Adaptive Cycling in Chicago: Handcycles, Trikes and Free Programs

Chicago’s adaptive riding runs through programs that supply the cycle, the fitting and the company. That matters, because the equipment is the hard part.

The Lakefront program

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab runs an adaptive cycling program. It is offered year-round: outdoors on the Lakefront Path in summer and fall, indoors on Wahoo trainers at the Adaptive Sports & Fitness Center in winter and spring¹. Sessions run twice weekly and suit recreational and competitive riders of all ability levels¹. Adults and juniors can ride¹.

The program is free for registered Sports and Fitness participants who have a current medical form on file¹. The program provides the cycles¹.

Where and how it works

Practice sessions start at the Lincoln Park Wilson Lot, at Wilson Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, with riders staging in the southeast corner¹. For GPS, use 4600 US-41 N, Chicago, IL 60613, or Wilson Skate Park at 700 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640¹. New riders begin with an orientation in the lot before they advance to the Lakefront Path¹. New participants complete a brief skills assessment that includes a shifting and brake test¹.

The program supplies handcycles, leg-powered trikes and upright bikes¹. Volunteers supervise and accompany riders on the path¹. Staff help with bike fitting, adjustments and skill development¹. Adaptive equipment includes abdominal binders, straps and pads, active hands, quad grips and an array of pedals¹.

The riding rules are short. Ride on the right side of the path at all times¹. Flags are required so riders are visible to pedestrians and oncoming traffic¹. Space is limited, and sign-up in advance is required: call 312.238.5010¹. If weather cancels a session, participants are told by email by 9 am that day¹.

Adaptive mountain biking

The same organization runs adaptive mountain biking off pavement. Handcycles and foot-pedaled cycles are provided with helmets, coaching and lessons tailored to the rider². Sites include Little Red School House at 9800 Willow Springs Road in Willow Springs, Waterfall Glen in Darien, and Big Marsh Park at 11559 S Stony Island Avenue in Chicago². Registration is required². Riders go out in rain, snow and sunshine, so dress for the weather².

Divvy and adaptive riding

CDOT, Divvy and Adaptive Adventures have held free adaptive cycling sessions for people with disabilities⁴. Attendees had access to a tandem bike, a hand cycle or a recumbent bike⁴. One session was set for Thursday, September 29, 10 am to noon, at 31st Street Beach on the Lakefront Trail⁴.

Divvy’s adaptive program takes place in six locations around Chicago, on different days, typically for two to four hours⁵. Adaptive Adventures brings 75 styles of adaptive cycles in a 32-foot trailer⁵. It advertises its events as free and open to the community⁵.

Why the program route makes sense

Adaptive bikes cost thousands of dollars⁵. Riders cite barriers including the expense of buying and storing equipment, a lack of training and a lack of physically safe places to try cycling⁴. Many grant programs help pay for a bike, but they often require that you have tried it first⁵. Free sessions let you make that trial.

Cycle types differ. A side-by-side tandem tricycle lets two people pedal simultaneously or at different rates⁶. Move United advises new riders to attend a clinic or program with their local member organization⁶.

Chicago Park District

The Park District’s Special Recreation programs serve people with a primary physical disability and people who are blind or visually impaired³. They include wheelchair sports, adaptive sports and other recreation³. Call the Special Recreation Department at (312) 745-1298³.

Rental history

In its 2004–2014 years the McDonald’s Cycle Center in Millennium Park listed a hand cycle at $10 an hour, $30 for a half day and $35 for a full day, with helmet, lock and trail map included⁷. For riding today, use the programs above. For other two-person options, see tandem bike rental. Other rentals sit in the Rentals & Divvy hub, and Divvy for Everyone covers discounted memberships.