Cycle On 2nd
Cycle on 2nd is a free, family-friendly open-streets cycling event.
Grab your bike, water bottle, a few friends, and hit the streets of Rockford for the Cycle on 2nd bike ride! This recreational, non-competitive community bicycle ride is held on the second Sunday in September annually. This year, the event is on September 8, 2024.
From 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. the southbound lanes of North 2nd Street from the Auburn interchange to State Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and open to people on bikes! At 10 a.m. the streets will re-open to cars. Throughout the event, bike riders are encouraged to stop by the bike repair stations hosted by our local bike shops for any repair needs or just to say “hello!”
No need to register, this event is free to open to everyone. Kids are welcome — make it a fun family activity! Kids can also participate in a safety rodeo (and get fitted for a free helmet!)
We are incredibly pleased to be able to keep this ride free thanks to many partners and sponsors listed on the bottom of this page.
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How much does it cost to Cycle on 2nd?Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing. FREE!
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Do I have to register?Nope. Just show up and ride!
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What’s the route?The southbound lanes of North Second Street (AKA Route 251) from Auburn/Spring Creek interchange to East State Street. You can ride the route as little or as much as you’d like!
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When does the route open and close?The route will open to cyclists at 8:00 a.m. We ask that you enter the route by 9:30 a.m. at the latest so you can safely complete at least one length of the course and be off the route when it re-opens to vehicle traffic at 10:00 a.m. The Rockford Police Department will supervise the closing and opening of the route to make sure it’s safe for both vehicles and cyclists.
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How long is the route?Just a shade under two miles one way.
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Is there a detour for vehicles that need to use this route that morning?Yes. Southbound motorists are asked to cross the Auburn Street Bridge and proceed down South Main Street to access the downtown.
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Can I ride it multiple times?Yep!
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If I’m coming from out of town, where can I park before the ride?There is plenty of free parking with easy access to the ride route. Park at: The UW Health Sports Factory Sinnissippi Park Public lots downtown, at City Hall and behind Capri Restaurant Riverview Ice House YMCA of Rock River Valley
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Can I pull my children in a bike trailer?Yes, of course!
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Can I do the event on inline skates or a scooter?Whatever wheels suit your fancy, though no motorized wheels, please!
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What are you doing for safety and security?The Rockford Police Department will supervise the route, which will be barricaded at appropriate locations. We’ll have volunteers along the route in case any riders need assistance and our local bike shops will be on-route with common repair assistance.
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What do I need to bring?Yourself. Friends. Family. And your bike!
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Are helmets required?While we won’t be requiring riders to wear helmets, we strongly urge you to wear one. Keep your noggin safe!
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What if it rains?Cycle on Second will be held rain or shine. If there is serious weather underway or forecast check the I Bike Rockford website or Facebook page for updates.
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Are there restrooms available?The riverfront restroom pavilion next to the Rock River Valley YMCA’s Log Lodge will be open during the ride.
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Who’s sponsoring the ride?We can’t thank our sponsors enough! This event could not take place without: City of Rockford, Crimson Valley Landscaping, Studio GWA, Natural Land Institute, 815 Outside, ThermoFisher Scientific, Illinois Department of Transportation - Region 2, Kegel’s Bicycle Store, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rockford Bicycle Company, Rockford Park District and Rockford Park District Foundation, Rockford Police Department, Safe Kids Winnebago Coalition (a program of SwedishAmerican Hospital), FCS Traffic, and Team Fur Bandit.
