Help Needed for Autoshow Shutdown: Trade up. . . to a Bike!

Hello Chainlinkers,

One of my favorite parts of this winter so far has been reading not only about everyone's "staying in the saddle" stories, but also all the support and advice people freely share. I know I would not be a year round cyclist without the vibrant community here in Chicago.

The recent "weather event" has been a wonderful reminder of how the walking, biking, transit lifestyle can be easier than the car-dependent one. It warmed my heart to see the buses proudly moving people down otherwise quiet streets yesterday. It was also great to see so many people pitching in to shovel the sidewalks--as if the drama of the moment tapped into our collective better nature (or maybe it's just b/c people had the day off work. Either way, I am glad for the clear sidewalks!)

I reckon the city will be back to normal in time for the Auto Show. At Break the Gridlock's January social hour, we came up with many ideas for making our annual "Shutdown" event positive and fun, without losing our message of car-freedom. But we need your help to make it happen!

Details are still being worked out (that's where you come in), but so far the plan for feb 20 is that folks will go on a bike ride ending at the Auto Show, where we will spread good cheer and inspiration about car-free and car-light living via costumes, cheerleading and invitations to trade in a car for a bike. (Many thanks to Alex at West Town for volunteering to make sure we have bikes for anyone who takes the challenge). We will also be flyering for the Cycle Swap the following weekend, with a focus on promoting workshops that can help people drive less and bike more.

What we need now:

1) Please RSVP for the event at Chainlink. www.thechainlink.org/events/autoshow-shutdown. The more people who RSVP, the more likely that others will want to come. Our goal is at least 50 riders. We have had big turn outs in the past--let's get back into the saddle! Please help spread the word.

2) If you can help with route planning, flyer making, communications, press releases, signs, costumes, overall whimsy, please contact Andrew at andrew at bedno dot com.

3) Plan to attend BTG's next social hour (we still need a new name!) on Wed. Feb 16, 7pm Quenchers, for last minute planning.

Thanks and stay warm!

Gin Kilgore

Break the Gridlock