Chicago's Green Real Estate Company

Green Transportation

Call Us: 312.268.8000

Dream Town Bicycle Program - Give / Get a Bike

In supporting Chicago’s bike-friendly initiatives, Dream Town has started our own bike program. If you have a bicycle to spare, you can donate it. If you need a bicycle to ride, we have them to share!

Please complete the form below and indicate whether you would like to donate or request a bicycle.

Name:

Email:

Reason: I have a bike to donate. I would like a bike.

Comments:

What are the different types of Bikeways in Chicago?

• Bike Lanes are designated sections of the road (5’ or 6’ wide) meant specifically for biker traffic. Bike Lanes exist between travel lanes and street parking. They are indicated by solid white lines and “bike” symbols with an arrow. Bike Lanes are typically found on streets with higher traffic volume.
• Marked Shared Lanes are found on high-traffic streets where there is not enough room for full bike lanes. Marked Shared Lanes are indicated by an outer solid white line and “bike” symbols with two chevrons pointing in the direction of travel.
• Bike Routes are generally on streets that are too narrow for bike lanes but are good for biking. Bicycles and cars must share the same lane and there are usually signs posted with the direction and distance to popular destinations, such as the Loop.
• Multi-use Trails are paved foot and bike paths that are completely separate from motorist roads (such as the Lakefront Trail). No vehicles are permitted on the trails. They are open to cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and inline skaters.

Tips For Riding Bikes In The City

• Always wear a properly fitting helmet.
• Use lights, reflectors and brightly colored clothing to make yourself more visible.
• Install a handlebar mirror or attach one to your helmet/glasses to help see behind you.
• Having a bell or horn is handy to alert others that you are approaching from behind.
• Do not use earphones, a cell phone or other devices that can limit your awareness of what’s going on around you.
• Obey all traffic regulations, including stop signs.
• Do not ride on the sidewalk as it is prohibited by law for anyone 12 years of age or older (unless on a marked bike route).
• Do not ride against traffic, it is illegal to cycle the wrong way down a street.
• Ride at least 4 feet from parked cars when possible to avoid the “Door Zone” where a door could open into your path.
• Use the proper hand signals to indicate when you are going to turn or slow down (left arm straight out to the side = left turn; right arm straight out to the side = right turn; left arm down with palm facing behind you = stop).
• When on a bike route (such as the Lakefront Trail) always pass a slower moving biker or pedestrian on their left and call out/ring your bell when approaching to alert them.
• Always lock your bike up when you are not using it.
• Lock the frame and front wheel to the bike rack or pole (if you have a quick release front wheel, take it off and lock it with the back wheel and frame to the pole).