Ride a Bike! · smoothly when back pedaling. Lube chain regu-larly to keep running well. Wipe off...

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGOw w w . C h i c a g o B i k e s . o r g 1

Ride a Bike!A message from a cyclist - Mayor Richard M. Daley

Richard M. DaleyMayor

Bicycling is a great way to get aroundcampus and around town. It's healthy, eco-nomical, environmentally friendly and awonderful way to discover Chicago. Fromlocking your bike to fixing a flat tire, you'llfind all sorts of useful information insidethis Student Cycling in Chicago book-let. Riding a bike as a student can lead toa life-long transportation choice that'sgood for you, your community and theenviroment. I invite you to review thisbooklet and discover for yourself whyChicago is a great city for bicycling.

2 STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGOw w w . C h i c a g o B i k e s . o r g

When buying a bike wear clothes like the onesyou plan to bike in regularly and take a test ridelike the riding you’ll do around school and thecity. Also consider these things:· What kind of riding you plan to do and what

type of bike is best suited for you.· The cost of the bike.· The cost of a lock, lights, helmet and other

accessories like a rack and fenders.· Whether you can exchange parts for

better fit or use.· Guarantees and warranties on the purchase.· Bike shop quality and service.

If your bike budget issmall consider buyinga used bike. Usedbikes can be found atthrift shops and yards a l e s f o r c h e a p .WorkingBikesCooperativehas a used bike saleon weekends. Go towww.workingbikes.orgfor more information.If you plan to buy aused bike make sureit’s in good workingorder. A used bikethat needs work maybe more costly to fixthan buying a newbike and might bedangerous to ride.Having a used biketuned-up may be anaffordable and reli-able solution.

Buying a Bike

Go to www.bikelib.org/data/dealers/bs-4.htmlfor a list of Chicago-area bicycle shops.

3STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGOw w w . C h i c a g o B i k e s . o r g

Types of Bikes

Different types of bikes are good for different styles of riding.Consider what kind of riding you’ll do most when choosing a bike.Mountain Bikes have wide knobby tires and low gears for ridingoff road as well as an aggressive position for technical trail riding.Cruisers have a laid-back upright position, wide, smooth tires andusually just a single speed for leisurely rides on streets and paths.Cross or Hybrids are a mix between a mountain and road bikewith semi-slick tires, wide gearing and an upright but active posi-tion. Cross bikes make excellent commuters for their versatile use.Road Bikes have narrow slick tires, high gears and an aggressiveposition for fast speeds and racing on smooth clear pavement.


Fit can influence

whether or not you

ride. Being uncom-

fortable can a l s o

affect how safely

you ride. Making a

few adjustments to

your bike can make

all the difference.

Bad FitLeaning overhurts back

Bending headup hurts neck

Stretched outhurts shoulders

Forward weighthurts wrists

Too muchbend hurtsknees

Good FitAn upright position with littlestretch on back, shouldersand arms with most bodyweight on the saddle

Can look ahead,around and behindeasily withoutstraining neck

A comfortable reachto the handlebars

with a slight bendat the elbowA slight bend at the

knee on downpedal stroke

Bike Fit

To get the right fityou may have toreplace yourseatpost orhandlebarstem.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGOw w w . C h i c a g o B i k e s . o r g

Fit Adjustments

5

You can adjust your bike to make it fit you better.

Make sure yourframe fits. Whenstanding over yourbike you shouldhave 1 -3 incheso f c l e a ran c ebetween you andthe top tube.

Raise your seatso your leg isextended witha slight bend atthe knee onthe down pedal.Don’t raise pastthe maximumheight position.

Adjust your seatforward or backand handlebars t em up o rdown to find ac om f o r t a b l eposition.

Don’t raise yourstem past them a x i m u mheight position.Rotate handle-bar’s angle fora more com-fortable wristposition.

Adjusting your handlebarstem height and seatposition forward canput you in a moreupright position.Some stems allowthe angle pitch to

be adjusted.

STUDENT CYCLING IN CHICAGOw w w . C h i c a g o B i k e s . o r g6

Always wear a bicycle helmet to reduce therisk of permanent injury or death from a crash.

To make sure your helmet fits right, put iton and then use the “eyes/ears/mouth”test. Eyes: When you look up you shouldsee the front rim. If not, your helmet won’tprotect your forehead. Ears: The side strapsshould come to a “V” just below each ear.Mouth: When you open your mouth wide, youshould feel the helmet push down on your head. Ifyour helmet doesn't pass the test, adjust thestraps or add bigger pads to get the right fit.

