LOOP — Winter Bike to Work Day is returning to Daley Plaza, this time with treats.
The 14th annual "celebration of cyclists who don't let gloomy winter days or wind chill stop them from pedaling to work" will begin Friday morning, according to the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance.
Cyclists are encouraged to warm up with Dark Matter Coffee and Eli's Cheesecake from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Hot chocolate and tea also will be served.
The event is the culmination of the first weeklong "Roll the Cold Bike Challenge" organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, an organization dedicated to safer and easier cycling in Chicago.
The alliance estimates 8,000 people use a bike to commute in Chicago during winter. DNAinfo Chicago previously asked some of these "winter warriors" for tips on braving the elements.
Scott Elder, 43, of Wicker Park, said he tucks an extra pair of gloves under his armpits so that they're warm when it's time to switch gloves.
"I learned this trick from a guy who used to be in the Army," he said.
Dominic Casey, 48, of Albany Park uses hashtag #bikechi to get the word from other local bicyclists.
Hannah Zenke, 23, of Logan Square simply advises to "layer up."
Bicyclists can also save $7 on the annual MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive held over Memorial Day Weekend by registering online at www.bikethedrive.org, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Friday.
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