Earlier this year, I provided an overview of Pedal to the People - the mobile bike shop in Chicago that comes to you to provide repairs and support. Founder Adam Clark is now hoping to expand his operation and is working with Kiva Microfunds to finance that growth.

​You may have heard of Kiva for their work in micro-financing to individuals and entrepreneurs in third-world countries. This story however is an example of using the same approach in the heart of Chicago. 

Situated on the border of Chicago neighborhoods of Ravenswood and Lakeview is Green Machine Cycles. The bike shop opened in September of 2013 and is unique in its support for individuals interested in hauling cargo, bike touring and commuting, and off-road riding. I recently met with the founder, Ezra Hozinsky, to learn more about the shop and his vision. 

Pittsburgh Bike Share was launched earlier this year to bring bike sharing to the city of Pittsburgh. In a span of just 5 months, over 40,000 rides occurred in a city noted for its hilly terrain. How was this possible? I interviewed David White, Executive Director of the non-profit Pittsburgh Bike Share to learn more.