Jessica, Division St., Chicago, IL

Jessica rides a Schwinn Sport 10-speed converted into a single speed with glider seat and handle-bars.

Cycling Tip from Jessica: stick to bike-friendly streets and wear a helmet (even though I am not wearing one here)

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

Kellie, Lakeview, Chicago, IL

Kelly rides an Origin 8 single speed for her casual rides around the city.

Cycling Tip from Kelly:  Braiding my hair when its fresh from the shower makes it fit nicely under my helmet. As the day passes, my hair dries and I have an awesome wave when i undo the braid. Come time to put the helmet on again, braid it up. It keeps it knot-free and provides body for when off the bike.

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.

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.

Kellie, N Broadway, Uptown, Chicago, IL

Kellie rides a Jamis Coda Sport hybrid road bike, covered in stickers.

Cycling tip from Kellie:  Be in tune with the oncoming season, always keep a plastic bag handy to keep your seat dry in rain or snow.  This has the added benefit of making your bike look junky, hopefully making it less attractive to evil, evil bike thieves!!!

Caroline, Green St., Chicago, IL

Caroline rides a vintage Schwinn she calls "Sportin' Life" after the slick pimp in Porgy and Bess

Cycling Tip from Caroline:  First get a helmet, second get a basket (especially if you carry a purse) and third, get a warm jacket.  You can ride much farther into the cold weather than you might imagine.

Alexis, Kinzie at the Chicago River, Chicago, IL

Alexis' hat is by Kindred Honor, Her Jacket is Nau, and her helmet is made by Bern.

Alexis rides a track model Soma Rush with Velocity rims built up by Marcus at Yojimbo's Garage.  The five layer powder coating was painstakingly painted by UV Metal Arts in Bridgeport.

Cycling Tip from Alexis: Learn to fix a flat. There is something incredibly empowering about being able to repair the vehicle you rely on, realizing that it's something you are completely capable of. I never cease to get that feeling of accomplishment, being closer to my bicycle, and stronger as a person. 

Alexis is the Founder and Producer of  TyK [Thought You Knew] a bicycle chick pinup calendar, the proceeds from which go to support The Chicago Women's Health Center [CWHC].  Check out their Gala Launch Party this Friday at The COOP from 5-10pm at 845 W Fulton Market, Chicago.

Julie H., Congress and State, Chicago, IL

Julie Rides a Redline Conquest 24 road bike

Cycling Tip: Biking can be for recreation and transportation.  It means something different for each person who gets on the saddle, so it's easy to make it work for you.

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."