Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp. will see a lot more kids riding their bicycles in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood as it joins eight other local organizations that promote bicycling in Chicago due to recent grant support from SRAM.

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp. recently received a SRAM Bicycling Mini-Grant, an initiative of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, to provide funding for a community-based encouragement program that includes safe bicycling skills for young people.

"The SRAM Mini-Grant will have a significant impact on BickerBikes, providing at-risk youth the opportunity to build skills and increase self-sufficiency," said Chrissie Richards of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp., a community development organization serving families, children and seniors in West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan Square and Hermosa. "Our program is lean and grants like SRAM's go a long way."

SRAM Bicycling Mini-Grants fund activities that promote bicycling in Chicago, such as International Walk and Bike to School Day initiatives, after-school campaigns, and trail projects. Totaling $12,000 for all nine organizations, grant amounts range from $50 to $2,000.

"SRAM is particularly proud to support these cycling programs in and around our hometown of Chicago," said SRAM Media Manager Michael Zellmann. "Hopefully this modest effort can encourage better physical health and greater energy conservation."

Other organizations receiving grants include:

1. ABJ Community Services (www.abj.org). Provide funding for a community-based encouragement program that includes safe bicycling skills for young people.

2. Chicago Bike Winter (www.bikewinter.org). Expand marketing efforts and create procedures for better documentation and evaluation of outreach initiatives.

3. Break the Gridlock (www.breakthegridlock.org). Support the annual Break the Gridlock conference.

4. Chicago Community Bicycle Project. Support the construction of a fully equipped bicycle maintenance shop mounted on a bicycle trailer available throughout the city.

5. Esmond Elementary School, 1865 W. Montvale Ave., Chicago. Initiate school's new bicycle club, which encourages students to ride more in and outside regular school hours.

6. Family Focus (www.family-focus.org). Support Bicycling Family Nights, which give families in disadvantaged areas the opportunity to learn about the advantages of bicycling while enjoying family-friendly experiences at local schools.

7. Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital (Schwab's Program for Innovative Non-Competitive Cycling), 1401 S. California Ave., Chicago. Increase participation and volunteer recruitment, register an increased number of participants in bicycle rides and events at no charge, and increase disability awareness among the able-bodied population.

8. West Town Bikes (www.westtownbikes.org). Help transition this organization toward fiscal independence and the next phase of its growth, while allowing for modest compensation to the instructors of its bicycle mechanics workshops.

"The SRAM Mini-Grant Program is a wonderful opportunity to kick-start new and creative initiatives that encourage more adults and children to become bicyclists and incorporate physical activity into their daily lives," said Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Executive Director Rob Sadowsky.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation administers the grant program on behalf of SRAM. The grants are distributed twice per year. The next grant deadline is Feb. 1, 2007. For more information, contact Rob Sadowsky at rob@biketraffic.org or (312) 427-3325, ext. 228.

Chicago-based SRAM was founded in 1987 and is credited with creating grip shift technology. They make bicycle components including shifters, derailleurs, brakes, chains, and other bike parts. For more information on SRAM, visit www.sram.com.

Founded in 1985, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation works to improve the bicycling environment and thereby the quality of life in the region by promoting bicycle safety, education and facilities, and by encouraging use of the bicycle as an energy-efficient, economical and nonpolluting form of transportation and as a healthful and enjoyable form of recreation. For more information on the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, call (312) 427-3325 or visit www.biketraffic.org.