Tell us about the name Heritage Bicycles.
Our owner Michael Salvatore is a fifth-generation Chicagoan. After living in New York and working at the start-up bike store Bowery Lane Bicycles, he moved back to Chicago to raise a family. He wanted to bring back the idea of what he was doing in New York and honor his family heritage here in Chicago. And the types of bikes we make reflect this. We are not making modern, fancy racing bikes. Instead our bikes are inspired by the classic proven models from Schwinn and Raleigh, but with a new, retro approach. 

As I waited on a Thursday morning a steady stream of customers trickled into the shop. Some regulars, others first-time visitors looking for a unique coffee experience. New bikes were interspersed with tables and a counter with delicious-looking pastries. In the rear was the service center in its own room, and out back was a picnic table and chairs underneath a tree canopy. What a unique vibe for a bike shop! As the music played softly in the background, I sat down with store manager Alan Gagne to learn more about Heritage Bicycles.

What services do you provide?
People ask where is the shop? The mobile shop has everything we need to service a bike. If we need something special we can order it. We do fleet repair, especially for people working in buildings in the loop. We come out to people to provide road side assistance such as fixing a flat. We also teach classes. 

Why did you start Pedal to the People?
We are dedicated to the freedom and mobility made accessible by the bicycle. I've had a passion for the bicycle since I was a kid, I wanted to have a deeper connection with the people riding the bikes and why they were 

A bike commuter almost hit me yesterday morning. As I was crossing the street in River North, the rider, who was on a shared bike, blasted through the red light startling myself and two other pedestrians. He missed us by inches, never bothering to slow down or let anything get in his way. I shook my head and muttered "idiot" to myself.  As bike commuting increases, bad behavior on the bike seems to be everywhere. It's alarming and unsustainable. 

According to the League of American Cyclists, riding to work has increased more than 60% in the past decade. With more riders on the road, more conflict among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians is inevitable.