Bicycling in Chicago

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Bike The Drive 2005

Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has distinguished itself as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park and the Chicago Park District's Lakefront Path, and a strong government support for the sport, especially from the city's mayors. Chicago's reputation for bad traffic and non-existent parking also have helped bicycling to become one of the most common transportation methods in the city. Today, the city still maintains its reputation for being the cycling capital of the United States.

1 History
2 Bikes on mass transit
3 Facilities
4 Organizations
5 Social aspects
6 See also
7 References
8 External links
- 8.1 Maps

[edit] History

Early bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By the 1890s, there were 54 bicycle clubs that had more than 10,000 members. Bicycle advocacy has been present in Chicago since its early days. In fact, Carter H. Harrison II, a mayoral candidate, was an advocate for cyclists. One of his campaign posters presented him as "Not the Champion Cyclist; But the Cyclists' Champion." Harrison won the mayoral election and attributed his victory to strong support from cyclists, and rewarded his supporters with a bike path along Sheridan Road from Edgewater to Evanston. By the late 1890s, Chicago was the "bicycle-building capital of America". According to the 1898 Chicago Bicycle Directory, approximately two-thirds of the country's bicycles and accessories were manufactured within 150 miles of the city.

Mayor Richard J. Daley riding a Schwinn tandem with cycling advocate Keith Kingbay at the opening celebration of Clark Street bike lane.

Mayor Richard J. Daley, like Harrison, was also a supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a very limited amount of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley's administration had announced a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark and Dearborn.

Chicago has recently seen an increase in the amount of bikers traveling throughout the city. This can in part be attributed to the current mayor, Richard M. Daley, who is an avid biker himself. Daley has said, "My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S." Daley created a Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Council in order to encourage bicycling in the city. They created the Chicago Department of Transportation Bike Program, a multi-million dollar program funded primarily by Federal grants, in order to achieve this end. The program, whose efforts are guided by the Bike 2015 Plan, approved in June 2006, has created over 100 miles of new bike lanes, installed 10,000 bike racks, and installed 165 miles of signed bike routes in 2006. Daley has also sponsored events to promote biking, such as Bike The Drive, Bike to Work Rally, the L.A.T.E. Ride, the Commuter Challenge, and many other events. In November 2001, Bicycling magazine honored Chicago as the “Best Cycling City in the United States” of cities with more than one million residents.

[edit] Bikes on mass transit

All Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) & Pace buses are equipped with bicycle racks which accommodate two bicycles each, available for use at all times.

Bicycles are allowed to board any Chicago Transit Authority train ("the El") except during the hours of 7-9a and 4-6p, up to two bikes per car. Bicycles are not allowed on trains on July 3. [1]

The suburban commuter rail system Metra initially allowed bicycles to ride on non-rush hour and weekend Metra trains for no extra cost for a trial period of July 1–Oct 31, 2005. The program was then extended through January 1, 2006. See Metra's website for more information including blackout dates.

[edit] Facilities

According to the Chicago Department of Transportation Bike Program, Chicago has just over 100 miles of dedicated bike lanes covering much of the city. There are also several miles of regular travel lanes (open to both motorists and cyclists) that have been specially signed and marked with shared lane markings (comprised of bike and chevron symbols) to indicate the lane as a preferred route for cyclists.

On July 16, 2004, the bike station in Millennium Park was opened. It is located on levels 5 and 6 of the Millennium Park parking garage. It has indoor parking for bicycles, bicycle repair, showers, rental, lockers, and a cafe. It was renamed in June 2006 to McDonald's Cycle Center.

[edit] Organizations

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation was founded in 1985 and has done a lot for bicycling in Chicago by working with the City's Department of Transportation and others.

The Chicago Cycling club holds regular rides.

The UIC College of Cycling promotes cycling at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Several grassroots organizations also exist to promote cycling in Chicago. The Cycling Sisters work to encourage women to ride more. Break the Gridlock works to reduce auto-dependence. West Town Bikes teaches kids and adults how to maintain their own bikes. Bike Winter holds workshops and fun events to keep people biking all year round. The Pilsen/Little Village Bicycle Alliance works to increase bicycling in those neighborhoods.

[edit] Social aspects

Critical Mass gathering in Daley Plaza

Under the current Mayor Daley, cycling in Chicago has seen huge increase in participation. In the summer, the lakefront path is teeming with cyclists out for fun and recreation.

Chicago's Critical Mass ride routinely gets thousands of participants in the summer and enjoys a good relationship with city officials. This ride gathers at Daley Plaza on the last Friday of every month at 5:30pm for a fun, free ride in a festive atmosphere.

The L.A.T.E. Ride, sponsored by the Friends of the Parks, is an annual overnight tour of Chicago neighborhoods.

Chicagoland Bicycle Federation hosts its annual Bike The Drive and Boulevard Lakefront Tour. Working Bikes Cooperative gathers unwanted bicycles and distributes them to people who want them, both in Chicago and abroad. In 2005, Working Bikes donated a total of about 5,000 bicycles and wheel chairs and they are on pace for a similar total for 2006. See [2].

The various grass roots organizations mentioned above also put on fun, free events to promote cycling in various ways.