Poster by David Jensen

Sarah Murray founded the Slow Bicycle Society last spring, a year after car accidents, engine fires, and lemons drove her to start commuting by bicycle. The group is the Chicago branch of an international movement for relaxed biking, akin to the Slow Food movement. “What is the rush? Why is everyone clipping along? Are they late? Does it matter? Are they enjoying the ride?” asks Murray. “These are critically important issues.”

The society’s first seasonal ride, the Summer Slowterium, included a picnic stop and a meal at Jane’s Restaurant in Bucktown. For the second, the Autumnal Slowterium, participants will gather at the 31st Street Beach this Saturday at 10am and head down along the lakefront to 55th Street at speeds no faster than 8 mph. In Hyde Park, the society will pick up lunches from Rajun Cajun and picnic at Promontory Point before partaking in the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. For more information, see the Facebook event or email Murray at slowbicyclesociety@gmail.com