want to be more visible on your bike?

Want to stand out from the nighttime crowd? Come to this class to learn how to be safe and VISIBLE when traveling in the dark. Topics will include all sorts of lights, reflectors, vests, and simple skills that will make you a shining beacon of the cycling world. Plan on decorating yourself and/or your bike for maximum effect while having a good time. Light refreshments will be provided, with free fleecy accoutrements (balaclavas) thrown in to sweeten the pot. Bring the clothing and/or accessories (including your bike) that you want to make reflective.

Active Trans, 9 W. Hubbard, 4th floor
Saturday, March 6, 2010
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

chainlink event listing (optional RSVP)

Bike Winter event listing #1213

Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo TODAY

Join bikewinter.org, UIC College of Cycling, Active Transportation Alliance, and Big Shoulders Realty for the first annual Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo. This is the place to pick up great deals on used bike parts, handmade bike clothing, store overstocks, and all things bike related. There will be a full house of exhibit tables filled with a fantastic sampling of local shops, non-profit groups, individual sellers, powder coaters, bike clubs, bicycling and public transportation advocacies and much, much more. Come for the presentations and a fast-round action-auction at the end.

After the Swap/Expo, stay for the Break the Gridlock bike advocacy social.

What: Bike Winter Swap Meet and Urban Bike Expo
When: Saturday 2/6/10 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Jaks Tap, 901 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
How Much: $5 suggested donation

winter bike to work day

Baby it's cold outside! Stop by the Active Transportation Alliance at 9 W. Hubbard on Jan 20 to celebrate Winter Bike to Work Day. They will be there from 6:30-9 a.m. with hot coffee and sweet treats.

Bike Winter film festival

The Bike Winter Film Fest will be happening on TOMORROW 1/3 at Facets Multimedia, 1517 W. Fullerton. The afternoon will begin at 2 P.M. with a provocative film about the World Naked Bike Ride and culminate with two very recent award-winning films, Bicycle Dreams and Medicine for Melancholy. Click here for more details and the rest of the slate.

Proceeds after venue cost will benefit the Chicago Bike Winter effort and help promote the bicycle as year-round transportation. Please come out for an entertaining and enjoyable time!

winter cycling workshop

Have you been thinking about riding your bike in winter but weren't sure how to stay warm, or needed a few other ideas to make it happen? Check out this Bike Winter workshop - Get Layered: Winter Cycling Tips and Tricks. It's a free outdoor workshop to promote biking as year-round transportation in Chicago. Free gaitors and stickers! It's happening on 10/11 from 11am-1pm at the Logan Square Farmer's Market: 3111 W Logan Blvd.

hardcore commuters

Quite a view.

Logan Square bike tour 12/27

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, you might want to check out this Logan Square bike tour on Saturday at 1 p.m. This series explores neighborhood architecture and the unique character of different Chicago neighborhoods.

New to riding in winter? Check out the Bike Winter web site for a few tips.

a Christmas alternative

If you don't celebrate Christmas and you're looking for something fun to do, check out the Bagel Ride. Not sure about riding in winter? Go to the Bike Winter web site for a few tips.

snow brrr ride

Last night I got out for a nice bike ride. Didn't care that it was 10F. The street conditions were okay, so I bundled up to go out. It was a beautiful, still night. Managed to see a few stars and planets in spite of the street lights. Traffic was light. If I had truly arctic gear that I could ride in, perhaps more than 6 miles might be comfortable in that temperature. I didn't see any other bikes out and about. Happy Bike Winter!

Bike Winter

Do you want to get out for some fun winter bike rides? Check out the Bike Winter calendar. There are LOTS of events happening in the next month.

bicycling into winter

Riding in winter can be a lot of fun if you're comfortably dressed for it. Sunday's Trib had a nice feature with tips for winter cycling. Go to the Bike Winter web site for more tips and activities.

Winter cycling free workshop on Sunday 10/12

Are you interested in trying year-round bicycle riding but aren't sure how to make it feasible for you? Check out Stay the Course: Winter Cycling Tips and Tricks, a free workshop to promote biking as year-round transportation in Chicago, happening this Sunday, 10/12 at 11 a.m. at Logan Square Farmers Market Grassy Knoll, Southeast corner of Logan Blvd. & Milwaukee Ave.

Workshop topics will include: winter biking attire with the ever-popular "get layered" demo; riding safely though wind, snow, and ice; gear and maintenance tips; and a visit from jolly old St. Nick! Free door prizes will feature cycling accessories that will help make all- season cycling a breeze.

This workshop is part of Chicago Bike Winter, a series of educational, social, and activist events encouraging all-season cycling since 1999. For more information, visit www.bikewinter.org or call 773.252-4657.