Among the many bicycling enthusiasts in Chicago are those who ride bikes as a method of transportation to work and others who work as a bike messengers, some who enjoy a leisurely ride down the lakefront path and others who are masters of the sometimes unnerving art of urban biking. Both nonprofit groups and the City of Chicago (Mayor Daley is a bicycling enthusiast) provide a variety of programming, resources, and events to promote cycling.

For an immediate introduction to these enthusiasts, join the herd on wheels at Daley Plaza (Dearborn & Washington) tomorrow (June 27, 2008) at 5:30 PM for Chicago’s Critical Mass, which convenes the last Friday of every month to celebrate riding bicycles.

The City of Chicago publishes a map of safe biking streets that is particular to the DePaul campus and its academic buildings. There’s also a general form to search a particular neighborhood.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation organizes annual rides and events that are staples in the bicycling community, including Bike the Drive and Bike to Work Week. Check out their web site for information on their outreach and advocacy programs, including how to sign up as a Bike Ambassador.

Don’t forget to wear your helmet!