I also ride a aluminum hybrid bike from working bikes. I try to do the majority of my local trips by bike and also really enjoy group rides.
I've been working to improve bike infrastructure on the southwest side. Really excited because CDOT is currently working with us and we also have a supportive alder for the first time.
A few groups such as Chicago bike grid now and better streets Chicago have semi active mastodon accounts. I would definitely like to see chibike and carfreechicago communities replicated here on lemmy.