Chicago Cycling News and Topics - The Chainlink2024-03-28T22:57:19Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/categories/chicago-cycling-news-and-topics/listForCategory?categoryId=2211490%3ACategory%3A974440&%3Bpage=3&feed=yes&xn_auth=noReddit.com/r/chibiketag:thechainlink.org,2022-03-11:2211490:Topic:12138882022-03-11T19:10:18.243ZDerferMarkhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/DerferMark
<p>As more crickets and cobwebs grow on this site, I've been looking for a supplement/ replacement. Still assessing but this has some good info and discussions and a LOT more activity... <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/chibike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.reddit.com/r/chibike</a></p>
<p>As more crickets and cobwebs grow on this site, I've been looking for a supplement/ replacement. Still assessing but this has some good info and discussions and a LOT more activity... <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/chibike" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.reddit.com/r/chibike</a></p> Barnard's Schwinn Cyclery damaged after car crashtag:thechainlink.org,2021-11-12:2211490:Topic:12115582021-11-12T19:56:15.978ZBrett Millerhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/BrettCMiller
<p><span>OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A man has been charged with DUI after police said he crashed his car into a historic bike shop in west suburban Oak Park, causing significant damage Thursday night.</span><br></br><br></br><span>The crash occurred at Barnard's Schwinn Cyclery at 6109 West North Avenue at about 10:20 p.m..</span></p>
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<p><span><a href="https://bit.ly/3Dav8nX" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">According to their website</a>, they are the oldest family-owned business in Oak…</span></p>
<p><span>OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A man has been charged with DUI after police said he crashed his car into a historic bike shop in west suburban Oak Park, causing significant damage Thursday night.</span><br/><br/><span>The crash occurred at Barnard's Schwinn Cyclery at 6109 West North Avenue at about 10:20 p.m..</span></p>
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<p><span><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://bit.ly/3Dav8nX" target="_blank">According to their website</a>, they are the oldest family-owned business in Oak Park, serving the community since 1911.<br/><br/>The owner said a police officer was actually on patrol and parked at the gas station next to the shop . The owner said police told him that the driver fell asleep at the wheel while heading down North Avenue and steered off into the building.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://abc7chicago.com/oak-park-il-illinois-barnards-schwinn-cyclery-car-into-building-crash/11227487/">https://abc7chicago.com/oak-park-il-illinois-barnards-schwinn-cyclery-car-into-building-crash/11227487/</a></p> Is 2022 Winter Bike Swap still a thing?tag:thechainlink.org,2021-09-24:2211490:Topic:12106782021-09-24T22:45:21.370Zmike w.https://thechainlink.org/profile/mikew
<p>Winter Bike Swap's webpage is still up, but apparently not updated since maybe early this year.</p>
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<p>Their FB page was unhelpful.</p>
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<p>Supposed date is 13 February 2022 at the Kane County fairground.</p>
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<p>Anyone have info? Thanks!</p>
<p>Winter Bike Swap's webpage is still up, but apparently not updated since maybe early this year.</p>
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<p>Their FB page was unhelpful.</p>
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<p>Supposed date is 13 February 2022 at the Kane County fairground.</p>
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<p>Anyone have info? Thanks!</p> Dre Day - Commemorate all Bike Messengers , Galatag:thechainlink.org,2021-07-24:2211490:Topic:12092842021-07-24T17:23:25.132ZPaul Nelsonhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/PaulNelson51
<p>* ANNUAL DRE DAY EVENT *</p>
<p>- Dre was a previous Chicago messenger who worked hard everyday for over decades. And unfortunately passed away on his couch, while drinking a beer on his couch and watching TV one night in 2010-11. </p>
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<p>- Other chicago messengers got together to have a day of music and celebration all the other messengers who lived and died and had to suffer through @#$%.</p>
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<p>- Was held in some back yard in Pilsen. Last one I attend was in 2018. Bunch of…</p>
<p>* ANNUAL DRE DAY EVENT *</p>
<p>- Dre was a previous Chicago messenger who worked hard everyday for over decades. And unfortunately passed away on his couch, while drinking a beer on his couch and watching TV one night in 2010-11. </p>
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<p>- Other chicago messengers got together to have a day of music and celebration all the other messengers who lived and died and had to suffer through @#$%.</p>
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<p>- Was held in some back yard in Pilsen. Last one I attend was in 2018. Bunch of videos from the events on my hard-drive. </p>
<p>Thought I would make a post about Dre-Day on here, in case anyone wanted to connect.</p>
<h1><a href="https://youtu.be/Xx1R_9qzL1U">https://youtu.be/Xx1R_9qzL1U</a></h1>
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<p>#bike_messenger #bicycle #chicago #community</p> Don’t count on Police for even the smallest token of justice, a Traffic Ticket!tag:thechainlink.org,2021-06-21:2211490:Topic:12086962021-06-21T15:49:40.196ZDerferMarkhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/DerferMark
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<div>So, I was hit by a car while cycling on Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park 4 weeks ago on a warm, sunny evening. The painted lines for the designated bike lane offered no protection of course. A 23 year-old driver left-hooked me as she turned onto Francis Place and caused damage to her bumper, my bike, and most of all me! I am still mending and learning how miserable life is with broken toes. </div>
