I&M Canal Bike Share Program Reopened In Lockport

LOCKPORT, IL — The I&M Canal Bike Share program reopened on Thursday. The program, run by the Canal Corridor Association, offers a bike station in Lockport.

The easily-accessible bikes allow visitors to cover more ground when exploring trails and towns near the canal, according to the association. The system was first launched at the end of 2019, but this will be the first full year of operation.

“The trail is an underappreciated asset,” Ana Koval, CCA’s Executive Director, said in a release.“We hope this program to provide easily accessible bikes will encourage more people to get outside and discover the Illinois and Michigan National Heritage Area (IMCNHA) since the trail ties much of it together.”

Bike stations are located in Lockport, as well as LaSalle, Morris, Channahon and the trails at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

According to the association, the system is operated from Movatic, an app downloaded on a smart phone and available for Apple, Android, and Google phones. Bike rentals are $5/hour, available dawn to dusk.

Visitors start at the station, download the app, register and add their credit card, then select a bike and ride. Bikes can be returned to any station.

“We have a great trail!” CCA’s Associate Director, Erin Maze, said in a release. “Biking along the I&M Canal has scenery that rivals Starved Rock or Matthiessen State Parks. You can see sandstone
bluffs and canyons, find rustic canal engineering and fascinating industrial ruins, meditate on
vistas of tranquil waters, or have surprise encounters with wildlife, all while hopping between
great historic downtown shopping and dining. The trail offers so many adventures.”

Three of the bike stations are located on the I&M Canal state trail, the association said. The Lockport station is located on the 8-mile I&M Canal Trail managed by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.