The Urban Rider: Chicago
Chicago has a long-standing rep for its biking-passion. And for good reason. For those not wanting to get stuck in the Windy City’s infamous traffic gridlocks, 170 miles of on-street shared bike lanes gives Chicagoans an alternative to dealing with car traffic. It’s also a quick and affordable way to get around the city, whether you’re cruising down Michigan Avenue or dodging tourists at Navy Pier. Mayor Rahm Emanuel also announced August 5 that the city is building 30 more miles of bike lanes this year—part of a planned 650-mile cycling network to be finished by 2020. The city’s overall goal? Put a bike trail or path within a half-mile of every Chicagoan.
Bikeable Miles: 117 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, and dozens of miles
Recommended Route: The 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail hugs Lake Michigan’s southeastern rim. Ride the asphalt sandwiched between the city’s sandy beaches and domineering skyscrapers.
