For Chicago’s official Bike to Work Week, starting Monday, the Active Transportation Alliance and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events are offering a slew of events and freebies to encourage human-powered commuting. Here are some highlights from our list of events (also check out some new bike resources in the city):
Several city-sponsored social and training rides are on the schedule, but the uninhibited will want to make time for the Chicago edition of the World Naked Bike Ride (emphatically not city sponsored), scheduled for Saturday at 6 PM at an undisclosed location. On Sunday, the monthly North Side Critical Mass starts off from Senn Park (5887 N. Ridge) at 6:30 PM.
Starting on Monday to coincide with the Bike Commuter Challenge, bike service stations located strategically around town will be offering free coffee and tune-ups, and in some cases, ATA-sponsored giveaways. The McDonald’s Cycle Center (239 E. Randolph) will also be offering free tune-ups on Tuesday from 9 AM-5 PM, though availability will be limited to the first 15 participants.
To wrap up the week, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events will host a Bike to Work Rally next Friday in Daley Plaza (337 E. Randolph). Events are scheduled to run from 7:30 AM to 7 PM, and will include a free breakfast for bikers, T-shirt giveaways, and entertainment throughout the day.