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See you at the Street Love Ride!!
Community Expo, 6pm - 8pm
Ride @ 8pm
Why We Ride
For our team, bike riding is a powerful way to explore the city and surrounding areas.
For our city, we've been inspired by groups such as Critical Mass, Slow Roll Chicago, Think Outside da Block, and the Active Transportation Alliance, that have pulled together masses of people in community, in motion! 🚲🚲🚲
With the inspiration and support of Theodore Thompson of Sidetown Sideshow LLC and others, we have taken on the festive mission of spreading joy and community through our annual West side ride series - Bike Out Negativity in May, and the Street Love Ride in August. We bring music, smiles, and genuine human connection on our route. Expect honks and cheers of support as we ride, and reciprocate with greetings and positive vibes! 🎈🎈🎈
As with all of our events and services, the Street Love Ride is entirely *free* to the community, with perks including a limited number of free t-shirts, glow sticks, and more! That said, we invite donations to support our mission of empowering youth to realize the best in themselves. Boxing Out Negativity offers year-round sports-based violence prevention programming and street outreach in addition to our summer event series. We believe every child is worthy of investment and support, and that no child should be in a position to see the streets as their best or only option!
Planning for the Ride:
- 🎈🚲 Arrive early!!! 🚲🎈Riders are asked to check in when they arrive on site. The first 300 registered riders to arrive on-site will receive FREE Boxing Out Negativity t-shirts! We recommend arriving by 7:30pm at the very latest. We will also have a limited number of *free* rider bags, glow sticks, and balloon vests available - help us spread joy by donning some balloons for the ride!
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Location. The expo and ride start/end point can be located with the GPS address: 3147 W. Douglas Blvd., Chicago, IL.
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Parking. Parking is available in the Greater Open Door Baptist Church parking lot one block north of the event from 5pm - 10:30pm - the best GPS address for the lot entrance is: 1322 S. Kedzie Ave. *NOTE: You must move your car after the ride. Street parking is also available: carefully obey all signage.
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The community expo will feature music, snacks/drinks, and tabling by community partners, including:
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Riot Fest will be there to recruit temporary employees for Sept. 6th - 20th. (A special *thank you* to Riot Fest for assisting with volunteers for this ride!)
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Out Our Front Door will be making s'mores and spreading the word about their work to lead immersive, inclusive, and educational bike camping adventures!
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Free reiki energy healing sessions by Reiki Brigade, which believes in fostering peace through energy healing. Relax before the ride!
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Free books from Open Books!
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Lavender Gemini Wax and Skin will be on-hand to educate attendees about their products and services!
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Girls in the Game will be there - be sure to stop by to learn about their incredible work to empower girls through their fun and active sports, health, and leadership programs!
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Divvy/Lyft will be providing information on their Divvy for Everyone program!
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The SAFE Ambassadors will be on-hand to support bike safety.
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Restrooms. There will be restrooms available at St. Agatha Church, 3147 W. Douglas Blvd., during the pre-ride community expo and immediately following the ride. Look for posted signs! That said, facilities are limited, please plan accordingly!
Let's Ride!
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The ride is expected to be approx. 1.5 to 2 hours - a slow, fun 9-mile winding route through the West side! Expect occasional stops to "mass up" (make sure the ride is staying together), or to distribute gifts or share a moment of joy with residents! (Have you seen the video of last year's spontaneous dance-off?) :)
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Rider safety. We encourage all riders to complete the Ride Illinois bike safety quiz prior to the event - available in both English and Spanish. Please wear helmets; be mindful of traffic, potholes, speed bumps, and other road hazards; and remain attentive throughout the ride. If you see a road obstruction, you can help by calling it to the attention of other riders (e.g. "Pothole!"). While we will have a "squad" team riding in paprika-red shirts who will be working hard to support the safety of the ride, all individuals ride at their own risk!
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Should you encounter a flat tire or other challenge along the way, look for assistance from the SAG (Support & Gear) team on bikes from Working Bikes, or the support vehicle at the rear of the ride!
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Bikes. All riders are asked to bring their own bikes. Divvy has generously provided a *very limited number* of loaner e-bikes for riders aged 16+ (with a parent, or 18+ on their own), first-come, first-serve, but we expect these to be claimed very quickly!
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Visibility (Safe AND Fun!). We encourage you to enhance your visibility with reflective or brightly colored clothing, bike lights, and any other means! We'll also be providing balloon vests to those who want them, compliments of Sidetown Sideshow LLC, and a limited number of glow-sticks, first-come, first-serve! Be part of the positive spectacle!
Weather:
The forecast is currently mostly-sunny with a high of 85 degrees. We ride at dusk, so the weather is looking clear and will probably be in the mid-to-high 70s at ride time. You're encouraged to watch for changes in the forecast and plan accordingly. Right now it's looking like a PERFECT night for riding!!
Covid-19 Precautions:
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For the comfort of all, we ask attendees remain mindful of distance and to err on the side of safety and consideration for one another.
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If you are feeling ill, we ask that you stay at home out of consideration for all participants. We still love you - we'll just look forward to seeing you at our rides next year!!
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