Break out those bikes if you haven't already--Bike to Work Week is coming up June 13-19. And so is the Bike Commuter Challenge.
If you're not familiar, you can check out the details here. But basically, companies compete against one another to see who can get the most employees to bike to work that week. Talk about Earth-friendly competition! Haha? OK, maybe not ...
Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- 8:59 p.m.
I just read on the Tribune's Web site that Chase is pulling out of their bike valet sponsorship, effectively ending the free valet service downtown. I know that companies are having financial crises, but it'll be a shame if the program ends.
It's a great way to persuade people to ride their bikes downtown to the festivals in and around Grant Park. I know I'm more likely to ride if I know that I don't have to lug around my lock--or find a spot where my bike won't get stolen.
But in some good bike valet news, the story mentions that a lot more events are paying for the service. For example, the Do-Division Street Fest this weekend will provide the service at Division and Leavitt. Just don't drink and ride!
Do you use the bike valet downtown? And is it a service you appreciate? Would you pay for it?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 -- 9:30 p.m.
Start dusting off your bikes if you haven't already--it's time for Bike the Drive!
It's supposed to be a beautiful day, and it's a great chance to see the city like you've never seen it before ... unless you've done Bike the Drive before, of course. In which case, it's a tradition that should be followed!
You can bike either 15 or 30 miles--there also are earlier turnaround points--and ride as fast or slow as you'd like. No pressure! You're not being timed ... Except, you do have to be off Lake Shore Drive by 9:45 a.m. It starts at 5:30 a.m., though, so you've got plenty of time if you want it.
And kids are welcome, so don't let that keep you away! They can ride on their own, in a trailer or on a tagalong.
Plus, it's a great way to start off your biking season and get a little exercise while you're at it.
Hope to see you out there!
Friday, February 6, 2009 -- 11:45 a.m.
My bike was dormant for much of January--something about single-digit temperatures that makes me not want to ride!
But I brought it out this morning, anticipating the above-freezing temps and sunny skies. And I got them (I was even sweaty, which considering that it's February, is awesome). What I didn't anticipate was all the exhaust. Ugh.
Yes, I realize it's winter and cars use heat. I'm sure there's plenty of exhaust that comes out of my car too. But have you ever TASTED exhaust? Oh, man, it was not pleasant.
I tried holding my breath while riding past particularly smoky cars, then starting gasping as I realized that I need to to, you know, breathe while riding.
If ever there was a reason to get more people to ride to work or take the CTA, this morning was it. If I could taste the carbon monoxide, the Earth must be gagging.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 -- 8:58 p.m.
So, now not only are we in the middle of a recession, but CTA fares AND meter prices are going up? What's next? Raising the sales tax to 10.25%? Oh, wait...
I'm starting to feel like I'm spending money wherever I go, whatever I do.
That's what kept me from getting on the CTA today and instead weathering the 32 degree day on my bike. I generally try to ride my bike for as much of the year as possible. But I'm not gonna lie: It gets a lot less pleasant when the temperatures dip below freezing--and the wind never seems to be going in your direction.
But when pitted against coughing up more for CTA fare starting in January or carrying several dollars in quarters to park my car on Grand Avenue until I can move my car into the Tribune lot, putting up with the cold doesn't seem so bad.
I know the point of raising fares is to garner more money for the CTA and city budgets. But, quite frankly, I'd rather save myself a few bucks.
P.S. Read about a few ideas readers had for greening the CTA in Kyra Kyles' Going Public.
Thursday, October 23, 2008 -- 11:32 a.m.
Looking to get back on your bike? Here's a great column from
Thursday, August 21, 2008 -- 9:32 p.m.
Alright, so I wasn't such a fan of California's proposal to make rolling through stop signs and traffic lights legal. But I don't know if I'm completely behind Chicago possibly enforcing bike laws with tickets ...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 -- 7:08 p.m.
The streets are going car-free! Well, the parkways in Chicago are, anyways, for two Sundays in October.
Sunday Parkways, being put on by various organizations and neighborhoods, on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 will close linear routes to car traffic--leaving the streets open for bikes, Rollerblades, strollers, anything but cars. Activity stations along the boulevard system offer something to do, and you can get a look at various cultural communities while you're out.
The boulevard system runs past Logan Square, Humboldt Park and Garfield Park, among others. Madison north to Fullerton will be free of cars Oct. 5, while Madison south to 24th opens up Oct. 26.
Cars still are around at cross streets, so there is stopping and traffic rules involved. But it sounds like a fun way to spend a Sunday!
Monday, July 28, 2008 -- 8:10 p.m.
Clif Bar has a challenge for you: "Bike once a week to fight climate change."
According to a press release, the goal this year is to show people that a small step can have a big impact on the environment. (Last year's challenge encourage biking everywhere under 2 miles.)
The message is great--and the Web site is even better. In addition to the facts about the amount of CO2 released into the air when you drive, you can also custom create a bike and map your ride.
I put together a mountain bike, complete with accessories, safety gear and clothing. After you're done, you can have an e-mail sent to you listing the equipment you'll need, as well as where to get it. I already have what I need, but any excuse to play ...
Even cooler is the map feature that, after you enter your address, helps you locate places within a 2-mile radius of your home. Apparently, there are at least 8 grocery stores and coffee shops surrounding my place. Again, you can send yourself an e-mail with a list of any places you search for. This would be really handy if you lived in a suburb or a place you're not too familiar with.
