It’s been about three months since the new administration took over, and city cyclists may have noticed some interesting changes underway. Although it’s early, I thought it might be worth recapping what the Rahm Emanuel administration promised, what they’ve achieved and where it looks like things are headed with respect to bicycling in Chicago.
Although the city saw an increase in cyclists as well as supporting infrastructure and events during the previous administration, there was an appreciable slowdown during the last couple of years, presumably the result of looming budget challenges. During the election, Emanuel pledged to review and potentially accelerate areas Continue reading 'Bicycling in the city – 3 months with the new administration'»
There’s an age-old idiom you’ve likely heard: “it takes a village to raise a child.” Today, the global village is tasked with taking on the unprecedented challenge of global warming—a problem whose consequences every child the world over faces. The spirit of Climate Cycle is founded upon the principal of local solutions to global pollution. Through this, we generate bite size solutions to a problem that can otherwise feel isolating and overwhelming, with students and schools at the heart of those efforts.
This past May 22nd we completed our 3rd annual Ride to Recharge. The first three rides combined have brought out over 1100 riders and raised a combined $250,000 through rider pledges. On top of this, a variety of wonderful sponsors, including Motorola, Whole Foods, ING Direct, Chevy, REI, Surf Sweets and others have contributed crucial monetary and community related support for our efforts. As a result, to date 10 schools have received solar installations and 15 additional green school Continue reading 'Climate Cyclelogy'»
As we inch closer to nice weather, we encourage you to consider biking as an alternative mode of transportation. Not only is it often the quickest way to get from point A to B in the city, it’s cheaper than CTA fare and is great exercise too. The City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors are encouraging you to do the same!
The City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors are a team of bicycle safety and education specialists who have been encouraging Chicagoans to ride their bikes more often and safely since 2001. Their goals are to increase the number of trips made by bicycle, reduce the number of bicycle related injuries and to help all users to share the road. Continue reading 'Invite a Bicylcing Ambassador to Your Next Event'»
The past two Mays, a group of passionate environmentalists have descended upon Chicago’s lakefront trail by bicycle to raise money for solar panel installations and other green projects in local schools. Combined, 900 riders have raised $175,000 in the first two rides. This has spurred 15 green school projects including edible school gardens, bike clubs, anti-idling campaigns, camping excursions and solar panel making clubs. Additionally, 10 schools have “gone solar” to date.
Just as Climate Cycle schools are located all across Chicago, so to do our supporters come from all neighborhoods and walks of life. It is a rare and inspirational experience to see so many ages and ethnicities coming together for the common cause of improving our children’s future while addressing global warming. This is what Climate Cycle is all about.
The routes include lengths of 4,10,20,62 and 125 miles. All skill levels are welcome, with a dynamic closing celebration Continue reading 'Recharge Revolution'»
You wouldn’t know it from the week that just passed, but Winter really is right around the corner. For many of us it’s tempting to stow the bike away until next spring, but bicycling (even in the long and unforgiving Chicago winter) can still be the most enjoyable way to get around town.
Of course, biking in the cold, dark and snowy conditions of winter does require a bit more preparation than just hopping on your bike in July, but if you can take a few common sense precautions, you’ll enjoy pedaling around town while everyone else is looking for parking spots.
Continue reading 'Winter Cycling in Chicago'»
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