May 10, 2013: Mayor Wants to Increase Fines for Reckless Cyclists, Motorists!

This Week On The Chainlink - the update from thechainlink.org.   

Chicago Area Rides of Silence

  Wednesday, 15 May 2013, marks the 10th Anniversary of the Ride of Silence. Chris Phelan organized the first ride in Dallas after endurance biker Larry Schwartz was struck and killed by the side mirror on a passing bus. These rides, held around the world, travel no faster than 12 mph for no longer than an hour in absolute silence. They raise awareness and commemorate bikers who have been killed and injured by cars. Three Chicago area rides are posted on The Chainklink calendar.

• Chicago: Gather at Daley Plaza's Eternal Flame at 6pm to ride at 7pm, passing by several local Ghost Bikes and concluding with a post-ride gathering.

• Bartlett, IL: Assemble at Spin Doctor Cyclewerks at 6:45pm to ride at 7pm 10 miles at 10 mph. Refreshments at Pasta Mia afterwards.

• Chesterton, IN: Meet at Dogwood Park to depart at 7pm. Local police will escort the 10.2 mile ride along residential and business district streets. 

All Are Welcome!

Find more information on these and other rides at Ride of Silence - Chicago.

10 Days Left for Submissions

Have you been working on your winning short video? It will be viewed on the BIG Screen at Millennium Park during Bike Chicago Week! It's free to enter, easy and fun!  For more info click here. You can watch last year's winning video here .

Featured Events This Week  (full list of events here) 

• Tonight - North Side Critical Mass details 

• Saturday - Chicago Fire Vs Philadelphia Union Ride details 

• Saturday - Tour of Austin details 

• Saturday - Heritage Bicycles Bike Show on the Park details 

• Sunday - Cyclofemme Mother's Day Ride details 

• Sunday - Bike Lake View details 

• Wednesday - Women and Trans Night Open Shop details 

Save The Date

• Saturday, 25 May 2013 - First Ever Stay-cation Ride details 

On the Forum

• Storing a Bike at a Metra Station - New Chainlinker, Ryan, wants to bike to the train he takes work. So he'd like to park his ride permanently at the station. great exchange of advice and ideas if you have the same ambition.

• Mayor Wants to Increase Fines for Reckless Cyclists, Motorists - Gene shares Sun-Times report on Mayor's plane to throw the book at scofflaw bikers and reckless motorists. Even-handed public policy or unenforceable fluff? Matt G weighs in on CBS. 

• "Sheldon Brown" Locking Technique - Eli reminds us that while he's gone, one of the century's biggest biking advocates still has advice to give. But does that mean it's always right? Weigh in on how you secure your trusty steed. 

• Do You Pack a Suit for Your Commute? Need Expert Tips - Maria needs folks who are experienced with minimizing wrinkles for Po Campo's weekly video Q&A. The vids are short; 3 minutes or so. She will come to you. 

• Red Light Etiquette - Join the age-old debate reignited by PFEgg. How should bikers who are going straight through a traffic light handle those impatient drivers that are going to turn right?

Jaik's 

Storm Trooper Taillight 

 

 

    

Events This Week (Detailed)   

• Tonight - North Side Critical Mass - The monthly North Side, biker gathering, winding a dozen miles-ish and ending with food+drink. Bring friends, tunes, bells, costumes, cameras. Not just for North Siders!

• Saturday - Chicago Fire Vs Philadelphia Union Ride - Go Fire Go! Ride down to Toyota Park in Bridgeview for another great day filled with tailgating, chanting with Section 8, and rooting for our soccer club.

• Saturday - Tour of Austin - Austin is home to some of the grandest mansions and most splendid architectural forms in all of Chicago. It's also crowned by Columbus Park, one of the grandest parks in the city. 

• Saturday - Heritage Bicycles Bike Show on the Park - Chicago TailDraggers invites all to bring out your bikes for fun and prizes. Vintage, Custom, Rat Rod, City, Unicycle, Tall Bike: anything and everything welcome! 

• Sunday - Cyclofemme Mother's Day Ride - Po Campo leads a leisurely ride along the lakefront. Mimosas & juice at Cricket Hill and then south to the free Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory. Bring the whole family.

• Sunday - Bike Lake View - Join the LakeView Citizens Council to get to know the locals while exploring a bike-friendly neighborhood. Helmets are required and bring a lock so you can join in the social time afterward. 

• Wednesday - Women and Trans Night Open Shop - Get DIY bike repair tips, safe commute info, how-to on more enjoyable rides, and stories. Tools, workspace, and guidance provided. Get ready to get greasy.

Save the Date 

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