I and M Canal Trail--Safe Route in to Downtown

I am planning on riding from Iowa City to Chicago using existing trails where possible.  After leaving Iowa will ride the Henneppin Canal Trail and then hooking up with the I and M Canal Trail. After figuring out how to get thru Joliet continue on I and M to the end ,which looks like Archer Avenue..  Ideally I would head east to the Trail along Lake Michigan some where north of Jackson Park. Looking for directions for a safe route from I and M to downtown or to the trail along the lake...

There will be two of us self contained..... Any info on the trail or route will be helpful   curt  (i did try the search)

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 7, 2010 at 6:49am
It sounds like he needs a connection from Lockport to the lakefront. The Chicagoland bike map offers the most info, short of getting detailed local knowledge from the SW 'burbs.

Archer does meet the trail in Lockport, which seems to be the northernmost point where paths and rideable streets connect well. From the last edition of the regional bike map, I note that portions of Archer through the SW 'burbs are rated yellow (fast, heavy traffic) and longer sections are rated as NOT recommended for bikes. Other nearby streets, most of them rated yellow or orange (medium speed and traffic), would connect the non-rideable sections of Archer, but the distance would be longer, as the other streets are not on a diagonal like Archer. I would recommend consulting the map for details, as this would be complex navigation.

According to this version of the map, Archer does not appear to be useable for any distance until you get to Bedford Park (approx. 69th St. (6900S) and 80th Ave. (8000W)). From there, Archer would be the most direct route into the city. It is mostly commercial and has heavy, fast traffic, so it would require alert riding.

If someone with more knowledge of the 'burbs between Lockport and Chicago can offer a route from Lockport to Oak Lawn or thereabouts, I could offer directions for a south side route from that point.

* NOTE: A new edition of the Chicagoland bike map is due out this year. I don't know the exact date, but it may offer more info for the area you need to travel. The map is available here.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 7, 2010 at 6:55am
Ahhhh - YOU need the Illinois state bicycle map!!!! The one from Joliet is "Chicago/Northeastern Illinois Map I".

This is also known as District 1 on the Illinois DOT website:

http://www.dot.state.il.us/bikemap/state.html

According to the map it looks like 55th aka Garfield will be your best bet safetywise.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 7, 2010 at 9:38am
I wouldn't really recommend 55th/Garfield east of Western for loaded touring. While it does have bike lanes in some sections, it also has heavy, fast traffic and frequent buses for most hours of the day, and frequent stoplights. It's tiring enough to do the stop and go without a touring load. I'd hate to do it with loaded panniers.

It looks like 151st St. eastbound to Parker Rd. northbound to 131st St. eastbound to 88th Ave. northbound to 135th St. eastbound should be a rideable route from Lockport to Palos. From there, Ridgeland (heavy fast traffic) would take you northbound to 107th St. eastbound.

* Note: Someone else would have to vouch for road/traffic conditions on this section, as I have not ridden it and was just working off the map. Can someone with riding knowledge of the SW 'burbs confirm whether or not the above route is the best for this section?

107th takes a slight jog SE due to railroad tracks before you reach Central. Go north on Central to 99th St. eastbound. (107th, Central and 99th are all rated as medium speed and traffic.) 99th is mostly residential and is a NICE bike route. I ride it often and recommend it.

You've got a couple of options from there. Option 1: You could continue east to Vincennes, which is a speedy route northeast. Except at rush hour, traffic is fast but usually light, and pavement conditions are good to excellent in most places. Because it parallels a rail line, there are few cross streets and few stops. I recommend turning on your tail lights here, as there are a few viaducts where extra visibility is helpful. When you get to 83rd (just after a long double viaduct), turn right (east). The first section is industrial and commercial, but it's mostly residential with bike lanes. It has no buses and traffic is light to moderate at most hours of the day. Depending on how fast you're riding, taking Vincennes could be 20+ minutes faster than option 2, as it's more direct with fewer stops.

Option 2: From 99th, continue past Longwood and cross the Metra tracks (use 99th St. station as a landmark). At the next 4-way stop, turn left (north) on Prospect. Go 2 blocks and turn right (east) on 97th, then go left (north) on Charles St. You'll reach a T intersection at 95th St. with many fast food places. Cross in the crosswalk and turn right on the sidewalk on the north side of 95th St. You'll see a sign directing you to turn left onto the Major Taylor Trail. Ride 1/2 mile north on the trail, which is briefly interrupted by a crossing at 91st St. station. Turn left and go over the crossing, then bear slightly to the right and look for signage at the continuation of the trail. Continue north to 87th St. Cross the intersection and continue due north on Damen (bike lane) to 83rd St. Turn right (east) on 83rd. This section of 83rd is narrow in places, but traffic is light to moderate, and there are no buses. Just before Vincennes, 83rd is interrupted, and you have to take a slight jog SE on Birkhoff. Turn left on Vincennes, go through the double viaducts (tail lights!), then turn right to continue eastbound on 83rd. From here, the directions for Options 1 and 2 would be the same.

