Upcoming events, Dec. 7 through Dec. 17, including John’s book signing

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Cyclocross event on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at Montrose Beach. 

So many events coming up soon. All of these are also listed in the October to December events page. Last update was 12-09-11, adding three events.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 (two events)

(1) Alderman Solis will discuss his recent fact-finding mission to one of the most bicycle-friendly countries in the world – the Netherlands – and share with us some of his observations that could be applied to Chicago’s bikeway network.

6 to 7:30 PM
Simone’s
960 W 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608

(2) Get the first glimpse of how the planned multi-million-dollar overhaul of Daley Bicentennial Plaza is taking shape. Read more about this project at the Chicago Sun-Times.

6 to 8 PM
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Gold Room
200 N Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Chicago bike writers Greg Borzo and John Greenfield celebrate the release of On Bicycles: 50 Ways the New Bike Culture Can Change Your Life, an anthology by Amy Walker, with a free book release party. Borzo and Greenfield will read their chapters on bicycle sharing systems and West Town Bikes, respectively. Afterwards they’ll sign copies while attendees mingle and enjoy soul-jazz piano by Seth Hitsky and a raffle for copies of the authors’ other books, plus other great bike-related prizes. The party doubles as a meet-up for the Active Transportation Alliance.

8-10 PM
Cole’s Tavern
2338 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Friday, December 9, 2011

On Friday, December 9th, 2011 at 6:30 AM, participants will ride from Amling’s Cycle (8140 N Milwaukee) to Mystic Celt (3443 N Southport) to meet a waiting truck from the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. We’ll then enjoy a hot breakfast courtesy of Mystic Celt.

6:30 AM
Amling’s Cycle
8140 N Milwaukee
Niles, IL 60714

Saturday, December 10, 2011 (two events)

(1) The first meeting of the Streets for Cycling Plan 2020 has been scheduled: it’s an open house that will have mapping activities, educational information about innovative bicycle facilities, and an opportunity to discuss biking in your neighborhood with CDOT staff.

10 AM to 4 PM
23 E Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602

(2) Chrome Chicago shop will be hosting their last (free) Holiday Photo Booth session this Saturday! Everyone is welcome to come in with friends, or whatever variation of, to have their holiday photos taken on the set of Strange Brew’s “Great White North,” complete with snow, defunct Christmas tree and tons of holiday props (for the nice and naughty in us all). Chrome will provide drinks to those 21+.

2 to 5 PM
1529 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 (three events)

(1) There is a zoning hearing at City Hall about Alderman Colón’s proposed ordinance, to strip “Pedestrian Street” designations from two segments of Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Here’s the proposed ordinance and the hearing notice. What’s a “pedestrian street” designation? We’re still figuring that out. The Municipal Code has some insight.

10 AM
City Hall, 2nd floor council chambers
121 N LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602

(2) A Bloomingdale Trail community meeting to learn about and discuss the progress of the framework plan for a park and trail on an elevated former train track.

6-8 PM
Saint Mary of the Angels School Auditorium
1810 N Hermitage Avenue
Chicago, Illinois  60622

(3) A meeting hosted by the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Grand Crossing Rail Project. The purpose of the Grand Crossing Rail Project is to improve freight and passenger rail efficiency on Chicago’s South Side and enhance Amtrak’s on-time performance. An open house will be held between 4 PM and 6 PM where you can view an audio-visual presentation and project exhibits. The project team will also be available to discuss the project and answer questions. A formal session with questions and answers will then be held from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. (EveryBlock posting, official project website)

4 to 6 PM open house, 6 to 7:30 PM meeting with Q&A
Sherwood Park
5701 S Shields Avenue
Chicago, IL 60621

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 (two events)

(1) The final 2011 Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council of 2011. Read recaps of past MBAC meetings.

3 to 4:30 PM
City Hall, Room 1103
121 N LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602

(2) Join project consultants Active Transportation Alliance and Sam Schwartz Engineering for a presentation and discussion about making the 35th Ward a safer and easier place to walk and bike.

6 PM
Armitage Baptist Church
2451 N Kedzie Avenue
Chicago, IL  60647

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Chicago Department of Transportation and Amtrak will host a public meeting from at Union Station to discuss possible improvements suggested by the Chicago Union Station Master Plan study. The meeting will be an open house, with experts and visuals explaining ideas to increase capacity for more trains, people, and traffic on nearby streets.  A narrated presentation will be made at 4:30 PM and again at 6 PM, allowing commuters to attend before boarding trains home.

4 to 7 PM
Union Station, Union Gallery (southwest corner)
210 S Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A fundraiser for West Town Bikes after the Afterglow Cyclocross race brought to you by Cuttin Crew and Robots <3. The first race category starts at 10 AM in Humboldt Park field house. Register online now.

2 PM
Division Street Bar and Grill
2525 W Division Stret
Chicago, IL 60622