Chicago’s one of the more cycling-friendly cities in America, from its profusion of park paths and marked bike lanes on major thoroughfares to a host of activist and support organizations to the wide availability of affordable parts. The city’s own transportation department site, which includes a frequently updated map (www.egov.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/bikemap/keymap.html) of marked lanes, is a good place to start planning your routes. For an exhaustive guide to biking, including info on shops, activism, safety, and more, see the well-maintained portal bikechicago.info.
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CBF provides support for other rides and initiatives as well, including the Chicago Major Taylor Bike Society’s Bike the South Side Ride Series (chicagomajortaylor.org), whose next ride, the “Two Day Michigan City Bike Ride,” is scheduled for September 23 and 24, though registration is closed.
The gay and lesbian oriented Windy City Cycling Club (windycitycyclingclub.com) partners with dykediva.com for Dykes Pedaling Bikes, a slow ride down the lake from the Loop to Hyde Park, Saturday, October 7, at 9 AM.
Supplies
When it comes to gear and maintenance, there are plenty of choices. Kozy’s Cyclery (kozy.com) has several locations, all good if you’re looking for new bikes or gear or have maintenance issues. Likewise Upgrade Cycle Works (1130 W. Chicago, 312-226-8650, upgradecycle.com) has a knowledgeable service staff and stocks high-end new models.
