Neil Holdway
@nholdway.bsky.social
Writer/editor, suburbanchicagobicycling.com. Former Daily Herald (Chicago) DME/late news. Past President of ACES: The Society for Editing. Possibly obsessed with U2, and with shrimp and chowda. Opinions expressed are my own.
I thank @activetransport.bsky.social for allowing a post about my website. On Thu 12/4, noon to 1pm, you can join the Suburban Advocacy Connect call as we chat about bikeways around the suburbs. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... 1/2
A journalist’s mission to make riding in the suburbs better | Active Transportation Alliance
After finishing a three-decade career at the Daily Herald, I decided to combine my work and play by creating the […]
activetrans.org
December 2, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I thank @activetransport.bsky.social for allowing a post about my website. On Thu 12/4, noon to 1pm, you can join the Suburban Advocacy Connect call as we chat about bikeways around the suburbs. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... 1/2
That time last year when a 17-year cicada landed on my leg while I was bicycling and stuck with me for 7 miles, my leg rotating up and down along the way. I named him Occhi (Italian for "eyes").
Occhi the 17-year cicada rides my leg as I bicycle
YouTube video by Suburban Chicago Bicycling
youtube.com
August 9, 2025 at 9:45 PM
That time last year when a 17-year cicada landed on my leg while I was bicycling and stuck with me for 7 miles, my leg rotating up and down along the way. I named him Occhi (Italian for "eyes").
The #TourdeFrance had a time trial today up to the Peyragudes ski lodge in the Pyrénées? Oh my goodness. I got to ride that airport ramp with a 16% grade once, with fans cheering me on. Here's what that looks like: youtu.be/vepEbcZiLVM
The Peyragudes ramp: That time I got to ride a Tour de France stage finish
YouTube video by Suburban Chicago Bicycling
youtu.be
July 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The #TourdeFrance had a time trial today up to the Peyragudes ski lodge in the Pyrénées? Oh my goodness. I got to ride that airport ramp with a 16% grade once, with fans cheering me on. Here's what that looks like: youtu.be/vepEbcZiLVM
I'll be chatting about taxes particularly for freelance editors (which is a lot like taxes for any freelancers). Join the #ACESChat at the top of the hour, or mute me if it's too much in the next hour.
We're starting the next #ACESChat in just a few minutes! Don't go away.
#ACESChat is tomorrow! Don't miss @nholdway.bsky.social talking about taxes for freelancers. July 15, 4 p.m. ET.
July 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
I'll be chatting about taxes particularly for freelance editors (which is a lot like taxes for any freelancers). Join the #ACESChat at the top of the hour, or mute me if it's too much in the next hour.
As the #TourdeFrance enters the mountains, here's what it's like for a mere amateur to ride them -- and down them (see videos).
suburbanchicagobicycling.com/vacationing-...
suburbanchicagobicycling.com/vacationing-...
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
July 14, 2025 at 10:16 PM
As the #TourdeFrance enters the mountains, here's what it's like for a mere amateur to ride them -- and down them (see videos).
suburbanchicagobicycling.com/vacationing-...
suburbanchicagobicycling.com/vacationing-...
Tax talk (for freelance editors) about to happen in an @acesediting.bsky.social webinar!
6/7/25 ACES Editors Corner is out: #VCON25 registration. Also writingruth.bsky.social's #ACESChat: basics of editing & proofreading, June 18; @nholdway.bsky.social's June 17 webcast on freelancing & taxes. Both at 4 pm ET. Plus our newest newest member benefit: The Editorium: tinyurl.com/mpbfh77r
June 17, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Tax talk (for freelance editors) about to happen in an @acesediting.bsky.social webinar!
Reposted by Neil Holdway
I'll be answering questions on disclosing AI use at today's ACES Chat. Hope to see you there!
#ACESChat #aidisclosure #copyediting #aiethics
#ACESChat #aidisclosure #copyediting #aiethics
Tomorrow, 4 p.m. ET: #ACESChat-Amy Frushour Kelly: “Disclosing AI: Who, What, When, How?” Amy is an editor, AI consultant, & advocate for ethical AI. Frequent speaker on disclosure & accountability. Founder of the “Ethics in AI: Editors & Creators” meetup. ACES Board member. @amyedits.bsky.social
June 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I'll be answering questions on disclosing AI use at today's ACES Chat. Hope to see you there!