Continue eastbound on 83rd. At the Chicago Skyway (I-90), 83rd is interrupted again. Go SE on Anthony. Turn left (north) on Jeffery.

If you want to stop at a grocery store or other businesses, you may want to continue on Jeffery from here. There is a large supermarket at 71st St. 1/2 mile north of there, you'll intersect with Marquette and Coast Guard Dr., where you can access the northbound lakefront path.

If you want a more scenic route (slightly longer), turn right (east) from Jeffery to continue on 83rd (bike lane). Turn left (northwest) on South Shore Dr. (bike lane + buses). Continue on South Shore to 71st, where the lakefront path begins with a westbound sidewalk section. At next stoplight (Yates), turn right and continue north on the sidewalk. After a few more blocks, you'll meet a westbound asphalt path. Continue on the lakefront path from here to downtown.

From 107th St. on, I am familiar with all the routes listed and have ridden them many times. I hope that this helps, and that someone else can speak from local knowledge about the Lockport to Palos section.
Permalink Reply by Curt H Moore on March 7, 2010 at 1:37pm
YES, safe bike route and safe neighborhoods which I guess goes hand in hand...curt

H3N3 said:
The Chicago bike map is online and shows bike lanes-- will that help?
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalDeptCategoryActi...
Or are you asking about safety in terms of neighborhoods?
Permalink Reply by Curt H Moore on March 7, 2010 at 1:40pm
I was hoping ,as I planned this ride ,that a book would be available like what is can buy for the KATY TRAIL. Their web site also show the availability for motels water food etc. Thanks for tip about the DNR book..curt

Clark said:
Curt:
You could also follow the Illinois Route 66 Trail. It won't be as personal as Anne's helpful instructions above, but it is a nice set of maps and directions. I've never biked it, but you can get a copy of the League of Illinois Bicyclists' Route 66 Bike Map here. You can also get the printed guidebook sent to you by calling Illinois DNR at (217) 782-3715.

It contains a map and a detailed route guide through Joliet and on to Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. I think this map was just published a year or two ago, so should be pretty current.
Permalink Reply by Curt H Moore on March 7, 2010 at 1:42pm
Thanks for your time and imput..curt

Anne Alt said:
I wouldn't really recommend 55th/Garfield east of Western for loaded touring. While it does have bike lanes in some sections, it also has heavy, fast traffic and frequent buses for most hours of the day, and frequent stoplights. It's tiring enough to do the stop and go without a touring load. I'd hate to do it with loaded panniers.

It looks like 151st St. eastbound to Parker Rd. northbound to 131st St. eastbound to 88th Ave. northbound to 135th St. eastbound should be a rideable route from Lockport to Palos. From there, Ridgeland (heavy fast traffic) would take you northbound to 107th St. eastbound.

* Note: Someone else would have to vouch for road/traffic conditions on this section, as I have not ridden it and was just working off the map. Can someone with riding knowledge of the SW 'burbs confirm whether or not the above route is the best for this section?

107th takes a slight jog SE due to railroad tracks before you reach Central. Go north on Central to 99th St. eastbound. (107th, Central and 99th are all rated as medium speed and traffic.) 99th is mostly residential and is a NICE bike route. I ride it often and recommend it.

You've got a couple of options from there. Option 1: You could continue east to Vincennes, which is a speedy route northeast. Except at rush hour, traffic is fast but usually light, and pavement conditions are good to excellent in most places. Because it parallels a rail line, there are few cross streets and few stops. I recommend turning on your tail lights here, as there are a few viaducts where extra visibility is helpful. When you get to 83rd (just after a long double viaduct), turn right (east). The first section is industrial and commercial, but it's mostly residential with bike lanes. It has no buses and traffic is light to moderate at most hours of the day. Depending on how fast you're riding, taking Vincennes could be 20+ minutes faster than option 2, as it's more direct with fewer stops.

