Safest Route from Northside to Rush University Medical Center

Hello everyone!

 

I am wondering what the best route to take from N. Lincoln and California Avenues (5700 North/2700 West) to Rush University Medical Center would be (approximately 1700 W. Harrison).   I would probably be going there in the afternoon, but wouldn't leave until the evening/night time, and I am not that familiar with the different neighborhoods I will be passing through. I did a Google bike route search which suggested taking California to Damen to the Medical Center,  but I know there are some sketchy hoods along that route.  I also read a few posts on here about Damen and Adams being not that great to go through at night.

 

I have been driving there and back in the car- which I despise doing, but so far between going to work and going to the hospital, it was the only choice that made sense, but now I have the week off of work and can actually use the bike (I miss the bike, so much, especially since I usually commute every single day with it). Now I only need to know a good route. 

 

Anyway, if someone knows a semi-safe route heading that way  and back without taking me totally out of the way (I think it is 10 or so miles using a direct route), I would be very thankful! Or, if someone knows how the neighborhoods are and can just fill me in where to be more wary (I try to always be wary, but certain areas warrant more vigilance than others), that would be great, too. 

 

Thanks,
Melanie 

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Murphy on July 26, 2011 at 4:00am
The only area you might want to avoid is the last mile or so of Damen, around the highway & United Center. You could maybe try cutting over to Racine on Grand and riding through the West Loop instead? That would add about a mile.
Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on July 26, 2011 at 4:16am

California-Grand-Damen is a good route. I think the neighborhoods are fine and Damen has a bike lane. I prefer taking Western south, but Damen would get you to where you need to be. As with any neighborhood, regardless of it's reputation, be aware.

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on July 26, 2011 at 4:30am

Thanks for the input- I was thinking Damen would be the best route, just trying to get an idea of the areas I may be traveling through since I am not familiar with much south of Chicago Avenue and better to be safe than sorry.  I have heard about Damen and nearing the United Center being kind of dicey- so thanks for the advice about cutting to Racine. I don't mind riding a bit out of the way to avoid potential hot spots.  

Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on July 26, 2011 at 6:50am

Western south to Harrison is a fast route, though it is high traffic. You can also cut east on Warren.  It's a nice wide one-way street with a bike lane - pretty quiet and easy to see if anybody's comin at you.  Then you can take Paulina south instead of heading all the way to Racine

 

 

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on July 26, 2011 at 7:45am
California to Damen is fine, the neighborhoods are ok and I travel the route day and night.  But I get off of Damen between Grand and Harrison.  Like you, I heard too many stories about cyclists having trouble near the UC.  I usually cut over Grand to Racine, just as Kathleen suggests.  Howard's Augusta to Oakley route is a good suggestion too.
Permalink Reply by Melanie K on July 26, 2011 at 8:07am

Thanks for all the great suggestions- since my BF is going to be at the hospital for at least week or more, I might just try a new route each day and see which works out the best and which one I feel safest on. Not too worried about getting there quickly, but I am extra wary about riding alone at night and I think taking a different route each day is safer than doing the same one each day/night (I am a bit paranoid, too). 

 

Thank you all again!

Permalink Reply by Stephanie on July 26, 2011 at 9:35am
Well, whatever the route you decide on, I hope your boyfriend is all right!

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