#ACESChat #aidisclosure #copyediting #aiethics
#ACESChat #aidisclosure #copyediting #aiethics
38 bicycle-pedestrian projects in Chicago's suburbs that were awarded state funding: bit.ly/bikepedproje...
And about three dozen that weren't: bit.ly/bikepedrejec...
And about three dozen that weren't: bit.ly/bikepedrejec...
38 bike-ped projects: Where in the suburbs new state funds will go – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
bit.ly
June 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
38 bicycle-pedestrian projects in Chicago's suburbs that were awarded state funding: bit.ly/bikepedproje...
And about three dozen that weren't: bit.ly/bikepedrejec...
And about three dozen that weren't: bit.ly/bikepedrejec...
National Bike Month is almost over, but summer is about to begin. So if you're in the Chicago area, it's time to review the top bike trail options. I just updated my list ...
Top suburban Chicago bike trails: A beginning look – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
May 28, 2025 at 9:30 PM
National Bike Month is almost over, but summer is about to begin. So if you're in the Chicago area, it's time to review the top bike trail options. I just updated my list ...
@acesediting.bsky.social members, just hours left to vote on a great slate of candidates we have for the board of directors. Read about the candidates and cast a ballot ...
Attention, ACES members: Today is the last day to vote for the Board of Directors. It's your association. Where do you want it to go? The ballot closes at midnight ET. tinyurl.com/27rrakhp
May 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM
@acesediting.bsky.social members, just hours left to vote on a great slate of candidates we have for the board of directors. Read about the candidates and cast a ballot ...
Do you have a great mentor in your career and life? We have an award for which you can nominate that person ...
The 3rd annual Henry Fuhrmann Mentor Award is open for nominations till June 15. @acesediting.bsky.social & AAJA-LA present this award to a journalism mentor who has consistently guided others. Nominate yourself or someone you admire as a mentor. aceseditors.org/awards/henry...
#Journalism #Mentor
#Journalism #Mentor
May 14, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Do you have a great mentor in your career and life? We have an award for which you can nominate that person ...
I just learned that Grand Teton is an awfully bike-friendly national park for vacationing bicyclists. What about the other ones? Here’s what I know so far from my visits plus Park Service advice.
Vacation planning: Which national parks are really bike-friendly? – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
April 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
I just learned that Grand Teton is an awfully bike-friendly national park for vacationing bicyclists. What about the other ones? Here’s what I know so far from my visits plus Park Service advice.
Ride your bike by mountains but not actually do hill work? Why Grand Teton could be a Chicago-area bicyclist's perfect national park.
Spring break: Why biking in the Tetons works well for Chicagoans – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
April 16, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Ride your bike by mountains but not actually do hill work? Why Grand Teton could be a Chicago-area bicyclist's perfect national park.
Why is one Chicago suburb shifting away from bike lanes on neighborhood streets in favor of off-street paths? I pored over records ...
Road work in Schaumburg: Eliminating bike lanes in favor of off-road paths – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
April 9, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Why is one Chicago suburb shifting away from bike lanes on neighborhood streets in favor of off-street paths? I pored over records ...
As I watched the documentary "Bike Vessel" on PBS, I couldn't help wonder about the father and son's route — especially how exactly they got from Joliet to the Chicago lakefront on the final day of their four-day ride from St. Louis. So I asked them. Here's the route and where they trained.
‘Bike Vessel’ documentary: Where exactly father and son rode, and ride, in the Chicago area – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
March 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
As I watched the documentary "Bike Vessel" on PBS, I couldn't help wonder about the father and son's route — especially how exactly they got from Joliet to the Chicago lakefront on the final day of their four-day ride from St. Louis. So I asked them. Here's the route and where they trained.
It's warming up, so we can get out and ride our bikes. But ... that wind. Here's some advice for tackling it, with a few video demonstrations. (For one, don't wear a trash bag.)
Play the wind! How to bike in the suburban and exurban breezes – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
March 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM
It's warming up, so we can get out and ride our bikes. But ... that wind. Here's some advice for tackling it, with a few video demonstrations. (For one, don't wear a trash bag.)