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<div>The car’s driver was not cited and never will be unless I pursue a civil case against her. Her auto insurance company has already admitted fault at least. But my question is why wasn’t she ticketed, at a minimum, for failing to yield to my right-of-way? I spoke with the sergeant of the officers that responded to the 911 call and they did not even get on shift until after my crash. Because there was nobody at the scene when they arrived, there was nobody to ticket. Before I left in the ambulance about 15 min. after crash, the driver texted pictures of her insurance, license plate, and driver’s license and I had the contact info of 2 witnesses which I shared with the police from the ER that evening. There’s no denying by any party who was responsible for this crash. But other than writing up a crash report, the police don’t really investigate an accident after-the-fact or write tickets unless someone dies sadly. They are understaffed and underfunded I am told. So I guess I should be happy I live to tell this tale? The reality is, even though their job is to “serve and protect” the only one the Chicago Police is serving in this case is the negligent driver.</div>
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<div>Bottom line, because the police did not arrive on scene in a timely manner, due to shift change, understaffing or whatever the reason, it’s up to me, the victim, to pursue justice. If I don’t, the driver can continue to hit cyclists as often as her distractions allow and as long as the police do not arrive quickly and nobody dies, the driver will never have any points on her driving record and will never have her license suspended. Perhaps her insurance premium will increase but that’s not much of a price to pay for nearly killing someone, is it? Heck, she can even be under the influence or texting with no consequences! Nobody will ever know if the police do not investigate swiftly and promptly.</div>
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</div> Bryn Mawr Bike Lanes - 39th Ward residents can vote until February 12, 2021tag:thechainlink.org,2021-02-06:2211490:Topic:11789112021-02-06T20:38:59.134ZJim O'Reillyhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/JimOReilly
<p><span>This item is on the City of Chicago's 39th Ward Participatory Budgeting, supported by the North Branch Trail Alliance (NBTA) of Greater Chicago: </span></p>
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<p><span>Bryn Mawr is a designated bike route, but it has minimal signage and suffers from chokepoints where cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians compete for space. Marked, protected bike lanes would increase overall safety for all. Bryn Mawr is critical to the Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan as it serves as the main link…</span></p>
<p><span>This item is on the City of Chicago's 39th Ward Participatory Budgeting, supported by the North Branch Trail Alliance (NBTA) of Greater Chicago: </span></p>
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<p><span>Bryn Mawr is a designated bike route, but it has minimal signage and suffers from chokepoints where cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians compete for space. Marked, protected bike lanes would increase overall safety for all. Bryn Mawr is critical to the Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan as it serves as the main link between the North Shore Channel Trail (5500 N, 3100 W) and the Sauganash/Valley Line Trail (5600 N, 4300 W).</span></p>
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<p><span>These improvements would not just benefit bicyclists, they would also make our streets safer by clearly indicating to drivers and pedestrians where to expect to see cyclists.</span></p>
<p><span>This project would connect the neighborhoods of North Mayfair, North Park, Brynford Park, Sauganash, Sauganash Park, Peterson Park, and Albany Park.</span></p>
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<p><span>Additionally, you can bike through the North Park business district. To promote greater public safety for bikers and pedestrians alike, this proposal also includes traffic calming measures, such as pavement markings and stop signs.</span></p>
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<div class="gmail_default"><p>Since early September, the 39th Ward’s<span> </span><span class="il">Participatory</span><span> </span><span class="il">Budgeting</span><span> </span>Committee has been thoughtfully reviewing the project ideas residents submitted in the summer and fall of 2020.</p>
<p>A community ballot has been created, and it is now time for residents to decide how to spend $500,000 of the 39th Ward’s public<span> </span><span class="il">budget</span><span> </span>for infrastructure improvements.</p>
<p>39th Ward residents 14 years and older will have the opportunity to virtually vote from February 1 – 12.</p>
<p>To pre-register, visit <a href="https://go.uic.edu/PB39_Vote" rel="noopener" target="_blank">go.uic.edu/PB39_Vote</a>.</p>
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</div> download divvy ride history?tag:thechainlink.org,2021-02-06:2211490:Topic:11787102021-02-06T19:33:18.258Zbobweiserhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/bobhsiung
<p>hi, everyone,</p>
<p>divvy used to send me my total miles each year. but i haven't received my 2020 stats and they haven't replied to an email. i see in the app (though not on the web site) that "ride history" includes miles. is there a way to download that? it would be a headache to retype them all just to add them up. thanks!</p>
<p>bob</p>
<p>hi, everyone,</p>
<p>divvy used to send me my total miles each year. but i haven't received my 2020 stats and they haven't replied to an email. i see in the app (though not on the web site) that "ride history" includes miles. is there a way to download that? it would be a headache to retype them all just to add them up. thanks!</p>
<p>bob</p> How Far You've Ridden in 2021tag:thechainlink.org,2021-01-01:2211490:Topic:11755932021-01-01T00:55:14.907ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
