As part of its mission to serve a broad and diverse audience, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation seeks feedback on the bicycling environment and how it can better serve bicyclists throughout the region.

The non-profit organization has worked for more than 20 years to engage people in bicycling, encourage activity, increase traffic safety, and design a world-class bicycle facilities network. As North America's largest bicycling and pedestrian advocacy organization, it has nearly 6,000 members, more than 1,000 volunteers and 35 full- and part-time staff.

"Our goal is to diversify our membership so it more closely matches the census demographics," said Rob Sadowsky, executive director at the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. "This survey is an outreach tool to help us work with every community."

Tammy captured the L.A.T.E. ride experience on Flickr. If you liked her story, you can see what it looked like on July 14th. The L.A.T.E. ride is a benefit for Friends of the Park.

By Tammy Green (See Tammy's slideshow of the ride)

On Sunday, July 15th, I decided to bike through the city with 10,000 like-minded people. What made it unusual and exciting was the 1:30 a.m. start time - a time when I'm usually asleep in my bed with my comforter tucked under my chin. Not on Sunday!

Sunday's ride was the L.A.T.E. ride (http://www.lateride.org/) in support of the Friends of the Parks http://www.fotp.org/), an organization that supports Chicago's parks.

While I was pleased my entry fee was going toward a worthy cause, what drew me to the ride was the chance to meet new people and see the city from a new perspective as well as the adventure of staying out late to ride my bike.

The thrill of being out with my bike carried me through the experience of getting it to Buckingham Fountain. There were delays due to track work on the Brown Line, and knowing this, I had left extra time to get downtown.

Join us for a bicycling celebration!

Gather with the movers and shakers behind the bicycling movement at the 2007 Bike Town Bash. The annual fundraising soiree hosted by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is 6 to 10 p.m. July 21 at the Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.

Experience the synergy of green-technology and innovative culture while bidding on silent auction items and sampling food and drink. Enjoy local DJs and great prizes at this unique, green-building gem located blocks from the Museum of Science and Industry.

Admission is $40 for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members and $45 for non-members. RSVP today at www.biketraffic.org/bash or call 312-427-3325, ext. 241.