I had to make another trip to my hometown of Galesburg, Ill. to take care of some family business the other day. I had mentioned in a trip earlier this year that I was amazed at the lack of cycling that goes on there. It is a small (40K population)town where some of the old midwestern charm is still preserved like the original copper trim on some of the early 20th century buildings.
A railroad town best known as the birthplace of Carl Sandburg, it also is home to two colleges and has, since the seventies a well developed infrastructure of marked bike routes and an attractive MUP through a lovely rec area.
When I came earlier in the year I was shocked to find no cycling going on...at all. Now it August, the weather is perfect and I set out for an afternoon to see how many cyclists were about. There was this lady
who thanked me profusely for letting her know I was passing.
Then there was nothing, I rode the entire loop of routes and MUP through the area, and at the apartments near Knox College I noticed
some sign of cycling life. Even an excellent example of vintage Trek,
an old 400 still in use. But nobody riding through all this light, slow traffic. I really couldn't believe my eyes.
As I mentioned, in the old days there was a very successful and active bike dealer, but he was long gone and nobody came to replace him. No advocacy, no participation. It's a shame, this place is so flat it's single speed heaven.
I went out for a cup of coffee the morning I was leaving and finally saw another
commuting on his department store Schwinn. Oh, well, it won't keep the rest of us from enjoying ourselves.
I have spent a little time in Galesburg. I used to work for a company (www.trilliumdell.com)
ReplyDeletethat was just outside of Knoxville, IL. Great company that does awesome work. Next time you go home you should see if you can check out their shop.
What an interesting coincidence. How long were you there? One thing I always look forward to seeing is the incredibly colorful sunsets.
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