Ridin' green

Beside being good for your health and not polluting, "it's faster than driving," says Chris Kennedy, president of the Merchandise Mart.

He bikes from his home in Kenilworth downtown to the Mart at least once a week, carpooling other days.

"Every time I get in the car, it's an admission that we haven't confronted the energy issue," says Kennedy.

A variety of gadgets are available -- like one called the Xtracycle -- that let cyclists haul shopping bags, small furniture and other unwieldy items.

But, for most people, the bike goes in the garage when it's cold or snowy. Another non-driving option that the environment-minded don't need to feel guilty about using: public transit.

One full CTA train, for instance, carries the equivalent of 1,000 vehicles. Beyond that, the CTA has been using ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in its 2,000-plus bus fleet since 2003. The CTA also has ordered 650 low-emission buses, and the agency is in the process of replacing its wooden rail ties with ones made from recycled plastic.