Gnat, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL

Gnat rides a white mystery bike from Working Bikes she calls Baby

Find some of Gnat's creations here.http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gnat12345

Where are you going? Undetermined. I am cruising and thinking. I was actually hoping to hang out with Emily, the cutie in your previous post!

What are you wearing?  Some tight jeans a friend gave me, black tank-top, a sleeve of temporary tattoos, glittery sneakers, my girl's denim jacket, and a glitter-vinyl fanny-pack that I made. I'm a designer, and I make clothes, vinyl backpacks, fanny-packs, harnesses, and bondage gear! I sell my work in Chicago and on etsy.  (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gnat12345)
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? A mystery white bike from Working Bikes with glitter vinyl sleeves that i made for it. My bike's name is Baby.
Why ride?  Biking is freedom, sweating is healthy, and it makes me feel alive.  I think that a person is at their sexiest when they are on a bike.  Also, I don't want to pay for the CTA.
Favorite ride? The night I was rode home from Ruby Dee's Bondage-themed birthday party topless, in a purple glitter body harness!
While riding you …? Think about girls, talk to myself about decisions I need to make, and I sing a lot of pop music songs.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Fill in that pothole on Kinzie before you get to that bridge where people are always taking wedding pictures!
And other cool, funny tips or stories? I'm going to start making some fanny-packs and bags specifically for bikers, because many people have requested little bags for their U-Locks.

Check out Gnat's artwork at http://nbrilm.wordpress.com/

Sarah, N Ashland Ave & W Thomas St, Chicago, IL

Sarah rides a Blue, Schwinn Collegiate 3 Speed from Working Bikes.

What are you wearing?  A bunch of stuff my mom gave me and my favorite plain wool coat that I've had for years and the zipper is broken but I never want to stop wearing it.  Also, a backpack instead of a purse because I do a lot of grocery shopping.  It holds a lot more than you'd think it does. 

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? I ride a blue, Schwinn Collegiate 3 Speed.  I got it at Working Bikes!  I used to have a super fast road bike but the wheels were stolen TWICE and I finally just sold the frame and bought this bad boy.  I have so much more fun riding it.  The seat is huge, it's like biking around on a La-Z-Boy.
Where are you going? I'm going to the grocery store and then home to make a huge breakfast.  I believe you should always start the day with 2 eggs.  Unless you're vegan.
Why ride? Because I hate waiting for the bus and I make a lot of stops.
Favorite ride? Ooh, I don't know.  I just love riding around when the sun is setting.
While riding you …? Think up jokes.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I guess, is there a way to get car drivers and bike riders to not feel like enemies?  A little bit of empathy on both parts would be nice.
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Oh gosh, I don't know.  Be careful out there on the snow.  I slip and fall on my bike a lot and it really never stops being embarrassing.

Jana, N Milwaukee Ave & N Damen Ave , Chicago, IL

Jana rides a Motobecane Grand Touring road bike from Working bikes

A love letter to Working Bikes

Dear Working Bikes,

     I have been photographing cyclists in Chicago for about 1 year now, and I am constantly amazed at how many people you provide bikes to, and how many bikes you are able to save from the waste stream.  I've see your sticker on bikes from Rogers Park, to Pullman, to Hermosa, and everywhere in between.  The fact that you can do that AND send bikes to Africa is truly astounding. Thanks for providing Chicago with a low cost way to get a bike and support a good cause.

~xoxo Bike Fancy

Tell me more about your bike and where you got it? It's a Motobecane Grand Touring, from Working Bikes. The good fellows at Boulevard Bikes helped get it in working order for me.
What are you wearing?   The tag says it's from Cole Haan, but I got it at a flea market. My hat's from Una Mae's, and my scarf was a present.
Where are you going? Meeting a friend at Big Star for some lunch. (okay I'm going to be totally self-referential and link to one of my food photos)
Why ride? I don't like to exercise, but I like getting places quickly. And it beats public trans, time-wise.
Favorite ride? Getting caught in the pouring rain is the best, if you have no need to be dry wherever you're going. 
While riding you …? Mostly just look out! 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? We're doing alright. The more bike lanes, the better, but I think everyone needs to just be very aware that when you take to the road (by car, bike, on foot, stroller, or however) that your actions are affecting the safety of you and the people around you.

