Nothing chilly about winter biking

By Sojung Choi

Tis’ the season to… ride out! Which would you prefer: a pleasant and invigorating ride to work on a brisk winter day or the stop-and-go surly roads?

Dropping temps and snow flurries are no match for the year-round rider.

Grant Davis, veteran year-round commuter and former staff at Active Trans, is riding out this winter for the ninth time. He picked up a bike sometime during college and hasn’t looked back since. If you saw him today on his way to work, he’d probably be in his work clothes and waterproof gear, weather permitting, on his way to Union Station for his daily ride on the Metra. For Davis, the downtime he gets on the train to read and catch up on work is the best part of his commute.

Jennifer Sommers, Active Trans member and volunteer, is making plans to integrate riding as much as possible this winter. As a city-dweller, it’s all about loving her mode of transport and doing something for herself whether it’s the ride to work or a trip to the store. Sommers fell in love with biking when she moved to the city nearly four years ago and enjoys the freedom and flexibility that biking as well as using transit and walking provides— not to mention the added value of staying fit.

Jennifer and Grant most definitely are our heroes, but not because they possess any special super power.

Anyone can brave the winter with a little guidance and determination.

Chicago Bike Winter is a great resource for those of us who still hesitate when it comes to riding this winter. Organizations like Bike Winter offer you the opportunity to have fun and socialize with other cyclists while equipping you with winter biking skills. Each winter, Bike Winter members organize a series of recreational and educational events to encourage fellow cyclists to keep riding through the winter season and stay pumped all year round. It is a great opportunity for people to connect and share their tips and experiences.

Bike Winter social events and education workshops throughout the season to keep you motivated Their website has everything you need:

• Schedule of Chicago Bike Winter events
• General winter biking tips
• Dressing for Bike Winter
• Winter bike maintenance
• Weather updates
• Connect to other cyclists through the Bike Winter listserv

Sojung Choi is a ModeShift contributor.