Pedal Power

I've been contemplating buying a bike for the past few months. Warmer temperatures have helped that sentiment. But also it's not a bad way to get around the city. Between traffic, $4 gas prices, and doing most stuff within a two mile radius it's logically not a bad idea. Yeah, the semester's pretty much over, but it can turn a twenty minute campus walk into a five minute ride.

Biking in the city? Chicago's actually a reasonably bike-friendly city, with quite a few roads having actual bike lanes on them. You'll see bikes among traffic downtown, as well as out in the neighborhoods. Don't know how I feel about riding directly next to traffic, but maybe I'll find out if I follow through with this. All I know is I feel a little uncomfortable *driving* next to bikes sometimes. And speaking of bike lanes, Chicago actually has a ~18 mile trail/path right along the lake. That's actually one of the higher reasons I'm wanting a bike. Decent exercise, plus I get a pretty nice view while doing so.

As for the actual bike, I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm definitely getting a used one, but that's about all I know. That said, I'm open to any and all advice. And now back to the nap/study cycle...stupid year long finals coming up. Four down, three to go!