Ventilation- Good air flow comes fromlong, wide vents that channel air through thehelmet to keep you cool.

Cost- You can spend well over $100 forthe latest space age helmet, but a goodsafety-rated helmet goes for around $30.

Replace your helmet if it becomes dam-aged in an accident. Also replace a helmet everytwo years. The foam inside becomes hard andstale and will not absorb shock as well as it should.

Helmets

yes

no


AccessoriesMake your bike better transportation by adding some inexpensiveaccessories. A rack allows you to carry things like books or groceriesmore easily. Add a crate or basket to make it even easier. Fenders willkeep you and your bike clean and dry in messy conditions. A water bot-tle and cage are a must for long rides as well as lights and reflectorsfor riding at night. Check out this city smart biker and see how she’saccessorized her bike to make it good transportation for any trip.

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Carrying ThingsCarrying your stuf f doesn’ t have to be a pain in the back .

It’s easy to carry things on your bike if you add a.. .rack + a pannier, a crate or a basket!


You can move a lotwith a trailer . Anar t projec t , ac l u b no tebooksale, even yourapar tmen t !

B u n g i ec o r d skeep thingssecurely inplace

A heavy backpackcan strain yourneck and shoulders,making it difficultto balance andcontrol your bike.Carrying things inhand is dangerousand makes it hardto brake and shif t .


Always lock your bike, even if you’re justleaving it for a moment. Always use a highquality U-lock. U-locks are strong andbetter ones come with theft warranties.Always lock through the frame and atleast one wheel. Add a cable to lock bothwheels. Always lock to somethingsecure like a bike rack, parking meter orfirmly affixed sign pole. Beware of locking to“sucker poles” that are loosely bolteddown and can easily be removed.Remove detachable items like lights,bags and quick release parts from yourbike and take them with you. Considerreplacing quick release parts with onesthat bolt on for greater convenience andsecurity. Lock your bike close by andkeep it in view as much as possible. Locknear entrances and well-lit, secure areas.Lock your bike inside if space is available.Lock your bike when keeping it in a garageor other unattended indoor area.

Locking Your Bike

“Uglify” your bike to make it less attractiveto thieves and more personalized to you!Cover the bike frame with electrical tape orold inner tubes. This makes your bike look uglybut actually protects your bike’s finish. Add stick-ers of your favorite band, cause or banana!Reflective tape can cover brand names andmake you more visible. Make sure not to coverany moving parts or interfere with cables.Consider riding a used “beater bike” that’sunattractive and no great loss if stolen.


Lock your bike in high visibility areas.Thieves don’t like to work wherethey can be easily seen. Keep aneye out for people showing inter-

est in your bike. Consider switching yourdaily parking spot frequently to prevent athief from marking your bike for a later time.

Locking Your Bike


Register Your Bikeand identify ownership

Engrave your name oran I.D. number onyour bike.

Insert an info card intoyour tire that identifiesyou as the owner.

Insert an info cardinto your handlebar orseatpost.

Register your bike withthe Chicago PoliceDepartment and cam-pus security. A stolenbike is much more like-ly to be returned if it’sregistered. You canpick up a Chicago PoliceDepartment registrationform at most bike shopsor register online at:www.ChicagoBikes.org

Keep a record of your bike’s make, model and serial number.If your bike is stolen report it to police by calling 311. Tell them whenand where it was stolen, the make, model and its serial number and a callback number you can be reached at. They’ll call you with a report number tobe used with insurance claims. They’ll call again if your bike is recovered.Mark your bike to show ownership if stolen and recovered.


Maintaining your bike in good working con-dition is as easy as an ABC Quick Check.· check the Air in tires for pressure by leaningall your weight on the bike and seeing if the tiresbulge. If so, fill to recommended pressure print-ed on the side of the tire. Bikes roll faster andflat less with tires filled to pressure.· check the Brakes by pulling the levers androcking on the wheels. If the brakes are workingright the wheels should skid when bike is pushed.· check that the Chain moves quietly and smoothly when back pedaling. Lube chain regu-larly to keep running well. Wipe off excess lubefrom outside of chain with a rag. Excess lubeattracts dirt.· check that any Quick release parts aretightly secured. Levers curved in towards the bikeare locked. Levers curved away are unlocked andare in danger of coming off while riding. · Check your bike by giving the wheelsa spin (to check for rubbing) and give bike abounce (to listen for loose rattling parts).Do the ABC Quick Check before each ride.Regular maintenance prevents breakdownsand keeps you riding safely.

