, we'd love to see them. If you feel like sharing, put your favorite Bike The Drive '09 pics in our Flickr Pool and we'll check in tomorrow with a gallery of Bike The Drive pics.
Chicagoist Podcast 5/18 - Boxing, Biking, And Breasts
It might seem to some like excessive navelgazing when we chit-chat amongst ourselves in the Chicagoist Podcast Series, but sometimes it's because there's more to the story behind the photographs and posts. For example: Haven't you been just a little bit curious about what went into our coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing competition and the So You Think You Can Strip competition?
Cyclists Cruise the Drive
Lake Shore Drive has just re-opened after being closed since 5:30 for the annual Bike the Drive. We were at 31st Street and snapped a few shots on what has turned out to be a gorgeous morning for riding bikes. No word yet on whether any bikers were consumed by the potholes that plague the drive. More photos after the jump.
Bike The Drive Sunday
Bike the Drive is Sunday, and registration for the annual event closes tomorrow at 5pm. Registration is $40, though sneaking in isn't unheard of.

