Winter Bike To Work Day Celebrates The Year-Round Cyclists

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 16, 2012 3:35PM



Image Credit: Andrea Woudenberg

There are a few of you out there who ride bicycles through rain, snow, sleet or hail. the mild winter we've been experiencing has made biking this winter easier.

This week's weather forecast is a roller coaster ride of snow, freezing temps and thaws. Snow is in the forecast for Friday's Winter Bike to Work Day. Hosted by the Active Transportation Alliance. Jan. 20 is a date of meteorological significance in Chicago. The lowest recorded temperature in Chicago history occurred in 1985, when the mercury dove all the way to minus-27 at O'Hare International Airport.

Skilling Central calls for snow and a forecast high of 32 on Friday, so bikers assembling at Daley Plaza from 6:30-9 a.m. have that going for them. The first 50 cyclists who check in will have their choice of a free bike light or a balaclava. (Take the latter.) All cyclists arriving will receive free coffee or tea from Caribou Coffee and free Eli's Cheesecake. Friday also marks the first day of Registration for this year's Bike the Drive. The annual event, scheduled for May 27, has become one of the most anticipated biking events in Chicago.

If you do plan on biking to work Friday, or any time this winter, be sure to refer to Kim's winter cycling guide (Part 1, Part 2), to ensure you stay toasty in the saddle.