First Annual Like Bike Ride/Walk and Celebration up Milwaukee Ave. was F U N!

"This is so much fun" were the repeated words of the participants in the First Annual Like Bike Ride/Walk and Celebration Sunday morning. Despite the on and off again drizzle, riders and walkers of all ages gathered in the parking lot of the Bucktown and Wicker Park Library beginning at about 9 a.m., displaying a broad range of cycling equipment. Rounding out the one hundred participants in the event was another group of people preparing the Logan Square area between Whipple and Sacramento for the celebration area.

Riders and walkers came alone, in couples, families and groups. The diverse assemblage of men and machines included a team of folks wearing green shirts, who represented Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center; Alderman Rey Colon (35th Ward)who rode down to Wicker from Logan so he could ride back up to his Ward; Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) and his wife Jade, who were part of the walkers; representatives of the WPB (SSA #33) and the WPB Chamber of Commerce; and parents, who had children in baskets and rolling carriers or on their own bikes.

As the 14th District Police escort cars were getting ready to insure the events safe journey up Milwaukee Ave., Our Urban Times Editor and Publisher, Elaine Coorens, welcomed everyone and acknowledged and thanked the sponsors and supporters of the event. Admitting that she had not ridden her bike since moving to Wicker Park in 1976 when building renovation took precedence, she called all riders to pedal and step forth up the Avenue.

"Is this cool or what?  This is fantastic, can we do it next week too?  Wow this is great!  This is community!" were some of the comments as the group rolled up Milwaukee Ave. passing some cheering onlookers.

Making sure that the group had a safe ride, Jim Angrabright, who headed up the side street patrol, making sure that cars respected the parade, was seen several times streaking past the group to make sure the next side street was manned.

Cyclists were so into the two mile journey that few stopped at the Like Bike mid-point station. Owners of the Bike Lane Chicago manned the table by the Congress Theatre, across from their shop.

Nearing Logan the voice of probably about an eight-year old was heard to say, "Is this the end...oh can't we keep going?" As the Police escort concluded at Logan Blvd., Coorens yelled, "Take a turn up Logan." As the group turned off of Milwaukee heading east along the Boulevard to Whipple the same voice was heard, "Wow we can go another twenty miles!"

Goodie bags were picked up and kids and adults scattered to check out the various booths.Saints Mary and Elizabeth booth had a team of professionals taking blood pressures and doing BMIs (body mass indexing). The Safe Bike Ambassadors gave safety tips to all aged attendees. Food and activity were the focus the Junior Women's League of Chicago's Health Train Project.

 

Students from Holy Trinity High School, led by staff person Jesse Buendia, were available as face painters and everyone had an opportunity to talk with Aldermen Colon and Waguespack.

Groups formed and conversations erupted then people moved off to form other groups for more conversation.

"Like Bike was a perfect opportunity for our community relations team to work collaboratively with the community to promote good health and physical

activity. We were able to promote our campaign to Move your numbers with our neighbors to the east of the hospital," said Victor Villalobos, Community Relations Director for Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center. "It was such a great family event with so many children."

"I am totally thrilled with how much fun everyone had and that so many people could enjoy the joy of community,"  said Coorens. "Victor and I both know there were a lot of people who indicated that they were

participating but then did not because of the weather. Considering the weather and that it is was a first time event, Victor and I are both pleased with the event's results."

Sponsors of the event were: Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, Our Urban Times, WPB (SSA #33), 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colon, 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and 1st Ward Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno. Organizers were Our Urban Times and the Near NorthWest Arts Council. Advertisers in the Like Bike Resource Guide were Boulevard Bikes, Bike Lane Chicago and Local First Chicago.

 

For more information: Thank yous

For more pictures, see below: