Nina here. I am usually not one for yearly resolutions, but this year there are a few projects/initiatives and goals I am excited to share with you all, and perhaps inspire you to join me!

Number 1: Get involved. Period!

Besides bicycling, I’ve learned that many of us local bike enthusiasts have another thing in common: we don’t know where to start when getting involved in improving our bicycling community. It can be hard to track down meetings or upcoming projects and because of this, I am working to launch a new blog series: This Week Beyond the Bike Lane. In this blog I will share with you upcoming public meetings, forums and events that you can get involved in. Keep an eye out for it soon!

Number 2: Share what ya know!

We all have something to share with each other. My Dad once asked me about bike routes to the mall, and I was able to share with him my experience biking to and from the mall during our Old Chicago Ride we do in September (yes we will do one this year too!), while my Dad shares with me his favorite Mountain Bike trails.

Perhaps you have a friend wanting to bike more, but doesn’t know when to start. Help them! Share with them your tips and tricks, routes and trails, anything to get them rollin’ on two wheels.

Number 3: Inspire your friends! Create impact together!

Finally… we can’t all do it alone, and it’s so much fun to work together! Here are some things you can get your friends and family together and work on:

1. Sign the Connect our Canals Petition and get email updates on the initiative! Get updated on emails, public meetings, tours and more.

2. Keep up with ACHD public meetings! The next one is the Cassia Street Bikeway and Sidewalk Pla this Thursday. Get the event deets here and bring your Bench neighborhood friends and family!

3. Finally, stay tuned to when I launch our newest blog series: This Week Beyond the Bike Lane. I can’t wait to talk bikes with you!