Project Completed

Thanks for taking a look at Bike Fancy!  I had a blast while working on this project but it is done for now.  I am happy to say that in the years I was photographing Bike Fancy, Chicago has become a much more bikeable city for all cyclists, including women. There are still tons of interviews and photos to look through. I hope your are inspired to ride in your city.

Cheers

Martha

P.S. See what else I am working on at marthawilliamsphotography.com 

Back Posting! Jazmin, N Green St & W Lake St, Chicago, IL

Jazmin on her cruiser

Where are you going? I am just taking a mid day trip around the West Loop! At first I am headed to go thrifting, and them who knows... I am just enjoying the weather :)

 
What are you wearing? 
I am wearing a Vintage Levi's Jacket from my Boutique, NattyCoquette.com! My sweater dress is from Macy's! Forever 21 leggings. My shoes are from DSW from 2010! My scarf that is wrapped around my braids is from Avon! Lol

 

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?
The bike that I am riding is rented from the office in my building! Rental is free for all tenants! I just moved into the area and I am looking to purchasing the best bike for my height! I think maybe a Huffy!

Why ride?

Riding is awesome because not only do you get the exercise you need but you also are able to move more swiftly than on foot. I do not have a car so a bike is the next best thing! 

Favorite ride?

I truthfully don't have a favorite route! I just started riding in the West Loop area! If I had to choose though, I was say Washington is the best street for me to ride down lol . Washington and Randolph's are extremely empty!!! I love it! 

While riding you …?

While riding I listen to music! I love listening to Absoul and DannyBrown!!! I can't wait Danny's his concert on the 25th of April! :)  Also, when biking next to the police, I get really nervous!!!!!!! Is that normal?? Lol

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?
I am a novice Chicago biker! With that being said, I really don't have an suggestions 

Laura, 500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL

Laura rides a custom re-build mixte frame from Lugs

Sometimes I diligently write down someone's email, and then I just can't find it.  That is what happened with this young lady, but [hopefully] I remembered a few details correctly—  
#1 her bike is a custom rebuild from Lugs.  I'm convinced the folks over a lugs are as interested in people looking good on bikes as I am, so mad props!  I'll be hitting them up when I can throw down some cash for a custom rebuild. 
# 2. Her name was Laura and she was headed north.

Sorry for loosing your email Laura.  Please comment if you see this and have anything to add.

*** Side note: There is cause for celebration today— Chicago is getting a protected bike lane near my office!  I have been patiently watching the construction of the Dearborn protected bike lane and I'm excited to go for a test ride.  I'll be spending lunch here so come by and celebrate!

When: Friday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Printer’s Row Park, 700 S. Dearborn St.

Kate, N Wabash Avenue & East Washington St., Chicago, IL

Nora, W Jackson Blvd & S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL

Nora rides a bike that was custom- built by her husband Shawn Quaid.

Where are you going? I'm finishing up lunchtime errands and returning to my music studio Ossia Musical Forum (where I teach and perform violin and viola) at the Fine Arts Building.
Why ride? Quickest, healthiest, most economical way to gets around downtown and I always find front-row parking!
What are you wearing?  Michael Kors leopard print skirt, Italian peep toe pumps from Sienna, Italy, hose and cape from Nordstrom.
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? It's a custom- built bike from new and used parts that my husband,Shawn Quaid, built for me. He has his own side-business rebuilding bikes from recycled parts-- very reasonable and super environmental. For anyone interested, email shawnquaid@yahoo.com
Favorite ride? I love triathlons, especially BigFoot at Bigfoot park in Wisconsin
While riding you …? Often wear a skirt and heels and have a violin or viola on my back.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  More bike lanes and racks.
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Can't count the number of times I've been in the bike lane and someone has leaned out the car window and said… "Biking, in heels???!!" And I usually reply: "It's easier than walking in them!"

Jessica, N Milwaukee Ave over‎ I-90/I-94, Chicago, IL

Jessica rides a yellow Schwinn cruiser from A Nearly New Shop in Uptown

Where are you going? On my way home to wear out the new roll of drawing paper I bought. I'm experimenting with wallpaper designs. So far, it's not looking too hot. 

What are you wearing?  Levis high-waisted jeans, Zodiac USA boots a la Buffalo Exchange in Wicker Park, my brother's jogging beanie, a Sundance bag my mom bought way back when and a vintage Giants sweatshirt that my dad says my mom stole from him when they were first dating. 

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? It's a yellow Schwinn cruiser I bought at A Nearly New Shop in Uptown, or somewhere just as far. Not sure of the year but I'm pretty sure there're a few different parts...

