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Your Guide to Biking in Chicago
- by coffee_slut
- -
- September 18, 2009
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The CTA sucks and their excuse is "Due to construction, you will be sitting on the train for the next 2 hours." So, your key to the city...biking. I recently ventured into the world of biking and what a wonderful, efficient world it is. My trek from Wriggleyville to Pilsen everyday takes 25-35 mins (depending on the wind). Whereas the CTA will take you about an hour and a half. So, here are some tips and just some FYI's to get you in the know if ya wanna bike in Chicago.
It's All About Being Safe and How to Look Cool Doing It
1. Choosing the Right Bike For You
Stick to 2 wheels. This bike probably wouldn’t get you very far. If you’re looking to commute to work, this is NOT the way to go. I do like the fact that he has a basket on the front though.
A bike at the correct height will make all the difference. Sit on the bike, are your legs straining to touch the pedals? I am short so I need a nice small frame and a low seat.
Vintage or brand new? Single speed or ten speed? Figure out what you want and how you want to ride.
2. Get a Helmet
I currently have a dorky helmet with a bill in the front. Yesterday I was riding and a guy yelled, “Nice bill.” Well, it’s better to have a bill than the alternative, no helmet at all. It doesn’t have to be dorky of course. Helmets keep you safe, so don’t ride without one.
Rapid Transit Cycle Shop
1900 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
They have some cool bikes here. Old, new, hip, weird, they have it all.
They have some cool bikes here. Old, new, hip, weird, they have it all.
3. Get a strong lock
Find a U Lock to keep your bike safe from thieves. They are everywhere. Just don’t loose your keys. I made the mistake of misplacing my keys and had to leave my bike at a previous apartment. A year later, I found the keys and I thought, “I wonder if my bike is still there.” I went to the apartment, and sure enough it was still there! No one could get the lock off of my old 1978 vintage Schwinn. I highly recommend the U lock. If you want to go on vacation for a year, your bike will be just fine, a little rusty, but not stolen!
4. Biking Shorts
Cut up some old jeans and show off your biking legs! Most bikers in Chicago place their keys on the belt loops of their pants. You can too! It is a nice addition to riding like a true hip biker.
5. Cool Riding Glasses
You need eye protection. So why not look cool while protecting your eyes?
You Can Look Like This
Ok, you don’t HAVE to. However, it seems to be the trend at the moment. I dig it.
Chicago Bike Shops
Need free air for those tires? Here are some fab bike shops to help you out. Plus, you might find a treasure here. Throw some new tires on it, change the gears, and you got yourself a beauty.
Chicago Bike Map
I found this site to be very helpful. They show you which streets have biking lanes in the city and you can search by neighborhood. Also listed are: biking tips, theft prevention, and how to avoid the “door zone”. I was hit by a door once. Not fun, not fun AT ALL! After the accident, the driver offered to buy me a coffee, ironically enough. Look before you open drivers, PLEASE!
Kozy's Cyclery
3712 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
Free air! Who knew air could be free? I brought my bike here last week and I never knew how to put air in my tires (yes, its true). At first I was a little embarrassed to ask, but this cool biker chick walked over and helped me out. Maybe she thought I was cute, but she checked out my bike and said it was a “sweet find.” I nodded in agreement as I pumped the air in my tires. It took 30 seconds and I was on my way.
Free air! Who knew air could be free? I brought my bike here last week and I never knew how to put air in my tires (yes, its true). At first I was a little embarrassed to ask, but this cool biker chick walked over and helped me out. Maybe she thought I was cute, but she checked out my bike and said it was a “sweet find.” I nodded in agreement as I pumped the air in my tires. It took 30 seconds and I was on my way.
How to open a bike lock
Don’t get a bike lock like this one. This guy knows how to break open a chain lock. Don’t make the same mistake I did. When I first lived in the city, I chained my brand spankin’ new bike up with a chain lock and when I wasn’t looking, BAM! GONE! Just like that. I was sitting only 10 feet away at a Starbucks of all places.
Include the Following:
Reflectors and a headlight allow cars to notice you. Especially at night these are important.
Ride the Lake Shore Path
The Lake Shore Path is a nice alternative to riding on the busy car congested streets. I take this every day to and from my destinations. The path runs along Lake Michigan, where bikers, runners, walkers, sprinters, and power walkin’ Pams dominate this gorgeous path. Cars are prohibited and the ride is scenic. Just watch out for those without bikes. I have the tendency to treat it as a race track. When I’m in the zone, don’t mess with this biker chick!
Craigslist Chicago
This is where I found my bike for $140. Cheap for a sweet vintage road bike. A sweet old man from the burbs brought it to the city for me to check out. He kept it in his garage and came with a new set of wheels. I have fallen in love with this bike! Check it out.
Chicago Critical Mass
On the last Friday of every month, bike riders take a 3 hour ride around the city. Riding as a mass unit, cars have no choice but to stop and wait for every biker to pass by. This is done so bikers can take back the streets and drivers can learn to share the road.
Hop on your bike and join the Critical Mass. It will change how you view the city. Plus, you can meet other bikers and complain about cars together. Don’t worry you don’t have to be in shape.Although it would be beneficial.
The Ghostbike
Ghost Bikes is an organization that creates memorials for ‘cyclists killed on the streets. A bike is painted white and placed near the site of the crash. This organization is an independent effort in Chicago, in various cities in the US, and around the world.
This is just a grim reminder that even though biking is a way to get around, we must be careful while riding. We do share the road with cars and they share the road with us. Let’s respect one another.
In honor of my friend Tyler, please be safe on the streets.
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.jpg "ElGuapo")
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Good guide. I ride my bike to work. I need to get me some of those sweet bike shorts…
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This is a great guide! (Even though I love my 3-speed Electra beach cruiser and am too chicken to bike in the big city…)
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Haha power walkin’ Pam!
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