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Bicycling Mon Jun 08 2009

Bike To Work A Special Time...For Some

Yeah, we know. You don't need any special week as incentive to ride your bike to work. You're an everyday two-wheeled commuter, streaking past stalled traffic, your change of clothes neatly tucked away in your pannier, a system you've perfected after years of practice. Riding to the front door of your downtown office and maybe even outfitting your bike with special tires to blast through the snowy streets of Chicago in November.

So we can understand if you get a little smug as the rest of the city dusts off their barely used Schwinns or Treks and awaken long dormant muscles to take part in the annual Bike To Work Week that kicks off next Saturday and runs through June 19. Bike to Work week? Psh, everyday is bike-to-work week for you.

And we can probably understand if you get a little perturbed when you suddenly have to share the narrow bike lanes with folks who appear to have never heard the phrase "on your left" and think bike helmets are for dorks. Don't worry, that guy with the $2000 Tsunami Steel Frame Cyclocross Bike with butted steel tubing and the way-too-form fitting cycling shorts won't be around to bother you by next week.

But try to swallow those feelings of resentment and annoyance. After all, this is why you hopped on your cruiser in the first place, right? To rid the city of as many unnecessary cars as possible? Say hello to the possible future.

But feel free to take part in as many of the related activities as possible, like the Bike Commuter Challenge or the Bike To Work Rally on June 19. You might also want to check out the pre-celebration on June 10, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Solheim Center (900 N. Wells) where Pace and the Active Transportation Alliance will be handing free Caribou coffee to bike commuters who sign up for Pace's RideShre.com oline commuter matching program, or bike-related events sponsored by ING Direct.

Regardless of how many over-confident, bike messenger wannabes show up next week, relax. You've earned this validation. Pat yourself on the back. But keep both hands on the handlebars.

 
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Dottie / June 9, 2009 12:09 AM

Yes, I guess I can put up with them for one week :)

Ken / June 9, 2009 8:58 AM

That's the spirit, Dottie. And as a sometimes bike commuter myself, I'll try to warn you when I'm passing on your left...

Ted / June 15, 2009 12:14 AM

But, for a courier, you are all just commuters in OUR way.

Jim / September 4, 2009 1:20 PM

Amen, we should all be encouraged when more people take to cycling as opposed to more pollution in the air.

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