How to be a cyclist in Chicago

The weather is slowly but surely getting warmer and if you’ve ever thought about biking for exercise, transportation or just for fun this is the time to get started.

First let’s start with some terminology: you are a cyclist.

cyclist |ˈsīk(ə)list|

noun

a person who rides a bicycle.

If you ride a bicycle you are a cyclist. There is no threshold of speed, skill or frequency required to be a cyclist, you just pedal. Therefore, please consider yourself a cyclist starting now. For the purposes of this article you will be referred to you as one.

♥︎ Your Local Bike Shop

inagorillacostume.com / Via inagorillacostume.com

Local bike shops (or LBS) are an important part of being a cyclist. If you have a car, you need a mechanic. If you have a bike - no matter if you got it at Wal Mart, from your neighbor, or at a fancy bike store - you need a local bike shop. And these people l-o-v-e bikes.

In Chicago there are three shops that are verified beginner-friendly by the My City Bikes Public Health Alliance. These shops are Element Cyclesport, Kozy's Cyclery and Village Cycle Center. Being verified beginner friendly means that these shops have pledged to be fair and nice to people who don't know their way around a bike quite yet, and they go out of their way to give beginners extra help. It also means that the people who work at these bike shops are friendly, whether or not you know what a derailleur is (look it up to impress your friends).

Because many of you reading this are probably noobs, these Chicago bike shops are recommended. It is also advisable to download the My City Bike Chicago app as a starting point. It has all of Chicago's beginner-level biking options (road, mountain, trail, commuter, family, etc.) and all of the information you need to know about DIY bike care.

Follow the step-by-step plan below to be a Chicago bike boss this spring.

1. Be Inspired

J.b. Spector / Via msichicago.org

Visit The Museum of Science and Industry's "The Art of the Bicycle" exhibit. This fascinating exhibit explores the science and design of the bicycle's 200-year history. Beginning with the original bicycle you can see every innovation that has brought us to the modern bike, and even where bikes will go in the future. The "Boneshaker" will make you so thankful for your modern day bicycle. So thankful.

2. Get Geared Up (YOU get a helmet! And YOU get a helmet!...)

Nutcase Helmets / Via nutcasehelmets.com

Now that you're fully inspired, as a cyclist there is certain equipment you need. At an absolute minimum this includes a bike and a helmet in good condition. Other recommended items include a pump for your tires, padded shorts, padded gloves, bike shoes and water bottles. You want to take special care of every part of your body that touches the bike (hands, feet, bottom) and, of course, your head. This is a starting point for all types of biking, but there are many more accessories, tools and gadgets that can make biking more comfortable and convenient depending on the type riding you plan to do. This is actually an ideal time of year to go bike shopping at your LBS because 2015 and winter gear is on sale. You can find what you need and also talk to experienced riders about their take on different bike accessories and what will work well for you.

3. Get Tuned Up

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Would you drive a car without ever changing the oil, checking the brake pads or replacing the tires? This is what its like when you don't take care of your bike. Bike mechanics are a real thing. Just like a car mechanic keeps your car working properly, a bike mechanic makes sure your bike is in top shape. This is a matter of safety and of comfort. You will me amazed at how much a tune up and some slight fit adjustments change the way your bike feels. Element Cyclesport, Kozy's Cyclery and Village Cycle Center all offer bike maintenance services. Do this now so when it's 75 degrees and sunny and your bike fever reaches a pitch you're not stuck waiting for your bike to be fixed.

Mastering DIY basic bike maintenance will save you time, money and a whole lot of annoyance. The My City Bikes Chicago app can help give you a head start on this topic, and a community bike class will help hone your skills. Element Cyclesport hosts "Flat Fix Friday and Happy Hour" on the second Friday of each month where you can learn how to change a flat tire on your bike from a mechanic while enjoying a glass of wine or a beer. Uh - yes, please, and thank you! The next "Flat Fix Friday and Happy Hour" will be on Friday, April 8 from 4-6 p.m. at Element's Chicago location (2211 N Elston Ave #101, Chicago, IL 60614).

4. Ride Already!

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Pick a place and go ride. All that's left to do is put the rubber to the road (or trail, or bike path…). Biking just 20 minutes most days of the week can make a difference in your heart health, your mental clarity, and the amount of fun experienced on a day-to-day basis. By having and maintaining the right equipment with a trusted bike shop, and arming yourself with the confidence to fix basic mechanical problems, you will feel like a kid again every time you go for a ride.