Get ready to pedal your way into a day of excitement, camaraderie, and two-wheeled adventure with the Tour de Proviso! This community bike ride is not just your ordinary event; it's a pedal-powered extravaganza that's all about bringing people together. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone who hasn't dusted off their bike in years, this family-friendly and fun-filled day is your ticket to a memorable experience.
With a mission to promote health, wellness, transportation, and tourism in the Proviso region, it's time to pump some air into those tires, grab your helmet, and join us for a celebration like no other!
A new annual tradition, the Tour De Proviso all started as a simple bike ride, but has quickly turned into so much more. In 2020, Mayor Katrina Thompson of Broadview was looking for a way to encourage residents to stay active at the beginning of the pandemic so she invited them to join her on a weekly outdoor bike ride.
After the weekly rides became so popular, and people from other townships started to join in, Mayor Thompson knew this was the perfect opportunity to bring people together and showcase all the communities have to offer — and so the Tour De Proviso was born.
In 2021, Mayor Thompson gained the support and participation of Bellwood, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park, River Forest, and Riverside. The 2nd Annual Tour de Proviso led riders from Broadview to River Forest.
So, what began as a Sunday cycle is now a wonderful tribute to many of the western suburbs of Chicago, their unique stories, and the people that make the towns so vibrant.
The Tour De Proviso serves as a unifying force that transcends the boundaries of 14 different towns and focuses on community impact. With more than 500 registered riders participating in last year’s race, this event created a powerful sense of community and togetherness. In addition to providing a fun day for all, the event aims to foster lasting relationships and encourage ongoing participation in cross-community events and engagement.
For this year’s event, the Village of Westchester is asking all participants and guests who stop by the event to bring non-perishable food items. All donations will be given to the Westchester Food Pantry.
This Year’s Tour De Proviso is hosted by the Village of Westchester on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The ride will take place throughout the town, as well as parts of their beautiful trails.
The event is free and is open to all age groups. It will start and end in Mayfair Park, with a community expo afterwards for riders to meet, mingle, and learn more about local communities.
Riders should gather around 7:30 a.m. and be prepared for a 7:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. start — with the ride lasting for about an hour.
After the ride, riders and their families are welcome to stay a while and see all that Westchester has to offer.
Parking is free and is available for riders, vendors, and friends and family.
So whether you’re coming to ride, or coming to watch, click here to view the route map and parking options.
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Click here for map directions to Mayfair Park.
Located just 13 miles west of Chicago, Westchester is a quiet residential neighborhood adjacent to green spaces, as well as restaurants, grocery stores, fitness centers, and other retail. It’s also just a short drive to fun attractions like the Brookfield Zoo, which means there’s plenty to do while you’re visiting!
Westchester is also home to Wolf Road Prairie, part of the Illinois State Nature Preserve and a rare remnant of the vast prairies that once covered Illinois. It’s through the efforts of the Save the Prairie Society, active since 1975, that this remnant of Illinois’ original prairie endures today – the largest black soil prairie east of the Mississippi River. Its 82 acres of savanna, teeming with wildflowers and crowned by a magnificent oak tree, are stunning any time of the year with 360 native plant species, including prairie dock, Indian plantain and prairie phlox.
The Prairie is adjacent to other forest preserves along the Salt Creek Trail, so you’ll enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring for days.
The Tour de Proviso is your passport to a day of fun, community spirit, and healthy adventures. Whether you're a biking enthusiast or just looking for a good time with family and friends, this event has something for everyone.
With a focus on health, wellness, transportation, and showcasing the beauty of the Proviso region, it's time to roll those wheels, and be part of something truly special. So, mark your calendars. We hope to see you there, ready to pedal your way to unforgettable memories!
What is the Tour de Proviso?
What began as a simple bike ride through the Proviso Township communities of Broadview, Bellwood and Maywood to encourage residents to stay active during the pandemic in 2020 has expanded to include neighboring communities as a way to bring people together and showcase all the communities have to offer. What began as a Sunday cycle is now a new annual tradition and tribute to many of the western suburbs of Chicago, their unique stories, and the people that make the communities so vibrant.
When is this year’s Tour de Proviso?
This year’s Tour de Proviso takes place on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Where is this year’s Tour de Proviso?
This year’s Tour de Proviso is in Westchester, Illinois.
Where does this year’s Tour de Proviso start and end?
This year’s Tour de Proviso starts and ends at Westchester’s Mayfair Park.
What time is this year’s Tour de Proviso?
Riders should gather at Westchester’s Mayfair Park around 7:30 a.m. and be prepared for an 8:00 a.m. start.
Where does the ride go?
The route for this year's Tour de Proviso goes throughout the town of Westchester, including parts of their beautiful trails.
How long is the ride?
This year’s ride will take about an hour for most riders.
What are the safety considerations for this year’s Tour de Proviso?
This year’s Tour de Proviso will be guided by the local police department. There will be a water station available for those that need it. Riders needing to exit the ride early will have an opportunity to do so during the ride.
Do I bring my own bike? Are there bikes available to rent?
Riders will need to bring their own bike for this year’s Tour de Proviso. Unfortunately, there is not a place to rent a bike for the ride.
What is the community expo?
The community expo following Tour de Proviso is an opportunity for riders and others to meet and mingle in Mayfair Park. There will be booths set up by various vendors and communities to learn more about the participating communities. The expo will start at 9:30 a.m. and is open to everyone, including non-riders.
How do we get to this year’s Tour de Proviso?
The best way to arrive at Mayfair Park is by car, or bike if you’re local! There are free designated parking lots available.
Who can participate in this year’s Tour de Proviso?
The ride is open to everyone, with an invitation for residents from the surrounding communities. The ride is open to all age groups and riding abilities.
Is there a cost for participating in this year’s Tour de Proviso?
The ride is free.
Where do I register for this year’s Tour de Proviso?
Register online for this year’s Tour de Proviso. Use the registration form to register each participant individually.
What happens at the end of the ride?
At the end of this year’s Tour de Proviso, participants are welcome to stay for a community expo to learn more about the participating communities.