bike to work ride on 6/19

In honor of Bike to Work week, you are invited to join in a bike commute ride to the rally at Daley Plaza.

We will LEAVE from Hardboiled Coffee (9135 S Western) promptly at 6:45 a.m.  Because we're going to work (distance approx. 14 mi to Daley Plaza) and want to have enough time to socialize a bit and enjoy the festivities at the rally, the riding pace will average approx. 15 mph. 

Vincennes bike train - commute or just ride a while

Have you been wanting to try the new Vincennes bike lane but thought it would be better with a ride buddy or two?  My ride 2 weeks ago went fine.  Drivers respected the lane and gave me room.  The most challenging section was near Simeon High School, where lots of parents were dropping their kids off for school.  Most of the pavement is in good to excellent condition now, making the ride much easier.

I'd like to have a morning group ride at least once a week for as long as the weather allows.  I'll be riding from Beverly to the Loop (approx. 12-14 mph riding pace).  If you want to ride north (commute or recreation) for part or all the ride, you're welcome to join the train.  If you know anyone who would be interested, please share this info with them.

Stops will be brief to keep the train moving.  If I've gotten no confirmations for a specific stop and I don't see anyone waiting, we'll keep moving past that stop.

If you're joining in, please leave a comment below saying where you're going to join, along with any questions or suggestions, or text me at 312-520-1641.  Here's an estimated schedule.

99th and Wood - LEAVING at 7:30 a.m.
95th and Vincennes - 7:36
91st and  Vincennes - 7:39
There will be a few more stops along Vincennes, depending on how many folks are joining in.

From 71st and  Vincennes, we'll cross the Dan Ryan, then continue north.  I'll be going to the Loop.  Take as short or long a ride as you wish.  On the way, we can talk about possible future rides, including weekend rides.

Get on the bike train!  Let's create a positive bike presence in the Vincennes bike lane.  Come out on Friday morning and bring a friend.

bike commuting from Beverly

Have you been wanting to try the new Vincennes bike lane but thought it would be better with a ride buddy or two?  Come out on Friday morning and bring a friend.

I'd like to have a morning group ride at least once a week for as long as the weather allows.  I'll be riding from Beverly to the Loop.  If you want to ride north (commute or recreation) for part or all the ride, you're welcome to join the train.  If you know anyone who would be interested, please share this info with them.

Stops will be brief to keep the train moving.  If I've gotten no confirmations for a specific stop and I don't see anyone waiting, we'll keep moving past that stop.

If you're joining in, please RSVP and leave a comment saying where you're going to join, along with any questions or suggestions.  Here's an estimated schedule.

99th and Wood - LEAVING at 7:30 a.m.
95th and Vincennes - 7:36
91st and  Vincennes - 7:39
There will be a few more stops along Vincennes, depending on how many folks are joining in.

From 71st and  Vincennes, we'll cross the Dan Ryan, then continue north.  I'll be going to the Loop.  Take as short or long a ride as you wish.  On the way, we can talk about possible future rides, including weekend rides.

Get on the bike train!  Let's create a positive bike presence in the Vincennes bike lane.

Metra heat advisory

The heat is affecting us in many different ways.  Looks like we'll need to allow a little extra time for our trips for at least a few days. Metra has issued a heat advisory:

Due to the forecast for extremely hot weather in the Chicago region over the next several days, Metra riders may experience delays of 10 to 15 minutes.  With warmer temperatures, it is necessary to operate our trains at reduced speeds to compensate for heat-related stresses on our track, switches and signals.  During these types of heat advisories, we will have all resources on standby so that we can quickly respond and restore service when required.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

proposed Metra fare increases

Will proposed Metra fare increases affect your commute? Want to voice your opinion? There will be public hearings in several locations throughout the metro area on 11/2 and 11/3.

In Chicago, the hearing will be held on Thursday 11/3 at 547 W. Jackson, 13th floor board room, from 4-7 p.m.

If you would like to comment on the proposed 2012 Program & Budget, but can't attend the scheduled public hearings, you can email your comments to onthebilevel@metrarr.com (please enter 2012 budget in the subject field) or via fax to 312-322-7094.

Comments must be received by November 4, 2011.

considering a bike commute this year?

Here's one perspective on it, courtesy of Sierra Club. If you're looking for more tips, check out the resource links on this Active Transportation Alliance bike commuting page. Bike commuting might be easier than you think. It can give you something great to look forward to at the end of a workday.

a greener Sears Tower

I noticed this article in today's Sun-Times about new green amenities for tenants at the Sears Tower: loaner bikes for local trips, expanded indoor bike parking, and a few other improvements to reduce car trips and provide incentives for bike commuting. Not bad!

Friday

bike commuting survey

Do you commute to work by bike, or have you considered it? Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is doing a survey to examine the role bike facilities play in decisions to commute to work by bike, with the goal of increasing the number of bicycling commuters in Illinois.

Please take a minute to do this brief online survey of your bicycling habits, interests and needs. If you complete the survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to Kozy's Cyclery. Thanks for helping out. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

stay on your feet

Unless the CTA adds a lot of places to hold all that work for people of all heights, I don't think this idea will work too well. Your $0.02?

hardcore commute

Here's a bike commute story from Michigan. And Bike Winter isn't over yet. If you need a few more tips for now or warmer weather, check out this link.

bike in the new year

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get more exercise, riding a bicycle is one good way to get it. If you're thinking of commuting by bike, even better. Winter Bike to Work day is next Friday 1/18. Come on down, enjoy hot chocolate and Eli's cheesecake, meet other bike commuters and maybe win something in the free raffle.

For more notes on the Chicago bike scene and some good resources, click here and here.

If your bike commute is too long to be feasible in winter, start with something easier: shopping or dining by bike. Instead of getting into the car, get on your bike. Take a ride to the Beverly Arts Center or World Music Company for art or a movie or music. Ride to your favorite restaurant. If you're going to the hardware store and not buying anything too large or heavy, take the bike with panniers or backpack.

It's a great way to start the year!

amusing commute story

Back to work after the second 4-day weekend in a row... Ah, I could get used to this. For those of you who haven't run across the Home Improvement Ninja blog in your internet travels, here's an
amusing commute story to take some of the pain out of our collective return to work.