DEDICATED TO PROTECTING CHICAGO'S BIKING COMMUNITY
On September 8, 2022, Sam Bell was riding his bike in a protected bike lane on Milwaukee Avenue near Huron Street in Chicago, Illinois. A driver failed to yield before turning left, and Sam passed away as a result of the accident.
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Your support allows our foundation to implement enhanced safety education protocols and best practices throughout one of the most populated and commuter-friendly cities in America.
Sam spent his life making the world a brighter place with his genuine charm and colorful personality.
Sam spent his life making the world a brighter place with his genuine charm and colorful personality. He was a home-grown Illinois guy, growing up in Galesburg and attending college at Eastern Illinois University. After college, Sam continued building a life of purpose as a business professional, volunteer, and active member of the Chicago community.
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Although an unfortunate accident was the cause of Sam’s passing, the Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation is dedicated to keeping his legacy shining bright in various ways. Including, advocating for cycling safety and safer roads for Chicagoland commuters.
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The Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation’s Chicago Bike Safety Program provides essential education to adults and children in a creative, captivating, and colorful way - while also helping to save lives and prevent future accidents.
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The Chicago Bike Safety initiative, “It’s Cool to Be Safe” was created by The Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation (SBMF) in honor of Sam and all of the other commuters who have lost their lives while cycling in Chicago.
The Chicago Bike Safety “It’s Cool to Be Safe” Program focuses on cycling safety advocacy, awareness, and best practices by supporting safety initiatives, offering digital and printed educational resources, and providing bicycle safety gear (helmets, lights, locks) to adults and children in the Chicagoland area. Areas of focus will be Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, where Sam Bell resided, South Deering on the south side of Chicago, and at various partner locations throughout the city. Part of the program initiative focuses on supplying safety kits and information for low-income populations who may not otherwise have access to safety materials or the funds to purchase safety gear.
In partnership with local bike shops and community organizations that advocate for cyclists and commuters in Chicago, the SBMF provides educational handouts, safety awareness resources, and safety gear at local cycling-specific businesses, community events, and seasonal programs offered throughout the year. SBMF also supports projects spearheaded by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) that enhance the safety of cyclists and commuters.
Although we intend to expand our partnerships throughout the Chicagoland area, our foundation has identified three incredible community organizations to launch the SMBF “It’s Cool to Be Safe” Chicago Bike Safety Program with to start.
Your generous support allows our foundation to provide safety equipment to kids and families from underserved Chicago communities, who may not otherwise be able to afford items such as helmets, lights, and other safety equipment. Thank you for your continued support!
Stay tuned for exciting updates to be announced in Summer 2025!
IT' S COOL TO BE SAFE MISSION FOCUS & IMPACT
EDUCATION
BIKE HELMETS
BIKE LOCKS
BIKE LIGHTS
"IT'S COOL TO BE SAFE" BIKE SAFETY PROGRAM HAS LAUNCHED!
We’re honored to launch this initiative alongside three incredible Chicago organizations whose missions align closely with our own: Bike Lane Uprising, West Town Bikes, and Friends of Big Marsh.
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This program reflects Sam’s spirit, his love of Chicago, and our continued commitment to making cycling safer for everyone. Stay tuned for more program updates and highlights!
BIKE LANE UPRISING
Advocating for safe bike lanes and supporting cyclists affected by crashes.
WEST TOWN BIKES
Offering youth programs, workshops, and community cycling support in Sam’s neighborhood.
FRIENDS OF BIG MARSH
Providing after-school cycling education and hands-on learning for teens.
STRENGTHENING SAFETY ALONG MILWAUKEE AVENUE
The Sam Bell Memorial Foundation was honored to join the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), Mayor Brandon Johnson, and community leaders to celebrate continued progress on the Complete Streets Project and ongoing investments in safer streets across Chicago.
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This meaningful gathering highlighted street safety enhancements along Milwaukee Avenue — the street where Sam’s accident occurred — and reaffirmed the City’s commitment to designing roadways that protect and support all commuters.
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Board Member and avid cyclist Kevin Klein spoke on behalf of SBMF at the ceremony. We were also proud to have Board Member Sean Madison in attendance, representing both the Foundation and Divvy Bikes in his role as General Manager.
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A milestone moment of the event was recognizing Mayor Johnson’s achievement of installing more than 100 miles of new bikeways under his administration, contributing to Chicago’s goal of surpassing 500 miles of total bikeway network citywide.
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SBMF remains dedicated to advocating for safer streets and advancing policies that protect cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. We are grateful for the leadership and partnership of our community and elected officials in moving this important work forward.
get INVOLVED
By completing the form, you are supporting efforts made by the Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation to work in partnership with the City of Chicago to identify and execute a reasonable and effective solution/s to enhance safety and awareness. Solutions will be implemented immediately or as soon as is possible.
Help us reach our goal of 1,000 signatures. Please share the form with everyone you know, especially Chicago drivers and commuters.
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF 1,000 SIGNATURES
