Chicago police are searching for a masked man on a dirt bike who struck a 45-year‑old female cyclist in a hit‑and‑run on the Lakefront Trail. The collision occurred at 3:47 p.m. on July 20, 2026, near 1400 N. Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The cyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken for medical treatment, while the rider fled the scene on the dirt bike.
The incident happened in broad daylight on a heavily trafficked waterfront path that serves both commuters and recreational users. Witnesses reported seeing a man wearing a mask operating a dirt bike when the vehicle struck the cyclist. After the impact, the suspect accelerated away, leaving the injured rider on the trail. Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported the cyclist to a nearby hospital.
Chicago Police Department investigators have collected evidence from the scene and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras. Detectives have released a description of the suspect as a male rider wearing a mask and operating a dirt bike. CPD has appealed to anyone who observed the event or who may have captured video to contact the department with any information that could aid in identifying and locating the individual.
The Lakefront Trail is a popular corridor for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, especially during the summer months. Incidents involving motorized vehicles on the path are rare, making this event particularly concerning for the community. Authorities emphasized that the use of a dirt bike on the trail violates city regulations and poses a significant safety risk.
The investigation remains active, and police have not released further details about the suspect’s identity or any potential motives. The department reiterated its commitment to locating the rider and pursuing charges related to the hit‑and‑run and the resulting injuries to the cyclist. The case continues to be a priority for CPD as it seeks to ensure safety on Chicago’s waterfront routes.