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What childhood favorite is more useful than a slinky and saves you from ever having to buy gas?
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Blue Schwinn! Courtesy of Chic Cyclist
What childhood favorite is more useful than a slinky, less fattening than double stuffed oreos, and saves you from ever having to buy gas?
If you guessed "a bike," you might be among the millions of Americans who have started viewing the bicycle as more than just a memory. I count myself among those millions. I, along with my partner in crime (a blue 1970s Chicago-style Schwinn named Chloe) have been rediscovering the joys of cycling---and we've picked a great city to explore.
Did you know that Chicago has over 100 miles of bike lanes, 50 miles of bike paths, and over 10,000 bike racks (more than in any other U.S. city)? Not to mention over 2,000 CTA buses are equipped with bike racks. With these amenities and more, Chicago is well on its way to becoming one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.
To honor the final month of Bike Chicago 2008, this week's articles will feature local bike shops, the Critical Mass bike movement and the new Loyola University Bike Initiative. In the meantime, here are a few tips to get you started on your bicycle love affair, as distributed by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation:
1.Stay visable- the law requires you to have a front headlight. And, while not required, rear blinking lights are a great way to increase your visability and safety.
2. Obey the rules of the road. Bikes are vehicles- you are required to stop at stop signs, obey traffic patterns, and yield to pedestrians.
3. This is a given- wear a helmet!
4. Know your bike- regularly check your air pressure, brakes, and chain in order to ensure the safest possible ride.
5. Know your rights- motorists are required to pass with at least three feet of room.
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