<p>Who will post the first ride for the new year?</p>
<p>Post your miles.</p>
<p>Who will post the first ride for the new year?</p>
<p>Post your miles.</p> Thinking About the Family and Friends of the Victims of Crashestag:thechainlink.org,2020-10-30:2211490:Topic:11722832020-10-30T18:03:35.532ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
<p>We all know things can get heated and we are all feeling the impact of cyclists being hit by cars. This year is an especially terrible year. Sometimes we will never know where the fault lies. Sometimes it is very clear e.g. DUI the motorist is at fault. </p>
<p>Let's take a beat when our emotions get the best of us. Please try to refrain from language that jumps to premature judgment. I know there is also a group that believes the drivers are getting a bad rap but I will say this - that is a…</p>
<p>We all know things can get heated and we are all feeling the impact of cyclists being hit by cars. This year is an especially terrible year. Sometimes we will never know where the fault lies. Sometimes it is very clear e.g. DUI the motorist is at fault. </p>
<p>Let's take a beat when our emotions get the best of us. Please try to refrain from language that jumps to premature judgment. I know there is also a group that believes the drivers are getting a bad rap but I will say this - that is a little harder to stomach because every day we ride, we see distracted or impaired drivers, impatient drivers that don't believe sharing the road should be a thing, or angry drivers that can potentially take that out on a cyclist that got on their last nerve. </p>
<p>So if someone dies while riding their bike or walking across the street, take a long, hard pause before you start diving into what the cyclist should have done, what the intentions of the cyclist or driver area, etc. Instead, maybe it's better to focus on that we all find this devastating when someone from our community dies or is hurt. It could have been us. That is scary. We also have the terrible reality that our infrastructure has its own set of problems e.g. bike lane maintenance, bike lane obstructions, missing a bike lane or protected bike lane where one is most needed. Well done infrastructure is critical to the equation. </p>
<p>I can't tell you how many tsk, tsks (targeted at the cyclist) I have read after someone dies by a right-hook. Yes, there are ways we can all ride defensively but while we are all coping with the loss, can we please refrain from the comments like "I would never have done that" or "they should have done this instead and they would be alive". Can you imagine being a parent or a friend, coming to The Chainlink and reading this after your loved one is killed? </p>
<p>When you write something, take a beat and think about who could read it. Search engines do pick up on our words. Think of your potential audience. </p>
<p>If I point any of this out to you and ask for sensitivity, please don't turn around to personally attack me as clueless or lacking intelligence or some other insult. I will remove you if you keep taking that stance. I don't have the kind of energy necessary to absorb the bullying behaviors of men that want to argue and put me in my place. Yes, I said it. When I am told I act like I am "high and mighty" for pointing out something that can hurt someone's feelings (direct quotation), my response isn't going to be to back down. I reconsider and give people second chances but I am not ok with personal attacks. </p>
<p>The most important point is that we should channel our energy to advocacy - what can make us more safe is better infrastructure, enforcement of bike lanes, and watching out for one another. Be safe out there.</p> Event Organizers During a Pandemictag:thechainlink.org,2020-10-26:2211490:Topic:11685432020-10-26T16:33:10.052ZYasmeenhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/YasmeenSchuller
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">This has been a challenging time…</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">This has been a challenging time for us. The Chainlink loves group rides, getting out on the bike, hanging with friends. During a pandemic, that can be terribly tricky. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate getting an event approved:</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">1. <strong>Mask requirements</strong> - have your riders wear masks on your rides. Say it in the event description.</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">2. <strong>Social distancing</strong> - encourage keeping safe distance from one another to avoid spray and spread.</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">3. <strong>Limit the numbers*</strong> - put a cap on the number of people and/or make a plan to split the ride into safer, smaller groups. If this is impossible and you expect hundreds, is this a good idea to hold a ride?</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">We realize this feels like a pain but we want everyone in #bikeChi to come out of the pandemic safe and healthy. Nothing would be more terrible than one of our friends/family winding up with long-term heart and/or lung damage from this terrible virus. </p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">If you post your event as a forum post to get around the rules, it will be deleted. </p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">Stay healthy! Wear a mask!<br/> Much Love,</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">The Chainlink</p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;"></p>
<p style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; min-height: 1em; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em 0px;">*How many is "safe"? Well, there's going to be risk any time you are riding with people outside your household. What will be approved? The recommendations I am hearing is no more than ten together but with careful distance. I will be willing to work with you on this point. I have made exceptions for peace and protest rides because protest and voting are activities that are necessary. I have also asked that language be added for social distancing and masks and organizers have added it with no question. </p>