And, of course, you can sign up to be a part of the challenge ...
This is nothing you couldn't just do yourself. But, again, it's fun to play ... And it's nice to see someone else join the cause.
Thursday, July 10, 2008 -- 8:15 p.m.
While reading Treehugger earlier today, I stumbled upon this story, which talks about a proposal in California that would allow bicyclists to blow through stop signs. Naturally, I was intrigued.
So I clicked through the links, trying to find more information. Oddly, I couldn't find too much, aside from a few mentions on TV station Web sites and carectomy.com. Finally, I found proof in some meeting minutes from a Metropolitan Transportation Committee agenda.
What I managed to piece together was this: Essentially, cyclists would be able to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Supporters hope the law will encourage more people to ride bicycles.
Uh, OK. I'm usually for anything that promotes biking, but I don't think that this is it. Not to mention the fact that most bicyclists (often me, as well) already follow the "stop and roll" method. What would making it legal accomplish, exactly? And would it encourage more reckless riding, leading to more accidents?
Law or not, I'll probably continue cutting through intersections--carefully, of course. But might I suggest focusing on a law that will directly benefit cyclists, not one that promotes a reckless behavior that's already going on?
Monday, June 9, 2008 -- 3:19 p.m.
Are there more cyclists on the road than usual? Hopefully. It's Bike to Work Week!
So, if you find the prospect of free coffee and snacks--and being friendly to the environment--appealing, get pedaling. And check out the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's Web site for the locations of various commuter stations throughout the city and suburbs.
Friday, May 23, 2008 -- 2:35 p.m.
I've blogged about this before, and I'm gonna do it again: Bike the Drive is this weekend! So get out there and pedal your butts off.
Don't have a bike? Well, go get one! You can't even use the excuse that buying a new bike is un-green of you. Because, of course, I know of plenty of options throughout the city where you can buy used bikes (new to you!) and even help the community.
>> Working Bikes Cooperative: This not-for-profit organization keeps bikes out of landfills--and repairs them for sale and charity. So you'll get a bike out of the deal while helping fund a great cause. Working bikes gives away over 5,000 bikes a year, both locally and internationally. But just remember to get there early--demand for bikes is high during the warmer months.
>> Chicago Police Department auction: Ever have you bike stolen? If it was later found and never claimed, chances are it'll end up at one of the monthly police auctions. Lots of other stuff is auctioned off, but bikes go first. Get there early to check out the selection--and decide how much you're willing to pay because the auctioneers voice may excite you into paying much more than you had planned. They generally start with the kids bikes, then go from cheaper models to the more expensive. And don't forget cash--they don't take any other form of payment.
>> Craigslist.org: We've all used it for one thing or another, so why not for bikes?
>> The Recyclery: This organization mainly fixes up bikes and provides them to kids and teaches people how to build and maintain bikes. They do, however, have occasional used bike sales at various locations. Their next event is at the Whole Foods in Evanston this Saturday (5/24). You can also consider donating your old bike before going out and buying a new one.
Now that you know where to get a bike, don't forget the helmet and a good lock. See, you're ready to Bike the Drive AND did you did your part for the environment.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 -- 8:19 p.m.
The Chicago City Council today approved a new ordinance that includes fines for drivers who, essentially, get in the way of bicyclists. Drivers could be fined up to $500 if they pass with too little space between a bike and a car, turn right or left in front of a bicyclist or open the door in the path of a bicyclist--among other things. (Check out the Tribune's story or RedEye on Thursday for the whole story).
As someone who often bikes to work, I'm excited about the prospects of what this could do. Too bad I think the ordinance will be as effective as the one that bans cell phones while driving.
So to me, the obvious question is why bother? From what I've read so far, there are no explanations as to how these new rules will be enforced. What? Am I supposed to pull out my cell phone when someone cuts in front of me to turn right and call the cops? I highly doubt they'll rush after the perp to issue a $150 ticket.
A few drivers might be aware of bicyclists for a few days, just like they were aware of the cell phone ban for a little while, out of fear that they'll get a ticket. Then it'll go back to how it always was--unless someone gets hurt, of course.
From a eco standpoint, there are many people I know that are scared to take on the city streets because of their fear of drivers. If enforced, this ordinance would do a lot to alleviate their concerns, getting more people out of their cars and onto their bikes.
But, frankly, how do you enforce an ordinance such as this one? Ideas?
Thursday, February 28, 2008 -- 10:58 p.m.
I woke up today, saw the much-missed sun and decided that enough was enough. I wanted to ride my bike to work today, and I was going to do it despite the 25-degree weather.
So, I did it. And it absolutely was the best decision I've made all winter.
I layered, put on the requisite gloves, hat and helmet--and, believe it or not, I was warm. The best part? It took me only 25 minutes from door to door! Take that, CTA.
Normally, I have to give myself at least 4o minutes to walk to the Red Line, hope it actually comes, sit through the slow zones and walk the rest of the way to the Trib Tower. The only things I can blame while on my bike are myself and red lights.
And, actually, if you take into account the time it took for me to lock up my bike, go upstairs and change, I still beat my CTA time by 5 minutes.
Eco-friendly, wallet-friendly and I got in a little extra exercise for the day.
