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Meet the Chi-town Cruisers

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PROFILE: Chi-town Cruisers a Family Club

Got a dusty old Schwinn, a blue or white T-shirt, and a free Sunday afternoon? That’s all that’s required to ride with the Chi-town Cruisers, a club of mostly-Latino cyclists based in Humboldt Park.

Jose Martinez with his Schwinn Orange Krate.

Since the club started six years ago, membership has grown to more than 100 bikers. Jose Martinez, a member of the organization, attributes the growth of the club to the fact that just about everyone in the neighborhood has an old bicycle in the basement collecting dust.

“Just put a little oil on the chain and ride,” Jose tells people.

The family-oriented club is an eye-catcher. “People see us coming, and they’re just like, ‘Whoa!’ They ask us, ‘What year is this bike?’ ‘How can I join your club?’ and ‘I’ve got a bike in the basement, can you help me fix it?’”

A local bicycle repair shop gives the members discounts and helps them find the replacement parts they need. Jose’s 1972 “Orange Krate” was new in the box, no paint job or new tires needed. Some of the bikes are more souped-up than others. One has twisted chrome bars, another is upholstered with a velvet seat, and there’s a three-wheeler that supports a 500-watt sound system providing music for the bike cruises. It can be heard blocks away.

A typical Sunday cruise included entire families — mothers, fathers and children — exploring the city together. Sometimes, the group stops for picnics or games of dominoes at parks around the city and suburbs.
For busy parents, the rides are a chance to spend time with their children. The rides also present opportunities for families to exercise together. Destinations include places as far away as Aurora.

Jose said that many club members are now biking 10 miles a week. They lost weight, increased their energy, and are generally feeling healthier.
One of the clubs’ favorite cruising grounds is Navy Pier. “They love us! They open the gates and tell us to come on in.” Tourists often approach the group to take pictures with the bikes, even trying to slip them a few bucks for the privilege.

Their Humboldt Park neighbors are proud of the Cruisers. “The community loves us,” Jose said. The Chi-town Cruisers ride in the Puerto Rican parade each year, in parades in Aurora, and in the various biking fund-raisers around the city, including Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s Bike The Drive.

“No matter what neighborhood we go to, we always have a good time.”

Emily Kirchner is a volunteer Bike Traffic contributor