In Biking the Boulevards, Geoffrey Baer bikes his way across Chicago, using the city's network of boulevards. The boulevards are wide, tree-lined streets, which connect Chicago's largest parks. This system of parks and boulevards was the first of its kind in the country - imagined nearly 150 years ago. Discover how these boulevards came to be and explore these magnificent parks, from Washington and Sherman Parks on the South Side, to Douglas, Humboldt and Garfield on the West. These green spaces are often overlooked, but they're every bit as beautiful as Chicago's famous lakefront parks.
Geoffrey invites you to take a new look at the old neighborhoods that emerged along these boulevards in the 19th Century. Places like Bronzeville, Englewood, Back of the Yards, Lawndale, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square. Many of these enclaves have seen their share of hard times over the years, but hidden just beneath the surface you'll find some remarkable surprises.
And speaking of surprises, Chicago's had not one, but three cycling enthusiasts in City Hall. The city was once the bicycle-building capital of America. And where women cyclists raised eyebrows, by taking up what was considered a masculine pursuit. And, you can take a look ahead to the future, as Chicago pursues its quest to be the most bicycle-friendly city in America.