Option 2: From 99th, continue past Longwood and cross the Metra tracks (use 99th St. station as a landmark). At the next 4-way stop, turn left (north) on Prospect. Go 2 blocks and turn right (east) on 97th, then go left (north) on Charles St. You'll reach a T intersection at 95th St. with many fast food places. Cross in the crosswalk and turn right on the sidewalk on the north side of 95th St. You'll see a sign directing you to turn left onto the Major Taylor Trail. Ride 1/2 mile north on the trail, which is briefly interrupted by a crossing at 91st St. station. Turn left and go over the crossing, then bear slightly to the right and look for signage at the continuation of the trail. Continue north to 87th St. Cross the intersection and continue due north on Damen (bike lane) to 83rd St. Turn right (east) on 83rd. This section of 83rd is narrow in places, but traffic is light to moderate, and there are no buses. Just before Vincennes, 83rd is interrupted, and you have to take a slight jog SE on Birkhoff. Turn left on Vincennes, go through the double viaducts (tail lights!), then turn right to continue eastbound on 83rd. From here, the directions for Options 1 and 2 would be the same.

Continue eastbound on 83rd. At the Chicago Skyway (I-90), 83rd is interrupted again. Go SE on Anthony. Turn left (north) on Jeffery.

If you want to stop at a grocery store or other businesses, you may want to continue on Jeffery from here. There is a large supermarket at 71st St. 1/2 mile north of there, you'll intersect with Marquette and Coast Guard Dr., where you can access the northbound lakefront path.

If you want a more scenic route (slightly longer), turn right (east) from Jeffery to continue on 83rd (bike lane). Turn left (northwest) on South Shore Dr. (bike lane + buses). Continue on South Shore to 71st, where the lakefront path begins with a westbound sidewalk section. At next stoplight (Yates), turn right and continue north on the sidewalk. After a few more blocks, you'll meet a westbound asphalt path. Continue on the lakefront path from here to downtown.

From 107th St. on, I am familiar with all the routes listed and have ridden them many times. I hope that this helps, and that someone else can speak from local knowledge about the Lockport to Palos section.
Permalink Reply by Jim Adgate on March 7, 2010 at 4:45pm
Curt-

Don't know of a route other than what you have suggested. However, I have taken Metra from downtown Joliet into downtown Chicago to get to the I&M Canal trail. Just an alternative to consider..

Jim
Permalink Reply by Larry Mysz on March 8, 2010 at 8:33am
Check the League of Illinois Bicyclists website http://bikelib.org for maps and turn by turn directions for both the Route 66 Trail and Grand Illinois Trail. Free trail guides can be downloaded from the LIB site.

Curt already gave you the info on the IL Route 66 Trail.

The Grand Illinois Trail Guide is at
http://www.bikelib.org/maps-and-rides/route-guides/grand-illinois-t...

The Grand Illinois Trail will take you 70 miles from Joliet, to Chicago Heights, Glenwood, Lansing, and on to Navy Pier, mostly on trails, including the Lake Shore Path.
Permalink Reply by Larry Mysz on March 8, 2010 at 9:00am
Larry Mysz said:
I should add that last June my wife and I rode the GIT from Chicago Heights to Moline, then on into Des Moines. It was a great ride except for some rain softened trail on the I&M between Ottawa and Seneca. Let me know if you want our route.
Permalink Reply by Curt H Moore on March 8, 2010 at 1:15pm
would love to have the route you used and thanks again
curtmoore@msn.com

Larry Mysz said:
Larry Mysz said:
I should add that last June my wife and I rode the GIT from Chicago Heights to Moline, then on into Des Moines. It was a great ride except for some rain softened trail on the I&M between Ottawa and Seneca. Let me know if you want our route.
Permalink Reply by Dave Brew on March 9, 2010 at 12:43am
The I & M Canal is closed just east of Utica until west of Buffalo Rock. You'll need to jump on the road (go south then east to near Buffalo Rock) for a bit unless the 3 washed out bridges are fixed (Work in Progress). Yes, DNR is ticketing riders who attempt it (and get caught!).

Also, Todd Volker's book "The Complete Grand Illinois Trail Guidebook" details the whole route and would be a good investment. The Joliet jump sounds like a headache but is detailed here. Also, how to get to the Lakefront Path is covered in detail, too.
Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on March 9, 2010 at 12:45am
I've ridden this several times - in the opposite direction!

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=36880&... (This is backwards, since I'm going east-to-west)

The Old Plank Road Trail takes you east from Joliet all the way to Western Avenue;

Here's a Google Map to get you from Chanahonn to the Plank Road Train to Western.

The next route is the Burnham Greenway - but there's no easy or reliable way to get between these two. And the Burnham Greenway is split into two parts.

Here's a Google Map of that part, but getting between the two is a minor problem. There really isn't any very scenic route.

Where the Burnham Greenway ends on the north you can cross under the Chicago Skyway and follow the city's bike route signs back to the trail along the lakefront.

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