Dana, W Armitage Ave & N Whipple St, Chicago, IL

Dana rides a red Schwinn Traveler III that she got a Working Bikes.

Tell me more about your bike and, and where you got it? I ride a red Schwinn Traveler III, it took a while to find a step-through that was tall enough for me. I got it at Working Bikes 7 or 8 years ago, and last year I had it rebuilt by the folks at the great bike shop on my corner, Smart Bike Parts.
Where are you going?  I'm going home.  My friend Emily and I just had dinner at Irazu, and we're on our way back to my apartment to finish our bottle of wine on the porch.

What are you wearing? I'm wearing J. Crew sundress and a pair of Danskos they don't make anymore. After I wore my first pair out, I tracked them down from some wholesale/overstock website.  And a helmet!
Why ride?  Riding a bike is one of life's simple but great pleasures.  And there's the added bonus that it's the easiest, fastest, most cost-effective way to get around.
Favorite ride?  Late at night or early in the morning, any route is a hundred times better when there's no traffic.  I have a soft spot for Grand west of Western, and I love winding through the side streets in Bucktown or Ravenswood Manor on a summer night. 
While riding you …?  Try to keep an eye on the parked cars.  I have no faith that drivers will look before they open their doors.  And the way you have to navigate traffic on a bike makes me feel like I'm playing a video game, except I'm the character in it.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Can it be done?  There needs to be an attitude shift, more awareness of and respect for cyclists, and less cars.  Biking is the best way to get around, but it's not the safest.  Infrastructure-wise, the protected bike lane on Kinzie has made my morning commute so much better.

Celeste, N Milwaukee Ave & W Halsted, Chicago, IL

Celeste rides a 1980's Schwinn World Sport from Working Bikes.

What are you wearing? I'm taking my brand-new skirt from the Gap Outlet for its first spin, paired with an American Apparel tee.

Where are you going? I'm running late (as usual) to biochemistry class at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Why ride? Nothing moves the Qi like an early morning bike ride!

Favorite ride? Riding along the beautiful boulevards in Logan Square, especially if I'm headed to the farmer's market in the summer.

While riding you...? People watch and window shop.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Chicago has to fill up those pot holes, especially in bike lanes! I also wish there were more off-road or wider bike lanes so I wouldn't have to fear cars and could bike side-by-side with a friend or my boyfriend.

Nastasia, W Pershing Rd & S Iron St, Chicago, IL

Nastasia rides a Red Schwinn from Working Bikes.

What are you wearing? The most comfortable pair of pants ever. Screw skinny jeans and steal your boyfriend's/brother's/father's/lover's/ex-lover's/platonic friend's jeans.  So much better to bike in.

Tell me more about your bike:  I got my bike from Working Bikes in October.  I love it because even though there are a lot of red Schwinns, but I can always pick her out because of her tires.

Where are you going?  Back to Hyde Park.

Why ride? There's something about riding a bike, especially in a city, that is empowering, liberating, and exhilarating all at the same time.  

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I think bikers and drivers alike should work to improve our awareness and respect for each other.

Elizabeth, 1400 W Foster, Chicago, IL

Elizabeth rides a commuter bike affectionately name "Toro" (in honor of her bullhorn style handlebars - complete with pink bar tape)  She acquired the frame - a Schwinn Worldsport - from Working Bikes years ago and since then it has gone through a couple of build-ups.  

Elizabeth Says "I always wear my high-vis yellow jacket (especially on the gloomy and gray winter days) and add reflectivity and lights too! Safety first! Also, a must have addition to my bike was fenders. I have the front fender set back to protect my chain and feet from the maximum amount of slush.  I also love my chainguard -- the SKS Chainboard 

Elizabeth blogs for www.bikecommuters.com and organizes the Chicago Ride of Silence

which she funds from the sale of these calendars  www.emaoriginals.com

Kristie, Smith Park, Chicago, IL

Kristie rides a 1986 Cannondale ST400, purchased from Working Bikes.  She loves it's red color!

Cycling Tip from Kristie:  Make sure you have lights on your bike for riding at night, especially now that the daylight hours are so short.

Nicole, Wabash and Jackson, Chicago, IL

Nicole at Wabash and Jackson with her Schwinn World Sport from Working Bikes Coop

So I had to ask Nicole how she biked in such wide legged pants.  Tip of the day: Just roll them up and secure with a regular office binder clip!