Meter remains as a courtesy to cyclist

Last year the City of Chicago privatized street parking throughout the city in a move that would trade the  revenue stream from 36,000 parking meters in exchange for a lump sum of cash.  Soon after the deal,  parking meters that lined the streets were ripped out and replaced by a single pay box. However, not all the parking meters disappeared. Some were were still chillin on edge of the sidewalk like they always had before, but now instead of accepting change, they have a sticker saying “Meter remains as a courtesy to cyclists.”  So, while the privatization of street parking may cost more and be a pain in the arse for  drivers, it looks like the bikers in Chicago now have another option upon which to hitch their rides. And for Scared Panda? Well, we created a sweet t-shirt.

When I got the idea to create this t-shirt we were already very deep in the creation process of three other shirts.  I went to artist Kimberly McGuire (creator of Tamale! Tamale!) because I knew she could turn around an awesome design very quickly.

The organization we chose to donate 10% of the sales of this t-shirt to is the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. I first learned about the Mercy Home when I started playing indoor soccer at its soccer facility two winters ago. Since then I’ve realized that the Mercy Home is not just an awesome place for me and my friends to pretend we are professional soccer players. More importantly, it’s been caring for troubled youth in the city for more than 100 years – from giving them a safe home, tutoring them or providing them with medical care. The Mercy Home has incredible impact in Chicago and we want to help make sure they can assist those in need for years to come.

So check out the Bike Meter T-Shirt and let me know what you think. I’m wearing mine right now and have already gotten three or four comments on it .

- Clint