Lake Union Family Ride 2026

Event Description

Introducing Cascade Bicycle Club's newest ride: the Lake Union Family Ride! We are excited to welcome families, friends, bike commuters, community members, and everyone in between to join the fun around Seattle's iconic Lake Union.

Starting at the King County's Gas Works Park with a coffee stand, food trucks, vendors, and kids' activities, enjoy the festivities and grab a free souvenir before heading east on the Burke-Gilman Trail. After pedaling over University Bridge, spend some time at the official midpoint rest stop at South Lake Union Park for a tour of MOHAI and build boats at the Wooden Boat Center. Lunch will be available for purchase from food trucks at the park. While making your way up the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, enjoy views of bobbing boats in the water and the structures of Gas Works Park across the way! After crossing the Fremont Bridge, hop back on the Burke-Gilman Trail and enjoy the final stretch back to Gas Works.

If you want a punchy, steep, and short detour, continue straight on Fremont Avenue after crossing the bridge and hang a right on N 36th Street to visit the Fremont Troll. It's a Seattle staple for kids and adults alike! Coast down Troll Avenue N to rejoin the Burke-Gilman Trail at N 34th Street.

Porta-potties will be available at Gas Works Park and South Lake Union Park. 

Registration & Pricing

Registration opens on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. and closes on Thursday, Sep. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Prices increase by $15 on Sep. 1.

If you would like to make a donation to Cascade Bicycle Club's outreach and advocacy efforts, two convenient tiered pricing options are available. Tiered donations include the cost of registration and a preset donation amount.

Communications

Subscribe to our emails to receive the latest updates and details regarding the route, packet info, and more.

Packet  Pickup & Mailing

If you register by Monday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. your packet will be mailed to your primary address on your account. If your packet does not arrive in time for the ride, please see us at the start line.

If you register after August 31, you must pickup your packet at the start line.

Route

The Lake Union Family Ride utilizes multi-use trails, protected bike lanes, and short stints on residential streets. Riders should know how to safely ride in groups and near vehicular traffic. Young riders must be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule

Start Line Parking & Transit

Parking is available at Gas Works parking lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. If you live nearby, we highly encourage you to ride to the start line in the spirit of all things bikes!

Inclusion

The Lake Union Family Ride is for the whole neighborhood! Families, friends, commuters, and bike lovers of all ages are encouraged to ride with us.

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

• Start line: coffee vendor (for purchase)  in the morning, food trucks (for purchase) for lunch and afternoon
• Midpoint rest stop / South Lake Union Park: Food trucks (for purchase), complimentary snacks including fruit, bars, and other fun items, hydration (water and Tailwind Nutrition).
• We encourage folks to support small businesses and stop at a restaurant along the route of your choosing!
• Rest stops in East Lake and Westlake will have snacks including fruit, bars, and other fun items, hydration (water and tailwind). 

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers, local community group volunteers, and municipal services.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Outriders are volunteers in white, green, and black jerseys that ride on the route, assisting you with minor mechanical and minor medical issues, like cuts and scrapes, dispensing advice and directions, and helping you to Ride S.M.A.R.T. 

Medical riders are volunteers on bike in red and blue jerseys that can assist you with minor medical issues like cuts and scrapes, dehydration, sprained joints, and other non-life threatening issues. 

Mechanics are posted at the start line and at most official rest stops.

Weather

The Lake Union Family Ride is at the tail end of summer and we’re hoping for clear skies and warm weather. Of course, it wouldn't be a PNW summer if there isn't a chance for clouds and showers. Check the weather forecast leading up to the day of the ride to make sure you have comfortable attire.

E-Bikes

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on this ride, which utilizes multi-use trails.

Training

Join us on a Free Group Ride and get the support you need from fellow riders and a club-certified Ride Leader to ride safely and confidently!

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact our Sponsorship team: sponsorship@cascade.org.