Remember the road to nowhere ? Well, it was officially inaugurated earlier this morning, and it seems that it may end up going somewhere in the future.
Ald. Laurino speaks to neighbors and cyclists gathered at the inauguration of the Sauganash Bike Trail.
39th ward alderman Margaret Laurino spoke at the inaugurtion ceremony, along with state representative John d'Amico Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Thomas Byrne. Interestingly, both Laurino and Byrne had considerable difficulty pronouncing the word "bicyclist", and in the effort, Commissioner Byrne coined the term "bikalist", which I don't think is too bad. Rep. D'Amico confessed that he used the new trail for running rather than cycling, and even when prodded a little bit, would not commit to cycling in the future.
All three were put to shame by the Mayor of the neighboring village of Lincolnwood, Gerald Turry, who arrived on a road bike in full cycling gear, and professed his readiness to extend the bike path through his town along the old rail line.
The proposed extension of the trail through the northern suburbs would eventually link this area to a network of bike trails.
Here are some other snapshots for the opening of the Sauganash Trail:
The requisite plaque.
What are we waiting for? let's ride!
There were quite a few bike police officers.
Of course, we rode our stretch-limo.
Many people brought rain gear.
Some cuter than others.
Rob Sadowsky of CBF wore a very cool rain poncho.
And rode a very handsome bike.
I don't know if the CBF were officially thanked. But I'm sure they deserve it.
That 'I bike Chicago' shirt is AWESOME!!
Where can I get one??
Posted by: SweetD | June 21, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I dunno. I'm actually hoping that guy is reading this and will tell us. I didn't get to talk to him at the event. Anyone?
Posted by: Justyna | June 21, 2008 at 05:51 PM
The shirt is from the '07 Bike to Work Rally. I just gave mine away. (I don't look good in brown).
Posted by: mark | June 23, 2008 at 12:03 PM