www.biketraffic.org

'Cross Towns Express
Mayor lost is the suburbs' gain
By Angela Hahn

Finally! Chicago's northwestern suburbs have a promising future of being connected by bike path - the first labeled regional bike route of its kind in the 'burbs. This should fare well with those that have gotten a little dazed and confused on their rides that cross community borders, including a mayor and her family, who was the latest spark that lit the route-planning fire.

Last spring, Mayor Nancy Canafax of Wilmette gathered her family together for a bike ride to a minor league baseball game in Schaumburg. Although they didnt' get lost, they didn't find their destination easy, either. "They got to Woodfield and thought they had made it to Schaumburg," said Mayor Al Larson of Schaumburg. Larson says that Canafax wrote a friendly letter to him after the bike trip and suggested that the communities commit to building a continuous path that bikers can safely and easily ride through the suburbs. "And I thought to myself, 'Why not?'...I mean, wouldn't it be great? It makes a great deal of sense," said Larson, adding that the regional path would ideally extend all the way to Lake Michigan.

Larson brought the letter to the next Transportation Committee meeting of the Northwest Municipal Conference, a quasi-governmental association of more than 40 suburban towns and townships that distributes transportation funds to the member communities and to which Larson has been an acting part of for the past 20 years. Although the Conference had already begun workshops dealing with the prospect of a regional bike plan (the plan is referred to as "Making Bike-Way Corridors a Reality"), the mayor and her letter "really jumpstarted the inter-community planning process," said Randy Neufeld, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Executive Director. The Federation had been contracted by the Conference on an advisory basis to create an inventory of bike facilities and plans in the northwest suburbs. Historically, there have been very few interconnections.

But perhaps no longer! The Conference intends to hold public information meetings by the end of July or early August and gather feedback from bicycle organizations, local park districts, and other bike advocates and learn more about the "gaps in the system", according to Danielle Gray, Program Associate for Transportation at the Conference. From there, the Conference will hold cluster workshops, six all together in Cook County, with representatives from different municipalities. They will look at maps of the communities and discuss ways of connecting existing and future paths. One person from each cluster will go on to future workshops to discuss barriers and gaps in that system, with that information going back to each of the communities for, you guessed it, further discussion. Gray says the final plan, complete with its own signage and map, should be complete in October 2002. If you are interested in becoming part of the public information gathering for the "Making Bike-Way Corridors a Reality" regional bike plan, contact Danielle Gray of the Northwest Municipal Conference at 847/296-9200 x30.

Better Late Than...
In fact, the BLT is just better late
By Lauren Strickler

Are you still wondering what happened to the Boulevard Lakefront Tour? Don't worry, you haven't missed it. Join us this year on Sunday, September 1st for the 14th annual event. We had to find a new holiday, but we figure that Labor Day weekend works almost as well as Father's Day. We've added some new streets to the 35-mile tour of Chicago's boulevards, parks, and lakefront, but kept in the best parts (minus that Lake Shore Drive stuff we did last year - I think we covered it pretty well in June).

Join us at the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park to start your ride between 7 and 8 am. But, you need to sign up now. That's right, there is no registration on September 1st. You must sign up by Thursday, August 29th. How? Go to www.biketraffic.org/blt to get signed up on-line and find all the details. It only costs $30 ($25 for Federation members), which includes a t-shirt. Don't have internet access? Don't worry, ask your friends or family to get you signed up, or if you really need help, call us at 312/427-3325 x51.

If you're still on the fence, think of this ride as a great way to get a head start on your bicycle photos for the Bike Town Bash photo contest (see next page). No one else will have that idea, I'm sure. Or, think of the BLT as the send-off party for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's outgoing Director of Events (and a great way to introduce the new director to one of the greatest rides in the city).

We hope to see you there!

Back in the Saddle
Al Stern says that, like Lance, you can't keep him down
By Steve Buchtel

Al Stern's a little depressed about his conditioning. In a 40K time trial performance on June 30th, in the 50+ age group, he came in last with a 1:15, averaging a tick short of 20 mph.

And in a July 14 criterium, an event lasting 45 minutes + two laps, he came in last again, averaging 19.7 mph.

