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Hi John,
Every September, communities across Illinois come together for Let's Ride, Illinois! - a month-long celebration of the joy, freedom, and connection that riding a bicycle brings to people of all ages and abilities. And we'd love for you to be part of it, whether that means hosting a ride in your community or joining one already happening near you.
Last year, over 25 community bike rides were associated with Let's Ride, Illinois. We're hoping to grow that by offering free, welcoming rides that encourage Illinoisans of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a casual bike ride with their neighbors.
This event isn't about speed or spandex – it's about neighbors getting outside, exploring their community, and having fun together. Our "slow roll" rides are casual, welcoming, and a distance of 10 miles or less, designed so almost everyone can hop on a bike and participate.
Already have a ride near you? Find it and join in the fun!
Rides are being added to our interactive statewide map every week. Browse what's happening in your area, mark your calendar, and show up ready to roll – no experience necessary.
No experience needed. These rides are slow rolls, not races – 10 miles or less, at a pace where you can chat with the person next to you. Bring your kids, your neighbors, your dog in a basket. All you need is a bike and a little curiosity about your own community.
Bring someone with you. The best part of Let's Ride is discovering it's more fun together. Invite a neighbor who's never ridden with a group, a coworker who keeps saying they should get outside more, or a family member looking for an easy way to be active this fall.
We've made finding a ride easier this year! This year we've added a calendar feature to highlight upcoming Let's Ride, Illinois! events - with a feature to even add it straight to your calendar.
In addition to our new calendar feature, we also have our interactive map showing all rides happening across the state! We already have a handful of rides scheduled - with more registrations coming. Take a look and find a ride in your area!
Make it more than a ride. Some of the best Let's Ride events pair a slow roll with something else your community already loves – think a coffee shop pit stop, a pickleball meetup, a scavenger hunt, a park tour, or even just a casual breakfast after. The ride is the excuse to get people together. The fun, unique details are up to you!
Have an existing event happening this September? As long as it's <10 miles and free to attend - we'd love to advertise it as a Let's Ride, Illinois! associated event!
Why host a ride?Every ride that is organized helps build a healthier, friendlier, more connected community. Hosting a ride is a pretty easy way to get people moving, introduce neighbors to each other, and highlight what makes your community special – all while promoting safer, more bike-friendly streets for everyone. Hosting a ride simultaneously spreads awareness for Ride Illinois' mission to make Illinois better through biking!
We've made registering even easier this year. Register your ride right on our website in just a few minutes. The process is simple, fast, and all in one place. We recommend registering by August 22 to give your ride maximum visibility and time to build excitement!
At the end of the day, biking matters to me, you, and our state at large. It gets people outside, connects neighbors, and makes our streets safer and friendlier for everyone. Every ride this September – whether you're hosting or just joining in – helps build that kind of community. We're excited to see Let's Ride, Illinois! grow, and we're glad you're part of it. If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to chat through the details, reach out anytime at savannah@rideillinois.org.
Best,
Savannah Curry Development and Membership Coordinator
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