April 15, 2026
As the weather warms and the sunshine returns, it’s the perfect time to take your bike out of the garage and onto the streets and trails of Palatine.
According to peopleforbikes.org, a record 112 million Americans rode a bike at least once in 2024. Youth ridership saw the biggest increase, reversing a decline that had persisted since 2018.
For Tom Lucas, president of Palatine Bike Club, cycling is more than a hobby – it’s a passion. Lucas logs miles each week riding with friends and leading club rides throughout the community.
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening Lucas leads the club’s “Casual Rides“, departing from Birchwood on Tuesdays and the Palatine Library on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. Beginning May 12 and 14, these rides continue throughout the summer. Riders travel at a relaxed, nine-mile pace along local streets and trails, making the experience enjoyable for cyclists of all levels. Families are encouraged to join.
Lucas emphasizes inclusivity. “We are a no-drop group, so you don’t have to worry if you’re a little slower – we won’t leave you behind,” he said. “The casual bike rides are social events designed for riders of all skill levels.” This year, Lucas will have been leading rides for 15 years.
Getting started is simple – you don’t need expensive gear, just a bike, a helmet, and a willingness to ride. So shift into gear and let the good times roll!
In addition to weekly rides, the club hosts several special events. CycleFest, scheduled for Saturday, August 15 from 9-10 a.m., brings together riders of all ages for a fun and scenic community ride. The Full Moon Bike Ride on Friday, September 25, from 6-7 p.m. offers a unique nighttime cycling experience, while the Oktoberfest Bike Ride on Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m. features a leisurely 10- mile route through Palatine’s scenic paths and parks.
Lucas also enjoys longer rides with a group of friends. “I once did a 450-mile over seven days,” he said. Now retired, he typically rides with about a dozen people. “ A couple of the wives have a rule that after 25 miles we stop at Starbucks,” he added with a laugh. On another outing, the group biked to Woodstock, enjoyed breakfast at the farmers market, and took the train back to Palatine. “You have to make it fun,” he said.
For beginners, Lucas recommends starting with a hybrid bike, which is versatile enough for both streets and trails. “The most important thing is making sure the bike fits you properly,” he said. You don’t need fancy biking attire to get started – just something comfortable – but a helmet is a must – it’s something that Lucas never rides without!
The Palatine Bike Club is also deeply involved in the community. One of its key initiatives is the ABC Quick Check Bike Clinic, taking place June 11 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Edgebrook Community Center. The program began in 2019 as a way to promote safe riding among neighborhood kids and families in northeast Palatine.
“Our goal was not only to have community volunteers inspect bikes, but also to give participants a sense of pride in their bicycles,” said Rachel Lara, ICompete program manager. Held each June as school lets out, the clinic helps ensure kids stay safe throughout the summer.
Over the years, volunteers have gone above and beyond cleaning bikes, performing safety checks, and even replacing inner tubes on the spot for families in need. With support from the Rotary Club of Palatine, the program has expanded to provide bike helmets annually. This year, the focus will shift to distributing bike locks, recognizing their growing importance. Past events have also included raffles for bicycles and treats like donated popsicles from La Michoacana.
The Bike Club, ICompete, and the Palatine Park District have also worked together to install bike racks at the Baldwin Green Apartment Complex, helping foster both community pride and safe riding habits.
More recently, the Club partnered with Palatine Park District to further promote cycling throughout the village. According to Mark Dolphin, the District’s athletic manager, the club’s programs and events are now featured in seasonal guides and on the District’s website.
“This partnership allows the Bike Club to expand its reach while giving the park district more opportunities to offer cycling programs and events,” Dolphin said.
The collaboration also includes updating the village’s bike plan, originally created more than a decade ago. “The plan is designed to make Palatine a more bike -friendly community, with improved signage and infrastructure for riders,” Dolphin added.
Spring is the perfect time to rediscover the joys of cycling. Getting started is simple – you don’t need expensive gear, just a bike, a helmet, and a willingness to ride. So shift into gear and let the good times roll!