Last Sunday, he got dropped on the training ride that meets in Lake Forest, and wound up doing the 44-mile ride - 42 miles for Al; "I took a shortcut," he says - by himself at 17 mph. Then he rode the 23 miles home, because of course that's how he got to Lakeforest: he rode there, for a total of 88 miles on the day.

Since May 19th, his first day back on a bicycle - five days after the cast on his sheared right leg came off, two weeks before he could walk without crutches - he's ridden 1500 miles.

Like my dad used to tell me: close your mouth, you'll let the flies in.

If you're not stunned, you've forgotten about the demolition a hit-and-run driver wreaked upon Al the evening of January 3. A driver at California and Devon in Chicago nearly took Al's right leg off just below he knee, broke his left ankle, snapped both wrists, broke his collarbone and several ribs, and kept driving. Al had lights, the vest, was in the correct lane, was doing everything right, which means nothing when a driver does anything wrong. The driver still is at large.

Two months in a long-term care facility. Five months unable to walk. Fifteen hundred miles since May 19th, when he circled a parking lot a few times.

For all his perseverance, Al says he will avoid the intersection at California and Devon the rest of his life. "It's right by my house, but I'll go out of my way. I can't forget what happened there," he says.

He identifies nearly completely with Lance Armstrong, who's survival and comeback from rampant cancer is one of the greatest stories of human physical achievement. "How long was he off the bike," Al wants to know. "How long was it before he did his first race [after remission]? Guys like me and Lance, you can't keep us down." Maybe in agreement, the U.S. Postal Service bike racing team sent him a team-autographed cycling cap.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation collected a bit over $7000 for Al since his accident; he is uninsured and before the crash worked only part-time at neighborhood bike shops. Most of Al's staggering medical bills will be covered by public aid, and this has limited our ability to use the money to help Al; Chicagoland Bicycle Federation member and attorney John Duncan has provided invaluable guidance regarding trust funds and protecting them from public claims, guidance that unfortunately has kept the money in the bank.

But recently, scar tissue in Al's right wrist from the pins that put it back together has irritated nerves that serve his hand, and Al is scheduled for operation in late July. Falling outside the scope of public aid, the procedure gives us an opportunity finally to put the money to use.

On behalf of Al, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation thanks all who gave their money, time, and support to get a living, pedaling legend back on the road.

It's All a Blur to Me
Bike Town Bash Photo Contest developing into fun
By London Crockett

Let's get this straight. It's summer. It's hotter than it's ever been. You have become synonymous with sweat. And we want you to take pictures? Actually, yes. Imagine your camera as your vacation partner this summer - except the vacation is everywhere you go on your bike. Nice vacation. Imagine those beautiful photos in a room full of wondrous pix, taken by your friends and fellow-cyclists. And now imagine fascinating celebrity judges picking your photo out as the best. You get a prize! You get glory and honor! And, since all of the photos are for sale, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation gets cash, and you get a chance to take home some cool art. But don't wait until December to start taking photos. You might not be on your bike quite as much then.

Announcing the Bike Town Bash photo contest. As part of the 2003 Biketown Bash, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is giving you a chance to show off your artistic side. Don't worry if you're not a professional: we tried to get Ansel Adams to judge, but he couldn't make it. Also, there will be categories for the photos, so you're family pictures aren't competing against Ted's racing pictures; your gorgeous black 'n' white's aren't being compared to Margo's sunset-y color shots. Check biketraffic.org/photocontest for details. Sure, March 8, 2003 is a long time away. But don't let stop you from starting in on the fun now. Take your camera with you when you are out for a ride. Make 2002 your longest vacation ever.

[Warning: taking bicycle-themed pictures has been deemed ridiculously fun. Use sound judgment to avoid turning a milk-run into a 12-hour/10-roll event. In case of addiction, contact the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation immediately for congratulations and encouragement.]

Don't just ride - RACE in Chicago!
By Randy Warren

Bicycle Racing returns to Chicago's Sherman Park! Ald. Shirley Coleman (16th), the XXX Racing-Clif Bar Team and Chicagoland Bicycle Federation are hosting a United States Cycling Federation (USCF) criterium bicycle race on August 24th in this city park with a bike racing origin. Other sponsors for the event include Clif Bar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and SRAM.

