Erica, Lakefront trail at Division, Chicago, IL

Erica rides a Peugeot Carbolite 103 from A Nearly New Shop

Where are you going? I'm about to sit down with a book to read by the lake and enjoy the nice weather.

What are you wearing? A shirt I got at Forever 21, black skinny jeans from Gap, and my bleach-stained purple Vans sneakers.
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it? I have a blue Peugeot Carbolite 103 from A Nearly New Shop.
Why ride? I got tired of having to rely on public transportation all the time. After two semesters of taking the red line to school every day, I grew very impatient with its unreliability. It’s also my first summer living in Chicago and my school doesn’t distribute U-Passes to students taking classes over the summer. I realized biking would be a good solution to my frustrations towards taking public transportation and would also be a good way to get around without having to pay for the CTA.
Favorite ride? I’m very new to biking in the city, but so far I really love the lakefront trail, especially when it’s not very busy.
While riding you . . .? I’m very careful about watching for any cars, pedestrians, potholes, etc. I just started riding in the city about a week ago, so I’m still getting the hang of things, including the gearshift on my bike, which is very new to me as a person who’s used to riding mountain bikes.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? More bike lanes and paths would be great. And it would also be nice if they’d fix the potholes, especially the ones on the bike trails. They should also try to better educate drivers and bikers about road safety.
Have any tips for new cyclists like yourself? Google maps can really help you plan a safe route when you’re getting around in the city, especially if you're new to it like I am

Daphne, N Milwaukee Ave & W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

Daphne won this Traitor Cycles frame at the Sadie Hawkins Style ride to benefit the CWHC

Where are you headed?
I'm on my way downtown. I work at the Obama Campaign Headquarters on the design team. It's a good day. Proud to work for a man that wants equality for all.   

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? Two years ago I did the Sadie Hawkins Style Ride to benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center. It is a great partner race usually held in November and takes you all around the city to different check points. At the after party they have all sorts of prizes and a raffle drawing-- all to benefit the Chicago Women's Health Center! I bought a few raffle tickets and walked away with this frame and fork from Traitor Cycles and a custom paint job from Chester Cycles.

What are you wearing?  Anthroplogie Skirt, basic bright tee, and Oxford shoes from Aldo. Usually this time of year if I'm on a bike I'm in full spandex, racing for a local Chicago cycling team called the Chicago Cuttin Crew.

Why ride? I'm not sure I know another way! My ride helps me wake up in the morning and decompress on the way home. Makes places more accessible and life easier. 

Favorite ride? I've had lots of great rides. One of the most memorable is riding to Milwaukee, WI in the dead of winter for the Frozen Snot Century. 100 miles there and 100 miles back the next day, in February. Snot was definitely frozen, but it was worth it. 

While riding you …? Occasionally sing out loud, sometimes ring my bell, and always feel free. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I think they are doing a hell of a job lately. But of course there can always be improvements. It'd be great if cyclists and drivers could co-exist a little better. Let's just all get along : ) 

Got any shout outs?  Shout out to the Monsters of the Midway criterium race happening this weekend in Hyde Park-- all day racing, come check it out! Northbrook Velodrome opening night of track racing May 17th. I encourage any women interested in racing bikes, or even just going on a nice ride, to reach out to me or Chicago Women's Bike Racing. There is a great community out there. And the Cycle World Messenger Championships are happening this August in Chicago!

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

Its been pretty rainy here in Chicago but there are still tons of dedicated cyclists riding through it, like Lauren who I caught yesterday afternoon right before a downpour.  

