Dateline: January 20th, Winter Bike to Work Day
Each year on Jan. 20, Active Trans recognizes those who brave Chicago's brutal winters by bicycle. This year, Active Trans staff held the Winter Bike to Work Day celebration at the Federal Plaza beneath Calder's Flamingo in the Loop.
Our first winter bike commuter arrived promptly at 7 a.m. to find free Eli's cheesecake and Caribou coffee, as well as bike adjustments by Get a Grip Cycles and uplifting tunes by Michael Young and the West Town Bikes soundsystem trailer.
More and more cyclists slowly trickled in as the day got brighter. Soon, a crowd of hearty, warmly dressed souls mingled by the tents, sharing stories with their fellow bikers.
The event takes place each year on Jan. 20, the anniversary of Chicago's coldest day ever (in 1985, the temperature dipped to 27 degrees below zero!).
Chainlink was on hand to share their resources for connecting Chicago riders and Bike Winter offered their expertise on keeping warm through the cold, dark months.
The day also marked the opening of MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive registration. (Save $10 by registering before February 6th. Sign up at any MB Financial Bank banking center and you'll also receive a free stainless steel water bottle.)
Thanks for joining us on Winter Bike to Work Day. We hope the warmth carries you into spring.