Located on Garfield Blvd. between Loomis and Racine, Sherman Park hosted bicycle races as far back as the 1930's and as recently as 1990. The tree lined .9-mile loop around the park is the perfect place to host criterium-style racing. Criteriums involve bicyclists covering multiple laps over a given period of time. The shortest event will be 30 minutes for those newest to bike racing, and will range with skill level to the longest event, 75 minutes for the professional and highest level amateur racers. Races start at 8:00 AM and continue all day in 9 different categories until 6:15 in the evening. Cash prizes totaling $3650 will be awarded to top performers throughout the day.

Alderman Coleman approached us about reviving the criterium races in Sherman Park this past winter. The alderman is making the races part of an "end of the summer" celebration for the 16th Ward and has lined up gospel choirs and a neighborhood Bar-B-Q for the same day. Political bigwigs plan to attend: Mayor Daley says he plans to go, as well as Gubernatorial candidate Rob Blagojevich and Illinois Attorney General candidate Lisa Madigan. Mayor Daley's Bicycle Ambassadors will provide valuable advice on bicycle safety for area residents.

A full hour of racing, starting at 12:30 PM, will be devoted to children's events. Children race for free, but participants must register and have an approved helmet. The first 50 children who register and do not have an approved helmet will be given one, free of charge, courtesy of Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Clif Bar is sponsoring both the women's professional/category 1/2/3 event and the men's professional/category 1/2 event. SRAM has donated numerous prime prizes to be given out in a variety of the day's races. The criterium is the only USCF event to be held in Chicago for 2002 and the first for many years. For more information about Alderman Coleman's Sherman Park Criterium, check out xxxracing.org or call the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

Messenger Training Delivers
Video teaches hard lessons the easy way
By Randy Warren

We are all concerned with the safety of bicycle messengers in Chicago. To help improve messenger safety, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has produced a safety-training videotape for Chicago's bicycle messengers. We were contracted for this work by the City of Chicago through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

We produced the videotape after months of extensive research into the Chicago bicycle messenger industry and culture. The video is an outstanding resource that will greatly assist bicycle messengers as they prepare to involve themselves in this interesting, exciting and sometimes dangerous profession. In making the video, we spoke with messenger companies, messengers, bicycle police, bike shop owners, the Department of Consumer Services, Corporation Council at the Department of Administrative Hearings, the Department of Revenue and insurance representatives. We also corresponded with bicycle advocacy groups and department of transportation personnel nationwide and reviewed general and messenger bicycle training programs and one messenger licensing program. And we followed messengers around. Messengers and other industry personnel who previewed the videotape responded very enthusiastically. Certainly, no single product will solve all of the problems associated with bicycle messengers in Chicago. This videotape, however, along with a comprehensive company orientation, can go a long way towards making Chicago's streets safer for both bicycle messengers and the people with whom they come into contact while doing their job.

Rivet Media (rivetmedia.com) donated $27,000 worth of services to help us produce the video. Thanks to Riveteers Kati Rooney and Melissa Taylor - both Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members - and to the rest of Rivet Media for their generous work. Also, thanks to the Windy City Bike Messenger Association, who delivered the tapes to the city's courier services swiftly...and safely.

Being Hit
By Steve Buchtel

Around suppertime in late-February of this year, a car hit me from behind on my way home from the train station. I was riding in the dark on 167th St., a fast, suburban 4-lane arterial road, up the I-294 overpass (no entrance or exit ramps) with a knot of traffic approaching from the rear.

My bike had a big pink milk crate bolted to a rear rack; the crate was covered with red reflective tape, and had a 5-LED, flashing red VistaLite mounted in the center. White reflective tape outlined my seatstays. I wore a reflective vest, and a 10-watt helmet light.

No matter: as I crested the overpass, riding five feet maybe out in the lane with the noise of approaching traffic building behind me, POW!

I mean POW! Ear-ringing. POW! Ringing for hours.

I don't know if the driver didn't see me. His right-side mirror struck my milk crate at probably 50 mph. Maybe he misjudged.

But maybe he didn't see me. I went sprawling along the sidewalk (that only exists at the top of the bridge), tangled in my bike with the car's mirror lying beside me while the car drove on, then came back.

I never asked if he saw me, I don't know why. Another foot over, and I would have been in the middle of the lane. A square hit at 50 mph - me going what? 14, 15 mph? - on top of a Tri-State overpass. Where would I have landed?

The crash tore my left pant leg completely away, and split the other up the seam. Largely my body was fine, lots of scrapes and bruises, lots of gravel to scrub away.