Lauren rides a grey cruiser purchased from Uptown Bikes

Where are you going? I am on my way to a dentist appointment on my lunch break. 
What are you wearing?   I am wearing a navy dress, violet military jacket, running shorts, and blindingly colorful running sneakers. 
Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? I'm actually not quite sure what type of bike it is. It's grey; a cruiser.  I got it from Uptown Bikes, but by this point almost all of it has been replaced by parts via Johnny Sprockets.
Why ride?  I initially started biking because it was a time saver - I was able to be more efficient with my time since since I was no longer waiting for buses or trains or I could just bike to the train station thus saving me about 10-15 minutes. Now I ride because it saves so much money, I  have freedom to come and go as I please, it's a great way to be active, and of course, it's still much more efficient than any other mode of transportation especially if transfers are necessary. Rain, shine, or blizzard, I am biking year round. I guess I'm addicted.
Favorite ride? I love biking along the lake during my work commute or on the quiet side streets in neighborhoods.
While riding you …? Now that I am no longer focused on trying to avoid pot holes, aggressive cabbies, or ignorant door openers, I love to take in the smells (the fresh air along the lake or fresh earthy and flower smell after a good rain) and sights (the lake, the skyline, interesting houses, interesting people, nature) as well as focus on my day (mentally balancing finances, planning dinner, and reviewing my calendar). I also love taking random streets to discover new areas of the city.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Oh my gosh, where should I start? The pot holes/crazy uneven dips on the roads have definitely broken my bike more than a few times despite my cautious eye. Bike lanes are also a must (have you ever biked down North Ave? I'm lucky I've survived!). And almost tied for first would be educating people (drivers and pedestrians alike) about cyclists (e.g. how close is too close, awareness, importance of using a blinker when turning). It would be also fabulous if companies offered incentives for biking to work - it would be great to see more people biking as well as receive some benefit for choosing 

And other cool, funny tips or stories? Hrmmm... I don't really have anything really interesting to share. The only thing I guess I could mention is that I love the Naked Bike Ride. It was actually my interest in participating in the event that made me find a bike and my passion for biking despite not touching one for over 15 years. I would definitely participate in the Naked Bike Ride this June - I plan on being there and coming prepared with bags of body paint!

Bike Fancy in Momentum

Pretty psyched to have some photos in the May/June issue of Momentum Magazine.  Check out the article "The New Face of Cycling."  Thanks to Genaro and Adolofo for meeting me on a cold Sunday.  
Happy Monday
~martha

Kerry, W Kinzie St & N Canal St, Chicago, IL

Kerry rides an Electra Amsterdan Original 3i

Jacqueline, W Randolph St & N Green St, Chicago, IL

Jacqueline is riding her new specialized globe

My other car is also a bike.  In January I rode 375 miles in three days around the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Vueltapr.com

W Kinzie St & N Canal St, Chicago, IL

Vivian, N Western Ave & W Hirsch St, Chicago, IL

Vivian rides a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie from bikesdirect.com

What are you wearing?  My shirt purse, shoes and skirt were all purchased from thrift or discount stores. The scarf I have in my hair was from the Alameda flea market in california, and my jacket is from the Gap. 

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? My bike is a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie of course haha. I got it from bikesdirect.com
Where are you going? taking a ride just to clear my head and take a break from studying
Why ride? I ride because it gives me a very tangible feeling of freedom and when so much of life feels out of ones control, biking can be a huge release.
Favorite ride? My favorite ride is on the way to the beach with my friends in the summer we all feel so incredibly powerful biking in a gang together
While riding you …? When I'm riding I tend to focus in on what's happening around me and it pushes all other thoughts away.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure and be more friendly? I think it would be incredible if the city would replace street parking with car width bike lanes to encourage more commuting by bike. 

Lisa, W Lake St & N State St, Chicago, IL

Lisa rides an Army green Raleigh from the late 60's/early 70's

What are you wearing?  I am wearing my favoritecoat and my trusty helmet!
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  My bike is an old army green Raleigh from the late 60's/early 70's
Where are you going?  I am headed to to Harold Washington College to pick up my transcript
Why ride?  I ride to get in some exercise, enjoy my commute, and save the planet!
Favorite ride?  My favorite ride has got to be Critical Mass! So much fun!
While riding you …?  While riding I like to consider the complexities of life, the Universe, and everything. ;)
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
And other cool, funny tips or stories?  We bikers need more bike lanes, better maintenance of pot holes, and would enjoy a cyclists cafe!

*** So funny that you mention a cyclist cafe.  I just spent half of a day photographing at the Heritage Bicycle General Store .  They make bikes and coffee!

Meghan, N Lincoln Ave & W Wellington Ave , Chicago, il