Why ride? To get lost. I love adventures. And parking downtown is expensive. 

Favorite ride? Along the lake from Oak to Montrose at night. No one's out, it's a little scary, but everything is so peaceful. 

While riding you …? Hand jive when I get the chance. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly? I'd say more bike lanes on streets like Kedzie and Ashland. Ashland especially, it's super busy, but it gets you to a lot of neat places. Also - more bike stands! I hate locking up on a bus stop.

And other cool, funny tips or stories? 

The folks at the Kinzie Chop House are super wonderful. I was on my bike just across the street waiting for the light and I guess I didn't hold my balance too well because I totally ate it and my bike fell beneath me. Then some chick told me I was bleeding inside my foot. I looked down and was like "Oh man, I am bleeding, huh.." and went flush upon closer examination. (I'm stupidly squeamish). 

So I went into the Kinzie Chop House and was all like, "Uh, I know this is unorthodox, but I'm bleeding, I was wondering if I could use your bathroom.." and nodded at my foot. The lady at the host stand took one look at it. Her eyes widened and she offered to get me a napkin. She came back a minute later, "I wet it too.." I thanked her and proceeded to fiddled with my shoe. She did that awkward shrug thing and set her hands together as if to clap, "Um, would you mind doing that outside?" I guess I was pushing my luck. But hey, she was a total doll for getting me a damp cloth! I mean, it's better than a toilet paper tourniquet...

Marianne, S Wabash Ave & E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL

Marianne rides a late-80's Trek rebuild

Where are you going? I am just coming from teaching piano in the loop, and I'm meeting my two visiting cousins for some Al's Beef. For the record: delicious fries.
 What are you wearing? This old thing? A trusty sun dress from Old Navy (ca. 2005), barefoot Merrells, and a decrepit helmet that was recently replaced by a sweet Bern lid! 
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? It's a bit of a franken-bike. The frame is from a late-80's Trek (Reynolds 531), and the components are from a Fuji road bike. I bought it through Craigslist from a man in Logan Square who rehabs bikes.
Why ride? Faster, healthier, more economical, trendier, way more fun...
Favorite ride? Well, right now I'm mainly a commuter. And this sounds silly, but the curvy stretch that connects Diversey to Logan Boulevard is an oddly open, fast little nook to ride. I utter an internal, "Weeee!" every time. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip down the coast from San Francisco to San Diego for next summer - I'm sure that will trump my little Logan stretch!
While riding you …? ...I try to keep good posture. Chiropractors can get expensive. 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly? The obvious answer is to follow through with creating more protected bike lanes. The loop, in my opinion, should have more safe route options, too, since it's the hub of a city that aims to be a top bike city. One more: bike theft is also way too prevalent, and there is little to no consequence for it. Chicago needs to crack down on these thieves!
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Enjoy your ride! I often have to catch myself when I get too focused on where I'm going, or on that car that got a little too close to me - how lucky am I to be able to experience a city like this by bike!

N State St & E Washington St, Chicago, IL

Sometimes I write down someone's name and email and then just can't find it again, which is the case with this photo. Anyone know her?

Lizzie, N State St & E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL

I am very excited to have time again to work on Bike Fancy. I had to take the month of September off from blogging but I am back, so please check back and comment often!

~martha

What are you wearing?  The dress I've had for at least 5 years, it comes from a company called Sweetskins, which does organic cotton clothing. The shoes are Fluevog. I started stalking the sales page when I saw some super cute Fluevogs in the "Thought You Knew" bike calendar. http://thoughtyouknew.us/
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it? It's a Trek which I inherited after an old housemate left it in the basement after she moved out. After 5 years of languishing there I fished her out, fixed her up, and claimed her for my own.
Where are you going? A dive bar!
Why ride? I'm not super patient and I love the constant motion. I've never owned a car, and it's often faster and with less waiting around than the CTA.
Favorite ride? Lakefront path.
While riding you …? If I'm on the lakefront trail I listen to music and sing and dance. If I'm street biking I've got my helmet on, my ears open, and if there's heavy traffic I'm usually muttering "please don't kill me" under my breath.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly? More protected bike lanes and/or lanes with fewer potholes. I got the opportunity to go all over Stockholm last summer on my bike and they have miles and miles of protected lanes, it was glorious.
And other cool, funny tips or stories? I started biking more (and heard about Bike Fancy) because of my bff Kellie, who you photographed back in 2010! http://bikefancy.blogspot.com/2010/11/n-broadway-uptown-chicago-il.html

Frances, W Division St & N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL