The Chainlink

Rogers Park Kidical Mass

This is a discussion area specifically for proposed Rogers Park Kidical Masses.

I propose every Sunday, Spring through Fall, time?
Riding on the lakefront park loop from Pratt to Greenleaf, basically about 5800 N to 7100 N.
Gather at the big park building (north end of path).

That path is pedestrian and bike only, so no cars. It has a great playground at one end, and food and potties at the other, and interesting sights between. Full circle is under a mile.

There's metered parking (though sometimes full) for those needing, but that park is easily accessible on foot and bike and train.

I can imagine gathering a few dozen kids, then setting out a few abreast slowly, for a few laps. More promenade than ride, but a great excuse to get the kids out, and sell them on the idea of "that fun weekly bike parade where you see those other kids you like". That park building allows relevant posters and handouts, which could be all it'll take.

The park's usual boisterous family Sunday patrons I'd venture would readily adopt it.  "Why don't you go play with those other bike kids." I can hear parents saying.  Our biggest safety/production challenge on that path'll be its irrational and immobile residents. Sorry, needs saying.


Let's pick a date and time and more thoroughly scout and plan it?

Views: 24

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 14, 2010 at 1:52pm
I think that this sounds like a great start for a Rogers Park ride. It will be nice to be able to do a loop while we are seeing how long of a ride will work for the kiddos. If things go well, then over time I can visualize a ride that might include a bit of neighborhood street. I believe that part of the reason for kidical mass is to introduce children to the idea of street/commute riding?

I think a good first date would be in May..the third weekend works if we are trying to keep to typical consistency of kidical mass rides. I do think a Satruday might work better - although I am not a church attender, many families do attend church on Sundays.
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 14, 2010 at 2:01pm
Oops...forgot to add that I have been talking with Tony from Albany Park Bikes about maybe assisting with a Rogers Park ride. And Jami has already said she would keep Saturday the 15th (beased on initial comments) open as a ride date and she will bring her balloons along.
Permalink Reply by Todd Allen on March 14, 2010 at 3:14pm
I hope we see regular Kidical Mass rides spring up in different neighborhoods. I'll be putting my effort into the monthly ride which we have currently planned for the 3rd Saturday morning each month and it will be a floating ride to explore different neighborhoods. I'd like to see fixed regular rides choose an alternate timing to make it possible for people to ride in both.

If bringing the floating ride to the neighborhood for a fixed regular ride might help give it a boost, then that would be a top priority choice for the floating ride.
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 14, 2010 at 3:35pm
Okay...that makes sense regarding fixed and floating rides. I am quite a newbie at organizing anything ride related but I do take direction well. (And would be more than happy to take an active role if need be)

Todd, do you see a floating ride as an good initial ride in a neighborhood to help set the tone for regular rides? If so, lets keep May 15 for Rogers Park and then we can set up a different ongoing schedule from that point on.

It sounds like all the planning for the March ride is going well...I look forward to seeing how it turns out.
Permalink Reply by Jason Greenberg on March 15, 2010 at 9:27am
While I'm down on the Logan Square hood (and investing in organizing that ride), I'd love to bring up my kids to be a part of the Roger Park ride too.

To add to one discussion issue:
Liz makes a good point about some families being in church on Sunday; but the flip side of that is that my kids and their friends usually have extra-curricular events, music lessons, sports leagues, dentist appointments, and playdates and etc. set up for Saturdays; so for us Sunday mornings are usually more free.

I agree with Todd, that the floating Kidical Mass group should join up with your first initial ride (if you'll have us!) to launch it with a bang and help it establish a presence in the neighborhood. We would love that support down in Logan Square too. Its always the first ride that "no ones heard of". Once they see it, it pretty much promotes itself and folks will want to join, learn more, get involved (all as long as the weather is good; com'on sun help us out!!)
Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on March 16, 2010 at 10:30am
I don't know how the stats are for Rodgers Park as % of kids Liz you can ask your husband that one. I do know that Anderson ville is pretty much even across the board.. Kid families 50%, singles 45%, Married w/o kids 35% seniors 30%... I find these from real estate market. I'd like to see when everyone would like to meet & we can talk about this. I think we need to get some fliers & maybe ask the elementary schools if they could pass these out to their kids. Find out were the cub scouts meet, parks after matter programs,libraries, etc.. There's no way by just putting up a poster at 1 park will get you enough kids to make a ride. You need too put a lot of time & effort in this in order to get positive results. I do know that.



I'd like to combine the two neighborhoods & make one ride until they get big enough to branch off on there own. I do a lot of families w/kids & I can talk with them about meet up at some spot.

I think that "Young Lincoln" wouldn't be a great meeting spot due to fact it's heavy traffic intersection!
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 16, 2010 at 8:50pm
I can certainly check on the stats. A basic flyer would be easy to do and to get some out would certainly help inform about the ride.

I also like the idea mentioned earlier of the lakefront path. I do think that a good ride should include some neighborhhod streets becasue it gives a presense right in front of people's homes. But if there are parents who have not ridden with their kids anywhere other than the path...a first ride might be intimidating.

I am looking forward to hearing how this weekend's Kidical Mass ride goes (and the April one)....it will help us with knowing how we should proceed in terms of what works and what does not.
Permalink Reply by Jera Sue on March 22, 2010 at 9:26pm
I know of at least one liberal-leaning, homeschooling girl scout troop leader that would be more than happy to get the word out. Not to just the parents of the troops, but also to a homeschooling co-op in Evanston.

Also, we personally know at least 5 children we can get out to this.

Also, the Loyola field house is right there, and isn't that a site for park district classes? People drive from out of the neighborhood for that...

Also... I love making/posting flyers :)

Also, I would love to take an active role.
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 23, 2010 at 10:43pm
Hey! How about chiming in on the other kidical mass discussion? It is RP related too.

Jera Sue said:
I know of at least one liberal-leaning, homeschooling girl scout troop leader that would be more than happy to get the word out. Not to just the parents of the troops, but also to a homeschooling co-op in Evanston.

Also, we personally know at least 5 children we can get out to this.

Also, the Loyola field house is right there, and isn't that a site for park district classes? People drive from out of the neighborhood for that...

Also... I love making/posting flyers :)

Also, I would love to take an active role.

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