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Bike Maintenance

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rgBicyclists are subject to the same laws as other users of the road.

It’s your responsibility to know and respect the rules of the road.Some laws are specific to bicyclists - bicycles are not allowed on

certain roads such as expressways and Lake Shore Drive. In Chicagobicyclists over 11 years old are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk. For

the Chicago Municipal Code regarding bicycles go to www.biketraffic.org/municode.html.Below are some Illinois bicycle laws. Read the fine print and know your rights as a cyclist.

14

Bicycle Laws

✃ Cut out and keep in your wallet or patch kit.

the hand is needed in the control or operationof the bicycle. [5/11-1511]Lights and Other Equipment on Bicycles-For night riding, a front lamp with a white lightvisible from at least 500 feet to the front and ared reflector on the rear visible from 100 feet to600 feet are required. A rear light visible from 500feet may be used in addition to the red reflector.Equipment required on new bicycles sold includespedal reflectors, side reflectors, and an essen-tially colorless front facing reflector. [5/11-1507]Use of Sidewalks- Local ordinance mayprohibit bicyclists from using sidewalks. Wherepermitted, bicyclists must yield to pedestriansand give audible signals before passingpedestrians. Bicyclists using sidewalks have allthe rights and duties of pedestrians. [5/11-1512]Two or More on a Bike- Bicycles shall notbe used to carry more persons at one time thanthe number for which it was designed andequipped, except that an adult rider may carry achild securely attached to his person in a backpack or sling. [5/11-1501]For more info on Illinois Bicycle Laws contact:

League of Illinois Bicyclists 630-987-0583

[email protected] · www.BikeLIB.org

Illinois Bicycle Laws[Bracketed numbers are Vehicle Code 625 ILCS]Bicycle Status- Traffic laws apply to personsriding bicycles. Bicyclists riding on a highway aregranted all of the rights and are subject to all ofthe duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle,with certain exceptions. [5/11-1502]Lane Positioning- When riding on roadwaysand bicycle paths at less than normal trafficspeed ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway except1. When overtaking and passing another bicycleor vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or2. When preparing for a left turn, or3. When reasonably necessary to avoid fixed ormoving objects, parked or moving vehicles,bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians,animals, surface hazards, or substandard widthlanes that make it unsafe to continue along theright-hand curb or edge. A “substandard width lane”means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and avehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. 4. When riding on a one-way highway with two ormore marked traffic lanes. Here, bicyclists may rideas near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadwayas practicable. [5/11-1505]

Left Turns- Bicyclists may choose between avehicular-style left turn or a pedestrian-style leftturn [5/11-1510]. For vehicular-style left turns,proceed as if driving a vehicle, moving to theleft lane or the left side of a single lane. prior tothe intersection. [5/11-801]For pedestrian-styleleft-turns, riding nearthe right side of theroadway cross theintersecting roadway,stop (as much as practicableout of the way of traffic), yieldto any traffic and proceed in thenew direction while obeying any offi-cial traffic control device or police officer [5/11-1510]Riding 2 Abreast- Riding 2 abreast is permit-ted as long as the normal and reasonablemovement of traffic is not impeded. Ridingmore than 2 abreast is prohibited except onpaths or parts of roadways set aside for theexclusive use of bicycles [5/11-1505 1]Hand Signals- Bicyclists are required to givethe same turn signals as motorists. [5/11-804]Signal not less than the last 100 feet before theturn and while the bicycle is stopped waiting toturn. Signals need not be given continuously if


Riding Predictably is the best way to ride safely on city streets. Respect the law andfollow traffic rules to be predictable toother users of the road. Be Confident and show it when riding.Learn good handling skills and don’t hesi-tate while riding in traffic.Be Courteous to other users of the road.Communicate your actions with hand sig-nals, eye contact and sound when needed.Be Aware of your surroundings and roadconditions by constantly scanning the areaand regularly looking behind you for traffic.

Hold your linewhen riding intraffic. Don’t weavein and out of parkedcars, intersectionsor turn lanes. Ride astraight line in yourtravel lane.

15

Traffic Basics


Riding in TrafficIn groups rideside by side andstay close, butleave enough roomto maneuver safely.