But I'm damaged. Today I fight my anxiety every time I must ride on an arterial where speeds are high, and sometimes I lose and turn around and go home and miss my train to work, and then have to drive downtown; if you can't ride on arterials where I live, you can't leave the neighborhood. My credibility with my neighbors and my family as an advocate for bike use ends with the question, "You ever been hit?" When I ride, my left side tightens with every car approaching. If traffic's busy, sometimes the left side of my back cramps.

I'm trying some new things. I've been thinking a lot about other slow-moving vehicles, warning barriers and highway workers, how they look; it seems unrealistic to think that a bicyclist at 15-20 mph on a 50-mph road has any inherent safety advantage over a snow plow that's painted brilliant orange, has 100-watt flashing orange lights, and is as big as a house. I still wear the vest, and I bought two three-inch round orange reflectors from an auto parts store which I stuck to panniers, and in between the panniers I've mounted a reflective slow-moving vehicle triangle that hangs down from the rear rack over my fender. My goal is to be recognized as a slow-moving vehicle, not a guy on a bike, from as far away as possible, day or night. Outside of my skill and knowledge as a bicyclist, I am totally dependent on these precautions.

I imagine a different world. I imagine a county highway department with a civic duty to accommodate non-motorized users on every project. I imagine IDOT making transportation decisions that strengthen communities instead of fragment them. I imagine police departments transforming neighborhoods with zero-tolerance policies toward speeding and other traffic violations. But in the world I live in, I got hit. I expect no one as frightened as I am to be able to ride where I do at all. And everyone should be as frightened as I am.

New Day, Old World Charm
European bike culture's brewing at Lombard coffee house
By Melanie Zanoza

On the surface, the New Day Coffeehouse at 15 S. Park in Lombard appears to be your typical café: cozy atmosphere, friendly help behind the counter, tasty mocha frappucinos. However, upon a closer examination, the customer begins to notice some thematic differences.

From the store's logo on the door - a spoked wheel rising over the horizon - to the sophisticated city bikes resting pristinely in the corner of the well-lit store, to the overhead TV that continuously broadcasts racing from around the world, New Day shares the owner's passion with its daily customers.

According to the owner, Jason Wagner, the café was born from his dream of sharing his appreciation for cycling. An avid racer all of his life, Wagner was forced to quit riding after he became ill. Later, he inherited some money from his grandfather and decided to open the café. Coffee and cycling have a long, friendly relationship, and at New Day that relationship has been consummated: The café offers Swedish-built European city bikes for sale, an enterprise that Wagner hopes will soon pick up (you can see the bikes at kronancycle.com). In the six months since he started selling the bikes, Wagner has sold about a dozen. "I want to bring in a variety of bikes in the near-future," said Wagner. Bike racing fans without the Outdoor Life Network cable-TV channel will find a home: the shop plays continuous coverage of different bicycle races. The only thing that changes are the countries in which the action is taking place: France, Italy, Belgium, wherever the race may be. "You don't have to be an enthusiast to understand what you are watching or to appreciate the surroundings," Wagner explained. Although New Day is nestled into a small one-block outlet bordered by a set of railroad tracks, it has not experienced any lack of business. Wagner attributes this to the regular commuters who stop in for a cup of coffee while waiting for their trains. "Luckily, the route to Chicago is on our side of the tracks," he said.

Wagner does not see a clear difference between the people who come in for a regular café drink and those who come seeking to experience the thrill of cycling. "Actually, I've been a little disappointed in the enthusiasm toward the concept," admitted Wagner. As a result of his work with the shop, Wagner values and respects the determination of small-business owners and has learned how to manage a store of his own through experience. "I had the skills to make drinks, but I didn't have the business sense," said Wagner. "Now, I feel like I'm part of a fraternity."

Even though the store has not yet reached its full capacity as a haven for cycling enthusiasts, Wagner isn't complaining. "I'm happy with what I have here," he said.

BLT registration now open!

Get your "Why I rode
on LSD"-T today! Click on local hipster Johnny D' to actually be able to read the shirt.

Copyright 2002, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
650 S. Clark, Ste. 300, Chicago, Ill. 60605
Ph: 312/427-3325  Fax: 312/427-4907 E-mail: cbf@biketraffic.org