Biking from Logan Square to Lombard: is it safe?

A friend is having a bbq/pool party out in the suburbs this Saturday, and if the weather co-operates, I'm thinking about biking to it, rather than driving.

My concern is safety. This is the general route I'm thinking about taking: http://goo.gl/bsG7i

I'm a bit afraid that, since I'm returning after dark, my trip through Austin etc won't be safe.  I'm not too worried.  I may be a woman, but as a 6' woman who's generally pretty good at having an air of, "you don't want to fuck with me, mate" when necessary, I've never had any issue of walking/biking in darkness beyond the normal catcalls/shouting.

Plus, I ride a hybrid, with a rather upright posture.  When I combine that with a safety vest and my terrifyingly bright front light, I've had many people comment that they thought I was the police.

Does anybody have any advice?  (apart from putting on plenty of sunblock!)  Or encouragement of, "yeah, do it girl!"  I've never traveled out to the suburbs by bike before.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Costello on June 21, 2013 at 10:20am



IPP=Illinois Prairie Path.

Permalink Reply by John C. Wilson on June 21, 2013 at 2:09pm

There is nothing unusual or extreme in stating the obvious. Dark untrafficked areas are not where you should be at night. Christine asked if persons here thought it was safe. If you want to advise that it is safe and want to be accountable for that opinion go ahead.



h' 1.0 said:

+1.

I keep my ear to the ground and can't think of any assaults I've heard of on the Prarie Path in recent years.

Surely a statement such as this must be based on first hand knowledge of some occurrence or occurrences?

Hopefull John will come forth as I believe it will benefit all of us to know what specific risks we're facing and precisely where.

peter moormann said:

An interesting strong opinion John. 

Can you please tell us of  the events that lead to your conclusion regarding the differing levels of unsafeness.

I'm curious as I live in Forest Park and ride IPP often and have not heard of any incidents.

thanks

petem

John C. Wilson said:

IPP is Illinois Prairie Path. After dark it is less safe than a Chicago park after closing time.  There are old railroad frontage streets along most all of the IPP route and those are better than the path anywhere east of I-294. In the daytime.  After dark don't be on the path. Having lights just makes you an easier target.

Permalink Reply by John C. Wilson on June 22, 2013 at 6:06pm


Peter

The IPP in Forest Park is a 500 foot stub of sidewalk that ends in a parking lot. It serves to connect the Des Plaines el station to the Circuit Court of Cook County, the County Clerk's office, the Sherriff's Police office. Traffic on that section of Prairie Path is County workers. The complex of County legal offices serves to keep the Maywood riff-raff separate from Forest Park. And it's an open area. Cemetery on one side, rail yard on the other and not much else. I am quite sure you know all this.

Forest Park is a nice suburb. May God bless your real estate values. Wonderful historic architecture, renovated and lively historic downtown. Nice place to ride a bike. Des Plaines River Trail is right there. Oak Park, an international destination, is right next door.  Oak Park is a nice place to ride a bike too. But you prefer frequent rides into the ghetto of Maywood and the gloom of Bellwood. Sure you do.

I don't believe you Peter. I don't trust you. Original poster asked about a route that goes through a lot of jurisdictions. I don't think you know jack about Bellwood or Berkeley, Peter. I don't think you've ever enjoyed an Italian ice on Electric Avenue, which is a hell of a better place to ride than the adjacent Path.

I'm not defensive, Peter. I'm offended.


peter moormann said:

John,

You seem a bit defensive regarding my question.

I made no mention about my safety or riding in the dark.

Only wanted some clarification on the real dangers of IPP in Maywood. 

I believe you have no specific incident which verifies your opinion, only fear, correct?

John C. Wilson said:

Streets have traffic, residents, potential witnesses, sight lines, police patrol, lights. IPP has none of those. If you feel safe after dark based on very local knowledge good for you.

peter moormann said:

An interesting strong opinion John. 

Can you please tell us of  the events that lead to your conclusion regarding the differing levels of unsafeness.

I'm curious as I live in Forest Park and ride IPP often and have not heard of any incidents.

thanks

petem

John C. Wilson said:

IPP is Illinois Prairie Path. After dark it is less safe than a Chicago park after closing time.  There are old railroad frontage streets along most all of the IPP route and those are better than the path anywhere east of I-294. In the daytime.  After dark don't be on the path. Having lights just makes you an easier target.

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