Ride on the left sideof the bike lane to bemore visible, avoid roaddebris and avoid the“door zone”.

Watch for exiting bus riders.

A l w ayielpe

Pass right turningvehicles on the left.

Pass stoppedbuses on the left.

Take the trafficlane if road condi-tions are unsafe toride on.

Here’s an overview ofmany of the situationsfound while bicycling incity traffic and how to react.Remember, the keyto safe city cycling isriding predictablyand respecting therules of the road.


Don’ t weavein and out ofparked cars.Don’t ride onthe sidewalk,it’s dangerousand illegal!

Cross train tracksat a right angle.

Ride outside the“door zone”

Pull ahead oftraffic at stops,into driver’s viewand away fromexhaust.

Use the lane for yourdirection of travel. Ridein the turn lane if you areturning. Ride on the rightside of the through lane ifgoing straight through anintersection.

A l w a y syield topedestrians

Announceobstacles tofellow riders.


Pull in front of traffic whenwaiting at intersections. Thisallows you to be seen bystopped motorists and out ofcars’ exhaust. Make eye con-tact with stopped drivers andcheck their signals. Stay to theleft of right-turning vehicles.Position yourself between thestop bar and the pedestriancrossing. Always yield topedestrians.

BBeewwaarree ooff aa vveehhii--ccllee’’ss bblliinndd ssppoottsswhen riding behind orpassing. If you can’tsee drivers they prob-ably don’t see you.

18

BBeewwaarree ooff oonnccoommiinnggvveehhiicclleess bblloocckkiinngg yyoouurrvviieeww.. Other traffic maybe oncoming that youcan’t see. Wait for aclear view to proceed.

BBeewwaarree ooff ffoolllloowwiinnggvveehhiicclleess ssoo cclloosseellyyyou can’t see roadconditions, cyclists,pedestrians or traffic.

Riding in Traffic


Never ride against traffic.It’s against the law and it’sdangerous. If you think you’resafer because you can seecars coming you are wrong!20% of car-bike collisionsresult from cyclists riding thewrong way. Oncoming carsaren’t looking for you andturning vehicles can’t seeyou. Riding with traffic allowsmotorists to gradually over-take and pass bicyclists.

Don’t get squeezed outby buses picking up and drop-ping off passengers. Bikes andbuses often share the samespace and play a game of“leapfrog” with each other intraffic. Make sure to passstopped buses on the left afterchecking behind to see if it’sclear. Give the bus plenty ofroom when you pass and againwhen it passes you. Don’t passa bus to make a right turn.

Riding in Traffic


Use Hand Signals to communicate yourmovements. You can also use hand signalsto point out road obstacles, show commandsand express thanks for receiving the right of way.Make Noise by shouting out to get drivers’attention or to warn others of your position.Never wear headphones when cycling.Hearing traffic can be nearly as important asseeing it. Hearing an emergency vehicle, anaccelerating car engine or a horn honk froman alley alerts you of a car’s position.

Turn left from the left turn lane. Firstlook behind you for a gap in traffic. Whentraffic allows, signal left and change lanesinto the left-turn lane. If there’s more thanone turn lane use the one farthest to theright. Move into the intersection when clearand wait for a gap in oncoming traffic. Whena gap appears, finish the turn onto the rightside of your new lane. Watch for pedestriansin the crosswalk when turning.


TurningTurn left from the center of the lane ifthere’s no turn lane. Leave room for vehiclesgoing straight to pass on the right.

Use the box left turn if you can’t merge leftbefore you reach an intersection. Use caution,look for turning vehicles and always yield topedestrians when using the box left turn.

1. Stay in the rightlane and rideacross the inter-section on the leftside of (not in) thecrosswalk.

2. Check whetherthere’s room in thetraffic lane to the rightof the crosswalk. If sogo there and allignyourself with traffic.

3. If there’s no roombehind the stop line,stop on the intersec-tion side of the cross-walk and align yourselfwith traffic. Alwaysyield to pedestrians.

4. When the lightc h a n g e s , mo v ewith traf fic .


The “door zone” is the3-4 feet along the leftside of a parked carwhere an opening doorcan hit and seriouslyinjure a cyclist. When rid-ing in a bike lane ride on theleft side of the lane. Ride atleast 3 feet away from parkedcars on the street (1). Takethe full lane if there’s noroom to safely pass opencar doors and to avoid exit-ing passengers (2).

