Historically, cycling clubs have been an important element in Chicagos bicycling community. When early cycling was primarily an elitist gentlemans sport, membership in a fashionable cycle club was considered both a luxury and a symbol of status. Members paid exorbitant fees to access clubhouse amenities and wear prestigious riding uniforms. As the bicycle became more available to a greater number of people, membership in cycling clubs soared. By the end of the 19th century, 54 clubs claimed to have more than 10,000 members. Members of various clubs worked together to lobby for bicycle-friendly legislation, and soon became a powerful political force.
Today, cycling clubs can still be seen throughout the Chicago area. The majority of these clubs are volunteer organizations that coordinate a variety of rides and focus on introducing the cyclist to new rides, biking history, cycling advocacy, technology tips, discussion forums, and socialization with other cyclists.
The following is a list of websites for cycling clubs in Chicago and neighboring communities.
- Chicago Cycling Club
- Arlington Heights Bicycle Club
- Bike Psychos Cycle Club - Oak Lawn
- Blue Island Bicycle Club
- CAMBr Chicago Area Mountain Bikers
- Chicago Area Tandem Society (CATS)
- Chicago Friars Ski and Bike Club
- Major Taylor Cycling Club
- UIC College of Cycling
- Elmhurst Bicycle Club
- Evanston Bicycle Club
- Folks on Spokes
- Great Lakes Randonneurs
- Joliet Bicycle Club
- Bicycle Club of Lake County
- Lake and Harlem Cycling Group
- McHenry County Bicycle Club
- Oak Park Cycle Club
- Schaumburg Bicycle Club
- South Chicago Wheelmen
- Three Rivers Velosport Club
- Wheeling Wheelmen
- Windy City Cycling Club
A statewide list of cycling clubs can be found on the Illinois Bicycle Clubs website: