Chicago

Chicago is a chessboard, its vast flat grid a playing field for pedallers who plot their moves across the plane.

Though situated beside ocean-like Lake Michigan, the town's "Windy City" nickname refers to blustery politicians, not weather. Still, winters in this municipality of nearly 3 million (9.7 million metro) are often long and brutal. Despite this, or perhaps because of the camaraderie bred by the cold, a vibrant bike culture has emerged.

The Midwest metropolis has long been a cycling Mecca. By the late 1800s, it boasted 54 wheelman's clubs with over 10,000 members. In 1897, Carter H. Harrison II rode the bicycle craze to the mayor's office with the slogan "Not the Champion Cyclist; But the Cyclist's Champion."

By the following year, about 2/3 of US bikes were manufactured within a 150-mile radius of Chicago, making it the "bicycle-building capital of America." Schwinn, founded here in 1895 by a German immigrant, dominated the domestic market for most of the 20th century.

Mayor Richard J. Daley brought Chicago cycling into the modern era, designating 34 miles of routes and expanding the Lakefront Trail, which now stretches 18.5 miles along the shoreline. In 1972, the 70-year-old mayor inaugurated the city's first bike lane on Clark Street, riding a tandem with Schwinn's Keith Kingbay.

Advocates started the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation in 1985 and soon found a powerful ally in Daley's son Richard M. Daley, the current "mayor-for-life." In 1992 the Mayor's Bike Advisory Council released the Bike 2000 Plan, a small document that has had a big impact.

The City's new Bicycle Program, staffed largely by consultants from the bike federation and bankrolled by federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grants, pursued the goals mandated by the bike plan. Over the next 15 years they striped more than 100 miles of bike lanes, signed hundreds of miles of routes and installed over 10,000 parking racks, more than any other US city [the author managed the parking program].

The bike program published the excellent Chicago Bicycle Map and Safe Cycling in Chicago booklet, distributed free at bike shops. Outreach specialists from Safe Routes to School, After School Matters, and Mayor Daley's Bicycling Ambassadors educated multitudes about how to get around on two wheels.

Bicycles gained access to Chicago Transit Authority elevated cars and Metra commuter trains, and carrying racks were added to all buses. In 2004 a $3 million cycle center, with indoor parking for 300 bikes, showers, lockers, repair services and more, was built as part of Daley's new downtown showpiece, Millennium Park.

The Bike 2015 Plan, released in 2006, is a weightier tome than its predecessor with 150 strategies to improve cycling. Recently implemented ideas include the installation of 21 miles of "shared-lane markings" on streets too narrow for bike lanes; adding short stretches of solid-green lanes at problem intersections; and a program to train taxi drivers on sharing the road.

In March, as recommended by the new plan, City Council approved Mayor Daley's proposal to fine drivers $150 for fouls against bicyclists; $500 if the driver's action results in a crash. The new ordinance covers four dangerous moves: opening a door on a cyclist; parking or driving in a bike lane; passing within three feet of a bike; and turning left or right into the path of a cyclist, a.k.a. the "left hook" and "right hook."

On a trip to Paris, Daley was impressed by the Velib automated bike rental service, credited with doubling ridership overnight. Chicago is currently negotiating with JCDecaux to bring the system to the city's central business district, the Loop. Although the contract would provide 1,000 bikes rather than Paris' 20,000, the rental service would be among the first in North America.

Daley is also considering Sunday Parkways, a Latin American-style ciclovía in which a network of streets would be closed to driving and opened to biking and other forms of non-motorized play. The bike federation has raised much of the $400,000 needed to run three to five trials on a 7.5-mile route along the city's historic boulevard system, mostly through low-income areas. Churches and neighbourhood groups have embraced the proposal as a way to promote fitness in their communities. Pending final approval from the Mayor's Office, it's likely to kick off this summer.

Recently, the City agreed to convert the Bloomingdale Line, a 3-mile long abandoned elevated railway on the Northwest Side, into an above-ground "linear park." The project, championed by Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail (www.bloomingdaletrail.org) requires rebuilding several viaducts and will take years to complete, but the rugged rail bed is already a favourite with "urban assault" riders.

Out-of-towners will definitely want to take a spin on the Lakefront Trail for breathtaking views of the lake and skyline. In summer, the path gets congested and hectic on the North Side, so it's best to pedal south from the Loop for a serene or speedy ride.

Almost as scenic is the North Branch Trail, which traces the Chicago River for 18 miles from the Northwest Side through suburban forest preserve, and ends at the Chicago Botanic Garden. After completing the round trip, it is de rigueur to dine across the street from the trailhead at Superdawg, a 1948 drive-in topped by winking fibreglass wieners.

For large group rides, Chicago's huge, friendly Critical Mass is a must. The parade assembles on the last Friday of every month under the giant Picasso sculpture in (of course) Daley Plaza, drawing up to 4,000 participants in the summer.

Apparently the bike federation was inspired by Critical Mass' frequent forays onto Lake Shore Drive, the eight-lane expressway that separates the city from its beaches, as well as the visionary "Depave LSD" campaign. A few years ago the federation launched "Bike the Drive," an annual event where 15 miles of the superhighway are closed to motor traffic, drawing 20,000-plus cyclists. The result - fresh air, tranquility, and a lakefront filled with people rather than steel boxes - offers a preview of what Chicago could be like in the future with fewer cars and more bikes.

See www.momentumplanet.com for many Chicago-based links and locations.

Profiles

"Chopper" Carl Harris

"Chopper" Carl Harris is a bicycle courier and church organist. As his nickname suggests, he "chops" his own freak bikes and rolls with the Rat Patrol bike gang. He's also a Critical Mass regular, towing a sound system blasting R & B and funk.

How did you get involved in bicycling?

I always rode bikes but when I met other people who love bikes the way I do, that made me more energetic. I found out when I was younger that you can use a bike to leave your neighbourhood and see new things, so bikes were like my automobile.

What's the hardest thing about riding a bike in Chicago?

The motorists, for one thing, and certain neighbour-hoods. The motorists, they're in a bigger vehicle, they go faster and they think that you're in their way. The neighbourhoods you go in, depending on your ethnicity, people are gonna pick on you, bother you, whatever. Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems.

What would you do improve biking here?

I would build more greenways that connect to each other. All the abandoned railroad lines go downtown, so it would be nice if we could build some more bike paths on them.

What bike rides or hangouts would you recommend to out-of-towners?

It depends on your style of biking. I like to ride on the lakefront - it's peaceful and quiet. If you're a messenger I would go to the Tom Tom. If you're a commuter or bike activist, go to West Town. If you're into freak bikes, the Rat Patrol is hard to track down ‘cause they don't do nothin' on time.

http://www.geocities.com/ratpatrolhq

Alex Wilson

Alex Wilson, an early booster of Chicago Critical Mass, edited the CM zine The Derailleur and made thousands of t-shirts, flags, stickers and other schwag items to distribute free at the ride. He now runs West Town Bikes.

Why is Chicago a great city for biking?

Chicago is poised to become the most bike-friendly North American city in terms of utilitarian transportation. It’s easy to ride here because the city’s flat and it’s on a grid. There’s a pretty supportive city government and a very supportive bike community. My own opportunities to improve biking make Chicago a great city for me.

What are the challenges of riding a bike in Chicago?

The biggest problem is there’s too many cars – they’re a huge threat. When people drive inconsiderately they endanger the health and well-being of cyclists and pedestrians. I think most motorists don’t really understand this.

How would you improve cycling here?

If I could wave a magic wand and change things I would get people out of their cars and onto bikes. When you take cars out of the equation things are so much more civilized. Bicycling or walking is friendly and non-threatening and you’re able to take in your environment.

What rides would you recommend to visitors?

They should definitely go on Critical Mass – that’s a fantastic, fun time and you’ll usually get a great tour of the city. For recreational rides after work or on weekends you could meet up with the Chicago Cycling Club. If you want a more adventurous experience, the Midnight Marauders do kind of an urban mountain biking ride. Whatever your niche of riding is, you can find it in Chicago.

www.chicagocyclingclub.org
www.sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/midnight_marauders

About the Author

John Greenfield is a Chicago-based freelance writer who covers transportation issues, politics, travel, and taverns. [more...]