Emily, S State St & W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL

Emily rides a Raleigh Carlton road bike from a Nearly New Bike Shop 

What are you wearing?  My roomie's black princess-sleeve shirt and thrifted Bloomingdales wool pants.
Where are you going? Visiting my friend at Merz's Apothecary after an interview at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (I got the job! It must have been my fancy pants...)
Tell me about your bike and where you got it: I ride a Restored Raleigh Carlton from Nearly New Bike Shop
Why ride? Good for da soul, body and da earth. 
Favorite ride? Day trip to Three Floyds in Munster, IN.
While riding you …? Sing and whistle. 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Death to the car!!!! Or more realistic alternatives include: fill in potholes, offer bike fix-it stands, enlarge existing bike lanes and add more bike paths (hellooooo, Bloomingdale Trail!). Also, educate drivers about bike safety! I think all Chicago drivers should be required to pass a bike safety test before hittin' the road.
And other tips? A tip for all you ladyz and fellas out there: helmets are sexxxxy! Honestly, you look like a damn fool if your don't wear one. Protect your noggin!

Emily, 1900 Block of N Whipple St, Chicago, IL

Emily rides a Sekine road bike.

Where are you going? I'm going to my friends Dana's house for more wine after dinner.

Tell me more about your bike and where you got it? My off-white 30+ year old Sekine is a craigslist find from a nice guy in Oak Park. It weighs a ton but we've been through a lot together.

What are you wearing? A linen summer dress, Saltwater sandals (best for biking) and my Giro "skyla" helmet. 
Why ride? To get some fresh air, it's faster and more fun than the CTA.

Favorite ride? In Chicago, riding along Logan Boulevard in the mornings makes my day. Though I also love riding through Finkle and Sons, Kinzie/Fulton industrial area and all of Minneapolis is a biker's dream.    

While riding you …? When I'm not commuting, I love to explore and look at all the great buildings in this city. I could ride down Milwaukee avenue a million times and still find something new. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I wish there was greater concern for bicycle safety. The city excels at ticketing drivers for red light and parking violations, but where are the cops in the along commuter routes?  And there is so much animosity between bicyclists and drivers (both perspectives I understand as everyone just wants to get home) but there is no contest! Two ton machine versus little ol' me! 

Emily, Wood St. and Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL

Emily rides a Schwinn Le Tour frame with a teal powder coat.

Cycling tip from Emily:  Be courteous and stop at stop lights- gaining respect from drivers is the fastest way to make things safer on the roads.  

**Like Emily's bag?  I know I do!  She designs locally made, fashionable, and functional bike bags and accessories.  Check it out at  www.pocampo.com