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I want to ride my bicycle

I know that the weather forecast isn’t exactly predicting “Hoodie weather” quite yet; but tis the season to get out your bicycle and reclaim the social life you left on your couch all winter (I’m speaking only for myself of course.) Some interesting things have happened in Bike-dom over the frigid winter months, and I thought I would recap them here for you.

The most exciting news for us Chicago cyclists, and those of you previously afraid to hit the city streets on bike, is the set of new laws passed by Chicago’s City Council recently. Among them, it is now illegal to “door” a cyclist. The new laws also impose fines on motorists who turn left or right in front of someone on a bicycle; pass with less than 3 feet of space between car and bike; or park in or otherwise obstruct marked bike lanes. Major Richard Daley was recently quoted as saying “We are committed to making Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the country, and safety is a very critical part of the plan, more than 6,000 crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles were reported in Chicago between 2001 and 2005. Unfortunately, 30 bicyclists were killed. These new laws will help prevent injuries and save lives.”

Also of interest to those new to biking in Chicago is something fellow blogger, Liz McArthur, brought to your attention in 2007. Working Bikes, located at 1125 S. Western Ave, is a not-for-profit cooperative which diverts bicycles from the waste stream in Chicago by repairing them for sale and charity. Upon moving to Chicago in the fall, I was able to pick up a mid 1980’s Schwinn in excellent condition for $60. And for those of you already into the bike riding thing, the Working Bikes Warehouse just down the street from the store front is an excellent place to dig for parts. Recently, my boyfriend and I went on a mission to replace some parts of his old Schwinn Collegiate and were able to find a saddle and handlebars for only $5! I will warn you though, the warehouse is overwhelming to say the least — go ready to get dirty.