Envision Unlimited hosts third annual Summer of Cycling for all abilities, ages and skill levels
Biking has grown more in Chicago than any other major U.S. city since 2019, across demographics and neighborhoods. As the Windy City pedals toward a more sustainable future, where does adaptive cycling fit into the conversation?
To provide greater opportunities for independence, community inclusion and healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities and mental health challenges, Envision Unlimited — a full spectrum of care organization providing services in the Chicago area and Central Illinois — is launching its third annual Summer of Cycling, a series of six exhilarating rides for all ages and skill levels.
The nonprofit’s innovative adaptive cycling program has been creating new experiences for the disability community and empowering individuals to be more mobile and out in their communities.
For many Envision Unlimited members with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as mental health challenges, these cycling events have symbolized first bike rides, personal milestones, and the start of new friendships.
“Cycling is great exercise and a lot of fun for our members, but it’s so much more than that,” said Envision Unlimited President and CEO Mark McHugh. “Members involved in our adaptive cycling program have gained much more confidence and become more secure in their ability to make decisions for themselves. One of our members once rode his bicycle from the South Side to Grant Park at 6 a.m. to participate in Bike the Drive. It was amazing to see him so invested.”
Over the past two years, members, staff and volunteers have pedaled more than 7,000 miles across Chicago area paths, streets and tracks. The group’s efforts have also caught the attention of fellow cycling enthusiasts, resulting in collaborations with the Major Taylor Cycling Club and a special visit to the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio.
Chicago area residents are invited to join each of the following Summer of Cycling events. Riders of all abilities, ages and skill levels are welcome for hours of cycling fun. Participants can bring their own bikes or take a spin on one from our impressive fleet of adaptive cycles, which features singles, tandems, adult tricycles and the groundbreaking “Duet” bike.
To learn more and register for each ride, visit www.envisionunlimited.org/events/summer-cycling-2025.
• Ride the Trail at Big Marsh Park: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 11555 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
• Cycling the Track: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062
• Cycling on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
• Journey of Hope Friendship Visit Ride Along: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Envision Unlimited Westtown Center, 1801 N. Spaulding Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
• Bike the Drive with Team Envision: 6:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Grant Park’s Butler Field, 350 E. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603
• Bike the North Shore Century with Team Envision: Sunday, Sept. 21, at Centennial Park, 1821 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201.
The Envision Unlimited adaptive cycling program is one of a wide range of programs that promotes choice, independence and inclusion for thousands of members with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Founded in 2017 with a donation of five tandem bicycles and a handful of Envision Unlimited members and community volunteers, the program has grown into a team of more than 100 cyclists. Members choose what to ride from a variety of adaptive cycles in our fleet, including traditional two-wheel bikes, tandem bicycles and the Duet bike that features a wheelchair in front of the tandem pilot.
Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with disabilities and mental health challenges from infants to senior citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion or ability to pay.
Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services offered across the Chicago area and Central Illinois include novel day programs; community living options; employment programs, respite for families, behavioral health services, and foster care for children with disabilities. For more information, visit www.envisionunlimited.org.