Maria, N Milwaukee Ave & W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL

Maria rides a Soma mixte custom built at On the Route

What are you wearing? Ruffly sundress from the Gap, vintage denim jacket, Po Campo reflective pin and houndstooth riding gloves (from Giro, just picked up at On the Route Bicycles this spring). The gold pannier is a Po Campo prototype so I have the only one. :)

Tell me more about your bike and where you got it? My ride was custom made for me by my pals at On the Route on Lincoln Ave. I fell in love with the Soma mixte frame at first glance and was in the market for a spritely upright bike anyway and what they built far surpassed my expectations. It's beautiful to look at and an absolute joy to ride.  

Why Ride? Because it is fun!!!!!!!!!!! 

Favorite ride? My commute to work is actually my favorite because I pass through so many cityscapes on my way there. Old neighborhoods with elm trees and greystones, an industrial metal forgery, downtown views, the river...it's so pretty and makes me fall in love with Chicago every day. 

While riding you …? Daydream. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I like the little stoplights for bike lanes that you see in some European cities. It makes cycling feel like a legitimate mode of transportation. And they're so cute.

*** Maria founded Po Campo the super stylish bike bag company from Chicago.

Maria, S State St & E Madison St, Chicago, IL

What are you wearing? Club Monaco top, striped skirt I got at Anthropologie and my fancy Stuart Weitzman high heels, on a mountain bike. :) Love it!
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it? Kestrel carbon fiber Mountain Bike. Made in USA, purchased in Leadville, CO
Where are you going? Running errands during lunch break
Why ride? Makes me happy and free, my bike takes me to places
Favorite ride? I love riding no the lake shore bike path and any ride in Utah
While riding you …? Sing, talk to myself or watch traffic (especially cars parked on the side) carefully at rush hour.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? More driver and pedestrian bike awareness. Teach children in school biking etiquette.