Chicago - Here I Come!
August 8, 2007
I'm about to head to Chicago for a wedding and I'm excited to spend some time in the city, observing all their bike advances. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and spent a lot of time in the city, but it was never much of a bike town.
For years, Mayor Daley, in office since 1989 and a bike commuter, has been encouraging Chicagoans to bike on the many miles of bike path he has funded. It's all part of Daley's goal to turn Chicago into the greenest city by 2008 (that's coming right up, and I'm not sure how close they are - they've had a steep hill to climb).
For the longest time I didn't notice a change. Sure, along the waterfront, like any busy city, people rode bikes, walked and enjoyed the view. But beyond that recreational area, cyclists were few and far between. And then, that last time I spent an extended time there I saw it: the indication of a solid, developed cycling scene.
While waiting for a light to change, a bike commuter rolled up next to me wearing street clothes... but also wearing cleats. To me, that's when you know a city has it's cycling rhythm down. You don't necessarily want to suit up to ride, but you can't resist the increased efficiency of cleats. You know how to easily get around by bike, but you know how to do it without Lycra (don't get me wrong, Lycra has a time and a place).
So I'm looking forward to heading back and seeing new advances. I just wish I could convince all my Chicago friends to get out of their cars and onto their bikes. We could cruise all over the city together. My five-year-old nephew Collin just got a bike for his birthday. Maybe he and I will go for a ride.
Posted by orbike at August 8, 2007 9:24 AM
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