Connect to global movement while cycling. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, cyclists are hosting six free Chicago area riding events open to all.

non-profit organization inspired movementfounded by Lombard physiotherapist and long-distance cyclist Dawn Piech, will host the 4th International Women’s Day – Together We Ride™ global cycling event March 8-12.

Rather than taking part in one organized ride, participants celebrating International Women’s Day will participate in outdoor, indoor, solo or social cycles anywhere, any distance, and post their accomplishments on Facebook . www.facebook.com/groups/2587066751413662.

“In 2022, we have recorded more than 1,100 cyclists from 5 months to 87 years of age in 28 US states and 9 countries.

Expect this year – 1,800+ riders, 35 states, 20 countries.

Elmhurst rides and more

Elmhurst Bicycle Club Co-Advocacy Chair Kim Messina will host three 15-mile casual rides through neighborhood streets on March 8, 9 and 12 at 9 or 10 am.

On Wednesday March 8th, the ride will head to Glen Ellyn, a women-owned blackberry cafeOn Thursday, March 9, the jockeys will dine at the Carriage House/Lombard Historical Society to mark Illinois’ first woman to vote. Lily’s Cafealso female owned.

Attorney Ellen Martin said her legal argument in 1891 was based on the Lombard Town Charter, which stated that residents over the age of 21 could vote in local elections. Else she was voted out by 14 women. The town council then designated only the male gender.

Elmhurst Bicycle Club Public Relations Chair Kelli Morgan leads a 16-miler from Elmhurst’s train station at 10am on March 11th.Aboard Villa Park, participants can enjoy pilot pete Beverages and sweets run by women brave bakeryA goody bag will be provided after the ride, so please register in advance.

Also March 11th, Pat Sweeney, fox valley bicycle and ski club safety advocate, host a 31-mile river ride that departs the Batavia River Walk parking lot (Houston and Island streets) at 10:30 am. Registration required.

Trek Ambassador Sheri Rosenbaum Leading 22 Milers at 9:30am March 11 from Trek Highland Park, followed by Pilates in store. There will also be a virtual “Together we Meditation” on March 12th at 6pm.

Expansion of partnership

Besides horseback riding, cyclists can support Waukonda exercise side lot breweryagain brewing a special ‘Together We Ride’ beer, donating $1 for every pour wingsa local women’s shelter.

peach, randners usa Vice President has expanded the Inspyrd Movement to include partnerships and sponsorships with many US organizations.Collaborating with a women-owned cycling apparel company this year Jules Thread Create jerseys, buffs and t-shirts.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to donate Buffalo bicycles. World Bicycle Relief To the Seahashin Bike Program of the Navajo Nation in Arizona. This is a heavy-duty bike for hauling heavy cargo over rough terrain, a valuable resource with poor road infrastructure.

think safety all year round

Winter cycling at this latitude requires posture. Inertia can be a negative force in any season. Now, among other things, we need more energy and willpower, more attention to weather/road conditions, and, heck, more time to get dressed.

Beyond the cold and the slipperiness that comes with it, safety also looms large. Fewer cyclists on the road means less driver awareness. As a driver, I will admit that I am unaware that there are fewer people biking outdoors, unlike in the warmer months when more cyclists take notice.

This same lack of driver attention almost ruined my January run of errands. Not expecting a cyclist, a right-turning driver blocked the crosswalk, only looked left, ignoring other traffic, and forced a stop when I suddenly braked on the pavement. I was allowed to.

Even after I gestured wildly in my neon-yellow jacket, it never occurred to him to “look both ways.” Only after yelling “Hey!” After hopping three times, he glanced my way and realized that he was about to die.

Clasping his hands in a prayer of apology, he quietly and shyly begged for forgiveness. I myself remembered a similar driving mistake and forgave it.

Such unintended and unthinkable driving mistakes came to mind when I attended a recent arraignment of a motorist involved in a fatal vehicle/bicycle crash.

Nancy Nozica, an emergency room nurse, died last July while biking on St. Mary’s Road near Libertyville. The SUV driver was cited for not slowing down to avoid an accident.

Data from the Lake County Department of Transportation has reported 13 accidents involving cyclists on St. Mary’s Road from 2004 to 2021. According to Lake County Deputy Communications Officer Alex Carr, nothing has led to serious incidents or fatal clashes until this past July.

Thankfully, I spend very little time in court. I am new to the legal system and have never been hit by a moving car or assisted anyone in court. A simple traffic incident, but this was unfamiliar territory.

Neither the victim nor his family nor the driver knew. I sat in the front row of that courtroom with two of his other cyclists wearing our club’s jerseys to express quiet and visible support as fellow members of the cycling community. .

I think it’s only natural that this lawsuit will continue. His next court date is March 8th. Especially for cyclists, it’s not a riding posture at any latitude.

Bike Plus Haiku — Bike Ward?

Equestrian season is in full swing as spring arrives, as does National Poetry Month in April. I challenge all creative riders who enjoy communicating with nature on two wheels. Frame your thoughts, feelings, and experiences on horseback in his three-line haiku of five syllables, seven syllables, and five syllables. Please send it to the email address in this column.

We look forward to sharing our impressions with our readers in April.

• Join a ride. Please contact Ralph Banasiak at alongfortheridemail@gmail.com.