In “Biking in Blizzards” [Jan. 14], Rick Kogan asks, “Who would be idiotic enough to ride a bike in winter?”
If Mr. Kogan were to actually talk with winter cyclists, he would find their reasons for riding anything but idiotic. Many Chicago winter cyclists ride to stay fit and save money. Others enjoy pedaling by cars idling in traffic jams. Some ride to avoid the maddening search for a parking space in streets strewn with broken lawn furniture. Still others are concerned about the environment and ride to lessen their impact on Chicago’s poor air quality.
With a little determination, almost anyone can continue to enjoy the benefits of cycle commuting year-round in Chicago. Winter cycling requires little specialized clothing or gear. Most cyclists who take on winter riding find it is often quicker and more dependable than public transit.
To spread the good news on all-season cycling, area cyclists have established Chicago Bike Winter–a grassroots series of educational, social and activist events to promote winter riding. Information on Bike Winter events and advice on winter riding can be found at our Web site: http://bikewinter.org.
After considering the ease and many benefits of Chicago all-season cycling, your readers may indeed wonder, “Who are the real idiots?”
— Michael Burton, Chair, Chicago Bike Winter
The “Biking in Blizzards” article started with a very accurate statement. Biking in Chicago is an increasingly precarious pursuit. However, riding on a bike path is not riding in the city, it is riding in a city park. There is a difference. Today’s traffic on the streets is a lot more dangerous than joggers, walkers or skateboarders. As far as the sentiment “Who would be idiotic enough to ride a bike in winter?” I would like to try to reply.
The car-clogged expressways and avenues of Chicago make any method of avoiding sitting in traffic attractive. While one can only average 15 or so miles per hour on a bike, there are times when that is faster than driving.
When the temperature is about 10 degrees, the act of powering a bike provides enough warmth to preclude the need for high-tech clothes. In fact, one must safeguard against overdressing and getting sweated up on a typical Chicago winter day.
Cyclists need mountain bikes in Chicago because they are much sturdier than fragile road machines that are not designed to carry cargo such as a change of clothes, or a lunch, or books or any of the myriad items carried by the average cycle-commuter.
Finally, like myself, many cycle-commuters are seeking the health-related benefits of performing daily aerobic exercise while getting the benefit of moving through traffic.
The problem with the author’s conception of cycling is probably caused by either his own inexperience with cycling in the city, or seeing only the bike messengers of the Loop area, who are not the run-of-the-mill cyclists who commute daily in Chicago.
— Edward J. Frank, Chicago
Granted, winter biking on congested city streets is risky business, but I wonder if Rick Kogan’s observation of it being “idiotic” isn’t overly harsh, considering the many likely contributing factors. Car ownership is very costly in all aspects, and public transit can add up too, if used with regularity. So some bike. I would not care to see anybody close to me do it, and I hope motorists take caution not to run into bikers on city streets–winter or not.
— P.J. Helander, Schaumburg
MAKE HIS DRY
No respectable martini is made with sweet vermouth [“All Shook Up,” Jan. 14]. Really and truly, the martini is made with dry vermouth. Then, one can do varieties from that point onward, including the dirty martini, which includes a dollop or two of olive juice. My note is not a criticism, so keep up the good work.
— D.O. deShazer, Omaha, Neb.
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