Today we feature a guest column from WorldChanging Chicago contributor Shannon Milliken.

Chicago is thawing out. Brighter and longer days are upon us, and there's no better time than now to kick a more active, environmentally sound you into gear.

With Chicago’s world-renowned reputation for bike-friendly terrain, Mayor Daley's declaration that he wants to “make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States,‿ and droves of svelte cyclist trekking like urban warriors across the city streets, one can’t help but feel the pressure to procure a superfast road bike.

Step one in realizing this dream of becoming a Chicago cyclist is, of course, getting your hands on a dope cycle. In true Worldchanging fashion, let me steer you in the direction of Working Bikes Cooperative, a not-for-profit cooperative that recycles and repairs discarded and donated bicycles from the Chicagoland area for resale.

The organization receives no outside money; all funding comes from the sale of refurbished bikes. Last year, the organization gave away 5,500 bicycles locally and around the world.

The storefront is located at 1125 S. Western Avenue, and the nonprofit serves visitors on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m.

All bikes are road-ready and extremely affordable. They have a friendly and knowledgeable staff of volunteers who will help you find a good bike match for you. Spring and summer are especially busy times for Working Bikes, so plan to arrive early.

Working Bikes' cycles tend to go fast, so check out Blackstone Bicycle Works for more socially conscious two-wheeled options
If you are looking to upgrade, be sure to donate your old hunker to Working Bikes and check out Chicago’s many bike shops for a premium road machine.

Let me add a big "hear! hear!" I just got back from my second of what I hope will be many many long rides on my "new" bike I scored from Working Bikes a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't be happier with my experience there.

Posted by: Liz on March 19, 2007 5:57 PM

what if you're afraid to ride your bike in the city? I feel like I know a lot of people who have been "doored" or nearly crushed by CTA busses. I mean, I love being environmentally friendly but, I also like not being paralyzed.

Posted by: Dan on March 23, 2007 8:52 AM

As they say. When you ride in the city, it's not a matter of if you are going to get hit, it's when. The trick is to be aware and prepared for it. I try to mitigate the risk by riding on side streets as much as possible. I can say I've been riding in Chicago for 15 years now, and I've never been in a serious accident on my bike.

The more of us that get out there, the more the message gets across that the roads aren't just for things with engines, and the safer we'll all be.

If you're interested in riding more in the city, check out the Chicago Bicycle Federation site. They have lot's of good info for newbies.

Posted by: mattie on March 23, 2007 1:53 PM

I've found that it's helpful if you start out riding with someone who is an experienced city rider. My girlfriend is a former bike messenger and she's FEARLESS. If I ride behind her, I feel a lot more confident (notwithstanding all the time I spend yelling "Oh be careful honey. No, honey, don't do that! Watch out!" She thinks it's cute). I mainly stick to side streets and streets with actual bike lanes. Get a hold of one of the city's bike maps. It shows all the bike lanes in town.

Posted by: Liz on April 3, 2007 6:18 PM

I agree with the consensus of the above postings.

Do's: Pick your routes well, use the bike lanes, be aware of the risks (WEAR A HELMET or fill out your organ donor card...), use hand signals, get a bell to warn people who step out into the bike lane while talking on their cell phone, and definitely be assertive and aggressive when you ride.

Don'ts: Don't ride on Western Ave if you can help it, don't jackrabbit start on a green light because somebody is running the red the other way guaranteed.

I've been doored, I've fallen off of my bike when riding under the influence, I've run into the back of buses when my brakes failed in the slush, I've gotten bumped by cars and done my share of bumping. It all happens. I'm still here, and still riding.

Posted by: Gregory Ehrendreich on April 4, 2007 11:41 AM