Hey, is that a painted bike lane on a neighborhood street?

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In Elgin: I finally rode through a different part of Elgin than I usually ride and discovered more of the city's bike facilities. Like, bike lanes painted green, sharrows, "Bike Route" signs and off-road paths all are used. I had to update the Elgin listing in my compilation of bicycling infrastructure suburb by suburb.

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In Schaumburg: My trip came on top of a little bike path controversy in Schaumburg, where a lane reduction and roundabout were approved for Springinsguth Road but a bike path that crosses the street away from a school was singled out for further discussion, at the mayor's behest. It shows some downside to the suburb's move from bike lanes to off-road paths. The discussion now tops my news round-up.

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In Arlington Heights: The Schaumburg mayor responded to a resident speaking up. The Daily Herald reported that something similar happened in Arlington Heights, where trustees were ready to approve new age limits for e-bikes but pulled back after residents and advocates lobbied for leniency. That now tops the e-bike law round-up.

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Back in Elgin: I discovered those green bike lanes in Elgin while rediscovering Highland Avenue, a surprisingly scenic road west out of the city. It's for more serious cyclists, who'd find the 8 miles worth the trip and Pingree Grove a bonus. Look.​

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Or look at cicadas: You're hearing the cicadas now, right? Those are the "dog-day cicadas." They made me dig out the pictures and video of the 17-year cicadas we had last year. Remember? See their cool scientific name and why the annual cicadas are also called "harvest flies" in this chirpy look back.

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Upcoming rides: Tomorrow (Saturday) morning is a ride just over the border in Sharon, Wisconsin, where every rest stop is an ice cream shop. You heard right. With four loops, you can ride distances big and small. Next Saturday night, on the 23rd, is the Busse Woods Night Ride. Check the ride list.

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Do the cicadas bug you? Enjoy 'em now; when they go quiet, summer's over. — Neil

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THANK YOU to donors Alan White, John Heer, Terry Witt, Mitchell C. Jones, T L Szensy, Douglas H. Hoffman and James Krause. They're helping support my website and work. You can, too. Any little bit helps. (Buy me a cup of coffee, as some say?)

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