Lake Express Ferry hosts annual bike drive in exchange for free round-trip tickets

Updated: April 24, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Lake Express ferry held their annual bike drive Friday, along Milwaukee's lakefront. 

The first 500 donors who brought in bikes were given a free round-trip ticket for the ferry. 

All donations will benefit both Wisconsin Bike Fed and Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers. 

Since 2010, more than 8,000 bikes have been donated through the event. 

"The first few years, we got maybe 10 or 20 bicycles," said Aaron Schultz, Lake Express senior vice president. "One year, we set our goal as 100 and it just took off. That year, suddenly 500 people showed up, and it's been like that ever since. So, it's almost like a couple years to get the word out and now people look forward to it, so it's almost like a spring celebration for us."

Those who donated Friday won't have to wait long to use their ferry ticket. The Lake Express travel season begins May 1. 

Posted: April 22, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Lake Express Ferry is kicking off the 2026 season by giving away complimentary round-trip passenger tickets to the first 500 people who donate a gently used bicycle. 

The annual bike drive will take place Friday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Lake Express Terminal, 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive. 

The bike donations will benefit the Wisconsin Bike Fed and Sixteenth Community Health Centers. Bikes donated to Sixteenth Street will be distributed at its annual Bike Day at Kosciuszko Park in Milwaukee.

There is a limit of one certificate per person/household. 

Lake Express begins its travel season May 1. Learn more HERE.