22

The “Door Zone”

Look inside parked cars and their side rearview mirrors when passingand move outside the “door zone” if you see exiting passengers. Watchbehind you for traffic when moving out of the “door zone” and into thefull lane. A bike mirror helps you see behind to know if cars are approaching.

2.

1.


Ride two acrossthe lane andmove as a group.

23

Streets for CyclingDon’t know where to bicycle in Chicago?Check the Chicago Bike Map. Hundredsof streets were considered and thousands ofmiles ridden to select the most convenientand appropriate routes. Many of the recom-mended routes will help you get around sit-uations unfriendly to bicycling (such asexpressways). While routes throughoutChicago are identified, some areas of thecity have fewer choices than others. To get acopy of the Chicago Bike Map call theChicago Department of Transportation BicycleProgram at 312-742-2453 or visit our website atwww.ChicagoBikes.org .

Riding in GroupsRiding a bike isn’t only a great way to get aroundon your own, but can be a great time with friendstoo! Remember a few things when riding with agroup. Be responsible for yourself. Beaware of your position and the position ofthose around you. Announce obstacles tofellow riders. When appropriate, ride side byside and take the lane. Stay close as a groupwhen maneuvering through intersections. Formore info about group rides and a schedule ofrides in Chicago check out the ChicagoCycling Club at www.chicagocyclingclub.orgor call their information hotline at 773-509-8093.


What toDo in a CrashStay down

Don’t move unless your safety isin danger. Prevent further injuryand draw attention to the sceneby staying down until police arrive.

Get witness infoGet witness’ name,address and phonenumber.

Get police infoGet officer’s name,badge number, thepolice report num-ber and where tocall for a copy.MMaakkee ssuurree aa ppoolliicceerreeppoorrtt iiss mmaaddee..

Don’t lose your bikeIf you can’t take your bikefrom the scene lock it thereand come back for it later.

Call the police Have someone call for the police andambulance. Report driver and vehicleinformation if accident is a hit and run.

Get motorist info Get name, address, phone num-ber, driver’s license and plate, cardescription, and insurance infofrom every vehicle driver involved.

Stay calmAfter a crash you get very excited. You may not notice an injury and aggravate it fur-ther. You may also suffer from shock because of excitement. Try to stay calm andfocus on the situation. Get treated by paramedics and go to the hospital if neces-sary. Have someone else gather information for you if you are unable. Have emer-gency contact information in your wallet or printed inside your helmet.


Biking on Campusis a great way to getto classes andelsewhere aroundschool. Most schoolshave shared usepaths for cyclistsand others. Obeyposted signs, yield topedestrians and beaware of any specialpa t h ru le s yourschool may have.

Off Street CyclingKeep to the right.Yield to pedestriansand slower moving trailusers except whenpassing. Slow downthrough heavy traffic.

Use your path.Don’t bike on des-ignated walking orrunning paths.

Be careful atcrossings. Lookboth ways. Yield tothrough traf fic andremember pedestrianshave the right of way.

Advise others whenpassing. Sound yourbell or horn or callout when approachingpedestrians or slowercyclists, then passsafely on the left.

“Passing onyour left.”


To make cycling even more convenient, theChicago Transit Authority (CTA) welcomes bicy-cles on trains and buses through the year-roundCTA Bike & Ride program.

You can bring your bike on CTA trains week-days except during rush hour (7-9am and 4-6pm) and any time during weekends and holi-days (except July 3rd). You can also put yourbike on the front of a CTA bus bicycle carryingrack anytime. There’s no extra charge for takingyour bike with you on the CTA. Taking your bikeon the CTA can allow you to make longer tripsthat you may not be able to do with your bikeor the CTA alone. For more info about bikes onthe CTA call 888-YOUR-CTA or go towww.transitchicago.com and check outthe CTA’s Bike & Ride brochure. You canalso pick it up at any CTA station.

26

Bikes on Transit

Stand near eitherend of the traincar holding yourbike securely. Donot block exits.

When sitting, place your footnear the wheel to preventbike from rolling. Don’t blockthe aisle and be aware of thespace your bike occupies.

Use wheel-chair space ifunoccupied.Move if spaceis needed.


