Chicago Critical Mass
Monthly mass bike ride in Chicago gathering at Daley Plaza every last Friday at 6 PM — year-round, all weather, all bikes welcome.
The vibe
The city belongs to bikes
Chicago’s Critical Mass has been rolling since 1997 — last Friday of every month, 6 PM at Daley Plaza, rain or snow or brutal July heat. There’s no registration, no entry fee, no official route. Hundreds show up in warm months; a faithful handful hold it down through winter. The departure is loose — expect to circle the block a few times as the crowd builds, with actual rolling closer to 6:30.
Routes get posted on Facebook the morning of the ride but are loosely followed. The mass moves through city streets, filling a lane (or two), calling out “Happy Friday” to drivers and echoing noise through every tunnel it passes. You can peel off whenever you want — there’s no finish line. Summer rides often wind up at a lakefront park or beach. October is costume season.
If you’re coming from the north side, a bike bus leaves Eagle Column in Jonquil Park (Wrightwood & Sheffield) at 5:30 PM, rolling down Wells to Washington. Pilsen riders can catch the southwest bike bus from Harrison Park (Damen & 18th) at 5:30. Show up with a charged light, a willingness to holler “Mass up!” when the group gets split, and whatever bike you’ve got.