Cheyenne, 900 Block of W Nelson St, Chicago, IL

Cheyenne rides a Firmstrong Urban Man Aluminum Single-Speed from beachcruiser.net

Where are you going?
I'm heading up to my apartment to warm up with some hot chocolate.

What are you wearing?
Brown Marc New York ankle length jacket, navy blue Gap bootcut pants, light brown Deena & Ozzy wedges, Staring at Stars blue and cream white knit hat
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it?
It's a Firmstrong Urban Man Aluminum Single Speed and I got it online at beachcruiser.net, original name right?
Why ride?
I have two legs, so why not? The weather has been, well was, acting nice and I rather ride my bike than commute on CTA any day!
Favorite ride?
If you got an hour to kill, taking the beach front trail all the way up to Foster and all the way downtown during the summer time.
While riding you …?
Play the air drums on my handles to the music I'm jamming out to.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
It'd be nice if streets were wider so bikers don't have to fight for room between traffic and parked cars.
And other cool, funny tips or stories?
If you're riding in wedges/heels with 4' or more make sure you adjust your bike seat, otherwise your thighs are going to get quite the workout haha

Alicia, 3oo Block of W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL

Alicia rides a brown Raleigh Sport that was gifted to her by grandpa, it was her Grandma's bike

What are you wearing? Just an American Apparel dress and shoes that i got from the store that I work at
Where are you going? shopping!
Why ride? it's faster and cheaper
Favorite ride? logan blvd... the huge trees and houses make for great sightseeing
While riding you …?  Plan what I'm going to make for dinner
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? i just think that people need to pay more attention when they are driving... not just for people on bikes, but for pedestrians and other drivers

Essence, N Hoyne & W Potomac, Chicago, IL

Essence rides a Yellow Collegiate Schwinn.  It was a birthday gift from her boyfriend.

What are you wearing?  I'm wearing a yellow shirt because it's my favorite color, and it matches the bike too which is cool. I wear my helmet for protection. You can never  be too safe on a bike.
Where are you going?  I'm just riding around. I typically ride from Wicker Park into Bucktown and just follow the wind. I don't really plan my routes. I just go off of my instincts. I quit when I feel like I've had enough.I try to ride for at least an hour a day..I think it's a nice way to entertain myself without spending money plus it's great exercise. 
Why ride?  Riding is a lot more exhilarating than walking or running. I feel free from my stress when I ride my bike. I guess it's an adrenaline rush...
Favorite ride?  My favorite ride is on the Lake Front... I love riding down to the lake and just riding along the beach. I usually take Division down because it's a lot safer than North.
While riding you …?  While riding I'm free from stress and I just turn my i pod down really low and let the music guide me.
Do you have any tips?  Practice makes perfect. The more you ride the better you become. So, don't get discouraged if you don't ride as fast or as skillfully as someone else. Biking is all about you. Your personal pace and having a good time.

Natasha, N Damen Ave & W Schiller St, Chicago, IL

It was in the 80's on Sunday and nearly everyone in Chicago was in a good mood.  Warm weather is right around the corner!  I stopped Natasha looking adorable in black and pink.  Fierce wind never stops a Chicagoan on the first nice day since November.

Pamela, Damen and Division, Chicago, IL

Pink Electra Townie that she got deeply discounted at R.E.I two years ago

Where are you going?  Well, you caught me parking in front of a bank, a liquor store, a sex shop, and a taco joint...wherever I'm headed, I must be up to something good.

Why ride? Why not ride? I haven't owned a car in 16 years and I'm hoping to keep it that way. And you wouldn't believe how much a pink bike makes people smile.

Favorite Ride? Definitely Milwaukee Ave during morning rush. Sometimes there's more bikes than cars!

While riding you? Wonder if I want a faster bike....at least in the winter I do. In the summer I revel in this smooth, laid back ride.

Lynne, W. Polk St. and S. Loomis St, Chicago, IL

Lynne rides a 1960, Made-in-Chicago, Schwinn cruiser, in “Racer” blue, that she got from  Working Bikes Cooperative – it's great source for vintage, sturdy, affordable bicycles.

 Where are you going?  Riding home from Hubbard Street Dance School’s bi-annual open house of free intro classes.  I took a Pilates class and the Isadora Duncan Dance technique class.  I learned she is the “mother of modern dance,” who incorporated self expression beyond traditional ballet in the early 1900s.
Why ride?  For sustainable and efficient transportation and parking, exercise and empowerment.  I don’t mind riding in the winter as long as I’m dressed for it and can avoid ice.
Favorite ride?  Riding on the ancient wall surrounding Xi’an, China, (home of the terracotta warriors.)  Possibly the only city in China still completely surrounded by a wall.


*** Biking in Xi'an China looks amazing.  As if I didn't have the travel bug bad already.  Thanks for sharing Lynne.

Brett, Western and McLean, Chicago, IL

Brett rides a brown Schwinn Continental Cruiser when his brown road bike is out of commission

When I asked Brett why ride he said "Riding is the perfect way to get around the city, it alleviates all the burden of living in a crowded city. No traffic jams (except during critical mass), no parking issues (except during pitchfork :P ), and you don't have worry about getting gas (except after leaving lazo's <self-hi-five>) But seriously it is the best way to get around AND a great way to stay in shape, without making the effort of trying to stay in shape."

Leavitt Ave. and North Ave, Chicago ,IL

I ran into this lady while walking my pup.  I didn't have a chance to get her 

name, but when I asked her how the ride was, she said it's not 

that cold, just snowy.

Lauren V., N Leavitt St., Chicago, IL

Lauren rides a vintage Schwinn cruiser, but sorely misses her stolen vintage black ladies' Dunelt.

Cycling Tip from Lauren:  Especially if you have decent tires, winter biking isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. Just budget some extra time and bundle up with lots of layers.

Megan K., N Oakley Ave., Chicago, IL

Megan Rides at Gary Fisher Simple City 8 named Francis with a a rear internal hub and front basket.

Cycling Tip from Megan: Avoid alleys in the winter. The city doesn't plow or salt the alleys and with a little precipitation they quickly turn into dangerous ice slicks.

Note: The steel basket on Megan's bike is large enough to haul most things she needs.  Since she doesn't own a car, she does all her shopping by bike.

** Check out Megan's travel blog at  me-go.net

Rachel, Wabash and Harrison, Chicago, IL

Rachel rides a beat-up Free Spirit bike named Chadwick.

Biking tip from Rachel: The CTA will let you take your bike on the L!  It's great if you're going further than you want to bike, you can take the L partway.

Patty, Grace St., Chicago, IL

Patty Rides a Ross Euro Tour from the 1970's

Cycling Tip from Patty: Just do it. I got my first bike when I was 23 in Chicago. I was terrified to ride on the street at first, but I just kept riding and eventually felt comfortable and now I ride everywhere.

Patty's 1970's Ross belonged to her mom that passed away in 1988.  She said "It's a cool way to connect with my mom when I ride it around."

Krystle, Sunnyside and Western, Chicago IL

Krystle and her 1972 Raleigh sprite named Walter

Lorena, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL.

Lorena Cupcake, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL. October 2010

Lorena rides a Specialized Globe Live Mixte. Singlespeed, frame-integrated rack, coaster & front caliper brake, head tube badge cut out of a box of Hello Kitty cookies.