You can also take your bike on all Pace sub-urban buses. For trip-planning, route, fareand schedule information call 847-364-PACEor visit www.pacebus.com. For traveland trip planning on CTA, Pace and Metra callRTA information at 836-7000. Currently, onlyfolding bicycles in a carrying bag or case areallowed on Metra commuter trains.You can take your bike across the state oracross the country by bus, train and plane.Greyhound Bus- bicycles must be packed ina carrying case or box, securely fastened andchecked. An additional fee may be charged.Go to www.greyhound.com for more info.Amtrak- has roll-on service on some linesor check as baggage on others. Go towww.amtrak.com for more info.Bicycle accommodations vary between airlines. Forrecommended airlines visit the League ofAmericanBicyclistsat www.bikeleague.org

Bikes on CTAand Pace Buses1. Alert bus driver of bikerack use, squeezehandle and lower rack.If bike rack is full waitfor the next bus.2. Place bike in emptyspace closest to thebus. The first bike infaces the curb, the sec-ond bike faces the street.3. Secure the supportarm over the frontwheel. Do not lockbike to rack.Board bus and payfare . No t i f y dr iverwhen leaving bus.

27

1 2 3Pull rack down Put bike on Secure wheel


Ride with extra cau-tion at night. It’sharder to see driversand predict theirmoves. There aremany tired drivers atnight and some maybe drunk. Be alertand know your way.Choose a route thatyou’re familiar with.

The first rule of riding at night is to BE SEEN!Illinois law requires a front light and a rearreflector when riding at night. Add a rear lightto be more easily seen. LED lights are cheap,bright and long lasting. Generators powerlights from your own energy. High-power

lighting systems are very visible and can lightthe darkest ways. Reflectors and reflectivetape keep you and your bike in the spotlight.

28

Riding at Night

Reflective tape onhelmet

Reflective safety vestfits over clothing

Rear light andreflectors

Reflective ankle strap

Clip-on strobe light

Reflective tape

Reflective side-wall tires

High-power lighting

Bright clothing

Headlight


You can bike in all weather year round with the right equipment. You’llbe warm and dry biking while others wait in the cold for their car towarm up or bus to arrive. For more info visit www.bikewinter.org.

29

Riding in Bad Weather

Base Layer Middle Layer Outer LayerWear fabricthat wicksm o i s t u r eaway l i kepolypropelene,p o l y e s t e r,nylon or silk.

Dress in layers when dressing for cold weather.

W e a r a ni n s u l a t i n glayer that willhold heat likewool or fleece.Two layers isoften enoughexcept for verycold weather.

A weatherproof outerlayer will keepyou warm anddry in wet con-ditions. Over-lap clothes atthe neck, wrist,waist and ankle.

Rain gear will keep you dry inwet weather. Look for a jacketthat has arm and back ventsto prevent overheating.

Fenders keep youand your bikeclean and dry.

Ski goggles preventtears from the cold.

A balaclava coversyour head, neckand ears andfits underyour helmet.

Water-proof boots keepyour feet dry. Leave wiggleroom to keep toes warm.

Ski or “lobster”gloves keep handswarm and allowuse of brakesand shifters.

Shoe covers keepfeet warm and dry.


The City of Chicago has long supported and encouraged alterna-tives to the automobile, and bicycling is one of the most popularchoices. Chicago has earned a national reputation for promotingbicycling through infrastructure investment, education and advocacy.The city is recognized as one of the most bike-friendly in thecountry – and continues to pursue ways to become even better.

30

Get Involved!


Not only do bikes help improve air qualityand ease traffic congestion, they help pro-mote a healthy, active lifestyle. And they’rea convenient and affordable way to getaround. Riding a bicycle is not only good foryou, it’s good for your community.

College is a place where a lifetime’s worthof decisions and actions are seeded. Beyondthe education you gain in the classroom isthe learning that happens by being in anenvironment of diverse people and ideas. Beactive in that environment and get involvedin shaping it. There’s great oppor tunity oncampus and in Chicago!

Start by finding out about bike and otherclubs at school that have an interest in theenvironment and community. Encourageyour friends, classmates and instructors toride a bike for transportation and fun. Learnmore about bicycling in Chicago byvisiting the Chicago Bike Program’sweb site at www.ChicagoBikes.org.Get involved with some of the many bikegroups in Chicago such as the ChicagolandBicycle Federation. Join online at biketraffic.org.Visit the other websites in this bookletfor more info and resources to getinvolved and make a dif ference!

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Links & Resources

650 S. Clark St. #300Chicago Il 606053 1 2 . 4 2 7 . 3 3 2 5www.biketraffic.org

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