Chicago Bike Angels - Let's start this!

Hello Chainlink people!

So, my name is Kevin and I'm fairly new to this community but have been a cyclist at heart for good chunk of time.  But what brings me here posting today is that I really, really want to start a cycling program here in Chicago.  And this is what it will be...

It will be called Chicago Bike Angels.  Chi Bike Angels will connect aspiring cyclists with enthusiastic volunteers who will show them the ropes of city riding and most importantly, giving them the confidence and support they need to start.  How many of us know at least one person who wants to ride but is intimidated or scared of the city streets?  Well, Bike Angels will get those folks out there!  Bike Angels will meet one-on-one with these people and ride and chat with them giving them the much needed know-how and support.

The program started in Sao Paulo, Brazil but has spread across the country (check their website here).  The idea was brought to me by a traveling Brazilian I met in Chicago and since then, I've skyped with the founders in Brazil and just yesterday, had dinner with Julie from The Chainlink who said we could use the site if needed (whoohoo! Julie, you're the best!).

Chi Bike Angels is just an idea now but I'm looking to find some nice people who would want to help out with organizing any aspect of the project.  Could that be you?? Please respond to the thread or message me if you want to help or just have an idea. I'm thinking that we'll have a first meeting in the next week or two and by Spring, we'll be on the streets with some new cyclists!

Ok, thanks for reading this big post and let me know if you can be involved! 

Kevin

Update:  First meeting for anyone/everyone will be Saturday, Jan 21 at 3pm at On The Route Bicycles (3144 N Lincoln).  Also, anyone interested in helping at all, please email chibikebud@gmail.com so we can keep you in communication and be in contact!  Also, name change - we are now Bike Buddies.  Thanks for all the support so far, woo! 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ace Mann on January 6, 2012 at 8:01am
I am in.
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 6, 2012 at 9:47am

I'm not nice but I would help...

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on January 6, 2012 at 9:58am

I will help too.  I'm always recruiting folks to cycling.  Also, I'm on the Steering Committee of the Chicago Cycling Club, and we've been talking about doing some "intro to cycling" rides. 

Permalink Reply by shar on January 6, 2012 at 10:55am

I am in to help as well

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on January 6, 2012 at 11:09am

I would be willing to help. God knows the world would be a better place if more people rode like me.

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on January 6, 2012 at 11:55am

Yes, sign me up. My fellow organizers and I at Bike Walk Lincoln Park (pro-bike and walk community group) were just talking recently about the idea of hosting small group "buddy rides" for new commuters in spring, especially if at least one good east/west and one good north/south protected bike lanes are installed in the Loop. We'd be happy to participate in a wider organization like Chicago Bike Angels instead.

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on January 6, 2012 at 1:59pm

I would like to roll with this.

Permalink Reply by Zömbie 8.0 on January 6, 2012 at 3:43pm

I love city riding and would be happy to help.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Swanson on January 7, 2012 at 7:14am

Wow - I'm so excited with all the replies already!  Thanks!  I'll be messaging you all to start gathering emails to make a listserve.


Let's tentatively schedule a first meeting for the Saturday, Jan 21 in the afternoon.  Would that work?

Permalink Reply by shar on January 7, 2012 at 9:05am

ummmmm... Mr. Conway... I beg to differ, I've seen some radical riding while in your presence.

Kevin C said:

I would be willing to help. God knows the world would be a better place if more people rode like me.

Permalink Reply by Arun Sivashankaran on January 7, 2012 at 11:35am

I'd like to help. Unfortunately I'm not going to be available on the 21st however.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on January 7, 2012 at 11:43am

Edit:

God knows the world would be a better, more interesting, and more exciting place if more people rode like me.

shar said:

ummmmm... Mr. Conway... I beg to differ, I've seen some radical riding while in your presence.

Kevin C said:

I would be willing to help. God knows the world would be a better place if more people rode like me.

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