The Chainlink

Is South half of the Lakeshore path safe?

Apologies if this is a ridiculous question but is biking on the southern half of the lakeshore path safe in the evenings? 

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Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on July 9, 2010 at 11:38am
Yes, I've done it many time and I live on the north side, in Albany Park.

It's well lit and easy to follow. The new underpass south of the Aquarium makes it easy and safer to cross which used to be a busy road.
Permalink Reply by Mike Haring on July 9, 2010 at 11:47am
It's actually pretty nice because there's so much fewer people than the north side, but the pavement tends to be a bit rougher.
Permalink Reply by igz on July 9, 2010 at 12:23pm
i think it may actually be safer than the northern part. i would anticipate more predators on the northern portion
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 9, 2010 at 12:53pm
On north or south side, it pays to be more aware of your surroundings in areas where lighting is inadequate, or where shrubs and trees that may conceal a person are close to the path, especially if you're riding alone.
Permalink Reply by Ricardo Cervantes on July 9, 2010 at 1:09pm
I've ridden this many times and have found it safe for the most part. The only area I've ever encountered a problem was by 31st Street Beach. I had a group of kids run at me one night like they were going to do something, only to back off at the last second and run off laughing. I almost lost control of my bike and could've gotten hurt. However, I've ridden this same area many times in the daytime and have never had a problem. I chalk up my experience to bad luck, and just some random A-Holes who got a kick at someone's expense. Like any other time, just be alert and you should be fine.
Permalink Reply by Michael on July 9, 2010 at 3:52pm
Answer: yes.
Permalink Reply by XV on July 9, 2010 at 4:03pm
Thanks, I was referring more to the high crime in general on the south side and if it spilled over onto the path. I've had a few run in with 'thug' types the few times ive been on it
Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on July 9, 2010 at 4:27pm
XV said:
Thanks, I was referring more to the high crime in general on the south side and if it spilled over onto the path. I've had a few run in with 'thug' types the few times ive been on it

I suspected that.

I've ridden it several times, never had a problem. Of course I'm an old guy and probably look like a bum so maybe I'd be a bad target, not worthwhile.
Permalink Reply by pjc jr on July 9, 2010 at 4:29pm
The North Side is where all the cool people live, WINK! But I certainly love riding the South section of the lakefront trail. After you get through all the chaos on the north side (Volleyball dorks, tourist, and just bad trail etiquette behavior, I swear, I t-bone a jogger every year, first response is always if you didn't have those damn ear buds in you would heard me yelling at you on the left!).

About museum campus all the way past Promontory Point is great, few rough surfaces, but by far the better section. Though many would boo hoo, I ride in the late evening out there due to even less summer traffic. Just use good judgment (street smarts, ride away from sketchy behavior)! My late night advice is ride with a friend. Numbers always provide protection. Have fun and look out for the buthead going too fast, me!
Permalink Reply by Chris Hainey on July 9, 2010 at 5:07pm
My advice for any path you think is "sketchy" was learned from experience on the IPP one night riding through Bellwood. Never pass through a group congregating in the middle of the path. I did with a polite "thanks, dudes" to be thanked with a nice sucker punch to the jaw. Thanks to my Giro helmet and using my 1980s vintage Cannondale beater bike as a shield, I escaped with only bruises and cuts. When in doubt, follow your gut instincts.
Permalink Reply by Liam on July 9, 2010 at 5:32pm
Yikes!

Chris Hainey said:
My advice for any path you think is "sketchy" was learned from experience on the IPP one night riding through Bellwood. Never pass through a group congregating in the middle of the path. I did with a polite "thanks, dudes" to be thanked with a nice sucker punch to the jaw. Thanks to my Giro helmet and using my 1980s vintage Cannondale beater bike as a shield, I escaped with only bruises and cuts. When in doubt, follow your gut instincts.
Permalink Reply by XV on July 9, 2010 at 6:36pm
Are there any good ways to avoid the navy pier bridge clusterfuck when getting to the south part?

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