THE CHICAGO IL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WH
I bet you didn't know this Little White Dog is an avid cyclist, just like Chicago Mayor Rich Daley! It's true, during the spring and summer, I often ride 10 or more miles a day. I'd go further, but my little four paws barely reach the pedals on my Racing Bike!
This summer, I plan to add a side car, so I can go riding with my Designated Humans - Team Leader Dean and his wife, Sue.
You know, sometimes, it's very tough cycling around the big city! I'm being "doored" all the time by folks in cars they are parking opening their driver's side door without looking. By folks not looking before the move into my lane. And what about those folks that block the Designated Bicycle Lanes that have sprouted up all over town. They really make me mad!
In his quest to make Chicago the most bike-friendly city in North America, Da' Mayor (that's the CHICAGO Way of referring to our leader) and the Chicago City Council passed a new Chicago Bicycle Ordinance this week. Those who cut off cyclists when making a turn, who block bicycle lanes, or who "door" us poor cyclists cruising down the street, just trying to get from Point A to Point B, and get healthy while we're doing it!
The new law imposes fines between $150 and $500 for violations, and would apply to all cyclists - recreational riders, like me, and "professional" riders - like those crazy bicycle messengers downtown!
"More than 6,000 crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles were reported in Chicago between 2001 and 2005. Unfortunately, 30 bicyclists were killed. These new laws will help prevent injuries and save lives," says Mayor Daley. Earlier this month, one unfortunate cyclist was killed when hit by a car while crossing Irving Park Road in Chicago's North Center Neighborhood on the North Side.
Although many of us City Cyclists feel this law might be hard to truly enforce, it is a step in the right direction to make Chicago a safer city in which to cycle.
Enjoy the ride this summer - remember to wave, as you pass a Little White Dog on a Fire Engine Red Racing Bike, cruising down Western Avenue, in our Lincoln Square Neighborhood.
Please check out by blog post at BlogChicagoHomes.com for more information, as well as a link to Azam Ahmed and Gary Washburn's article in Wednesday's Chicago Tribune.
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Very cute!
My sister has a backpack thingy - actually a front pack - that she puts her dog into for bike rides. She also puts a pair of goggles on the dog. It is so cute, and the dog loves it. The dog is a shitzu/bichon mix.