Daylight saving time is about upon us — hooray! Does that mean less need for lights when riding your bike? Despite research and campaigns, there's not universal agreement on daytime running lights. And our laws don't address them at all (I checked). Here's a good look at them (with video) ...
Daylight life-saving time: Should you always ride your bike with lights on? – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
March 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Daylight saving time is about upon us — hooray! Does that mean less need for lights when riding your bike? Despite research and campaigns, there's not universal agreement on daytime running lights. And our laws don't address them at all (I checked). Here's a good look at them (with video) ...
Suburban Chicago Bicycling news: International Women's Day rides coming up, and big intersection improvements making a regional priority list. Plus, Sheridan Road.
March is here! Let the organized rides begin
International Women's Day rides next weekend, plus priority transportation projects to help bicyclists in the suburbs
suburbanchicagobicycling.kit.com
March 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Suburban Chicago Bicycling news: International Women's Day rides coming up, and big intersection improvements making a regional priority list. Plus, Sheridan Road.
The last in my I'm-dreaming-of-summer-bicycling-along-Lake-Michigan video series: Scenes from my ride on a different Lake Shore Drive last August, in Michiana and New Buffalo, Michigan.
How to get through freakin’ February, part 3: See and hear Lake Michigan in Michiana – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 21, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The last in my I'm-dreaming-of-summer-bicycling-along-Lake-Michigan video series: Scenes from my ride on a different Lake Shore Drive last August, in Michiana and New Buffalo, Michigan.
It's still cold, it's still February. So let's imagine riding on Chicago's DuSable Lake Shore Drive in late summer with the sun still rising, via this video mashing up the 2021 and 2024 Active Transportation Alliance Bike the Drive events.
How to get through freakin’ February, part 2: Summer sunrise on Lake Shore Drive – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
It's still cold, it's still February. So let's imagine riding on Chicago's DuSable Lake Shore Drive in late summer with the sun still rising, via this video mashing up the 2021 and 2024 Active Transportation Alliance Bike the Drive events.
10 degrees F tops all week in the Chicago area??? We’re really ready to be done with February and winter, right? We need coping mechanisms. The sounds of Lake Michigan in June are a start. Catch some in my video of a ride through the town of Fort Sheridan, at the 04:30 and 07:00 marks.
How to get through freakin’ February, part 1: Listen to Lake Michigan in June – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
10 degrees F tops all week in the Chicago area??? We’re really ready to be done with February and winter, right? We need coping mechanisms. The sounds of Lake Michigan in June are a start. Catch some in my video of a ride through the town of Fort Sheridan, at the 04:30 and 07:00 marks.
We are screening Ellen Jovin’s docucomedy “Rebel With A Clause,” about her and Brandt Johnson’s Grammar Table road trip uniting people across the country, at the end of the ACES conference April 5 in Salt Lake City. But you gotta get tickets separately for it: aceseditors.org/conference/2...
February 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
We are screening Ellen Jovin’s docucomedy “Rebel With A Clause,” about her and Brandt Johnson’s Grammar Table road trip uniting people across the country, at the end of the ACES conference April 5 in Salt Lake City. But you gotta get tickets separately for it: aceseditors.org/conference/2...
NBC 5 Chicago, for some reason, revisited the costs of studying the Route 53 extension through Lake County. It only touched on the greenway and trail system now proposed for that land. So what's up with that anyway?
NBC 5 report: About that greenway on the Lake County Route 53 land – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 14, 2025 at 8:32 PM
NBC 5 Chicago, for some reason, revisited the costs of studying the Route 53 extension through Lake County. It only touched on the greenway and trail system now proposed for that land. So what's up with that anyway?
Some of the basic and a couple of the stickier questions when you're starting a bicycling habit ...
Cushy seat? Ride on sidewalks? Go commando? Shave legs? Tips for beginners – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 7, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Some of the basic and a couple of the stickier questions when you're starting a bicycling habit ...
Should a bicyclist passing a walker or another bicyclist on a bike trail always call out "On your left!"? That's common advice, but maybe it's a matter of tone.
‘On your left!’ When should a bicyclist really call it out? – Suburban Chicago Bicycling
suburbanchicagobicycling.com
February 6, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Should a bicyclist passing a walker or another bicyclist on a bike trail always call out "On your left!"? That's common advice, but maybe it's a matter of tone.