by Gin Kilgore, Program Director

My first biking role model was a sharp dressed woman with great hair. I had never owned a car, but my commute was too long for a walk and too inconvenient by transit. My boyfriend at the time had been encouraging me to try biking, but it wasn’t until I saw Gina glide into view that I thought: “I can do this, too.” I bought a mountain bike without the nobs (it was the late 90’s, after all), was hooked after my first ride, and have lived happily car-free since.

Peers can have more influence than pavement conditions when it comes to decisions about whether to try biking for transportation. That’s why locally-minded bike clubs and advocacy organizations such as Slow Roll, Kidical Mass, and Women Bike Chicago are so important. It’s easier to trust the advice of others with similar experiences, challenges, and needs. Even better is when they offer to take you on a ride!

Last month, Ride Illinois had the pleasure of participating in the Women Bike Chicago networking event. It brought together over a dozen vendors representing bike shops, clothing and accessories vendors, advocacy groups and bicycle clubs. We had great conversations, ranging from how to encourage an employer to add bicycle friendly amenities to how to find others willing to go on long rides. We’re happy to help connect new riders with bike clubs and organizations in their community.

In honor of bike month, we invite you to inspire your  friends, relatives, or co-workers to ride. Help them get their bike in working condition with the ABC Quick check or by recommending your favorite local bike shop. Direct them to our Bike Safety Quiz to brush up on the rules of the road. Offer to help them plan a route they can use to commute, run errands, or just have fun, and then pedal off together to test it out. If you do, email us your story and a picture!