ZappaWheels
  • Blog
  • Community
    • Submit Your Story
  • Advice
  • Store
  • Bike Shops
  • Support
  • About

Discover the joy of bike commuting
​

Know your bike commuting route.

8/17/2015

2 Comments

 
Bike Commuting Chicago Maps
Bike commuter gets a free bike map on the fly.
Bike commuting can be overwhelming at times with cars, buses, taxis, pedestrians and other bikes all vying for your attention as you ride. Not knowing where you are going just adds another level of stress to the ride. Fortunately, many municipalities are printing free bike maps that feature the best streets for cycling. Last week I was riding to work and the Bicycling Ambassadors were giving out free Chicago Bike Maps. Inspired by their enthusiasm, I stopped to talk with Morning, who was directing the group on the lakefront path. 
Chicago Bike AmbassadorsMembers of the Chicago Bicycle Ambassadors team
Tell us about the Bike Ambassadors.
We work for the Parks District. Part of our job is to go to the lakefront trail and talk to people about transportation and biking in the city. Another part of the job is to go to different parks and teach kids about bikes. Occasionally, we come to the lakefront trail and hand out bike maps. 
How long does the program last?
We have a six week program, and some people participate for longer periods of time. 
How many maps have you given out?
About 260 maps today.
Have you seen any unusual bikes today?
Nothing crazy; just some tandems. 


Chicago Bike Commuting MapChicago Bike Map - 2015 Edition
Chicago Bike Map
The map itself contains lots of useful information such as the safest roads for biking (streets with protected bike lanes or recommended routes), locations of bike sharing stations, bike shop locations and metra stations. There are over 111 miles of bike lanes in the city of Chicago, so there are many options for picking a bicycle-friendly route. 

You can access an online copy of the map or request a printed copy from the Chicago Dept. of Transportation. Many local bike shops also have copies available. 

Picture
The Bicycling Ambassadors are a team of bicycle safety and education specialists who have been encouraging Chicagoans to ride their bikes more often and safely since 2001. The Bicycling Ambassadors work toward the following objectives:
  • to increase the number of trips made by bicycle
  • to reduce the number of bicycle-related injuries
  • to help all users: bike riders, motorists, and pedestrians to better share roads and off-street trails

2 Comments
Jared A Marchiando
8/17/2015 04:54:34 am

This is helpful. As a new commuter in the city, I've already been down my fair share of questionably paved and/or unsafe roads, putting not only my bike but more importantly myself in potential danger.

Keep it up with the great info, it really is helpful.

Reply
John Zappa link
8/17/2015 12:47:38 pm

Jared,
Glad you found it helpful. Keep up the riding.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Our Mission 

    To help bike commuters ride better, smarter, safer.... and of course have fun!

    Picture
    Stay current with articles and advice
    Subscribe

    Categories

    All
    Advocacy
    Bicycle Economy
    Bike Philosophy
    Bike Sharing
    Bike Shops
    Cold Weather Riding
    Community
    Fun Stuff
    Practical Advice
    Product Reviews
    Safety
    Security
    Stories
    Sustainability

    Take the
    ​Rider Survey

    Archives

    June 2020
    February 2019
    April 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

Proudly powered by Weebly
Photos used under Creative Commons from Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious, IQRemix, VeloBusDriver, Maria Eklind, kasio69
  • Blog
  • Community
    • Submit Your Story
  • Advice
  • Store
  • Bike Shops
  • Support
  • About