What Are Your Favorite Chicago-Area Bike Lanes, Paths & Routes?

Ok, now that we've been exploring the routes we avoid in the "Dreaded Bike-Unfriendly Streets", what are routes you prefer to take? Whether you are commuting, going for a weekend bike ride, or just heading to the grocery store, do you have some favorite bike routes?

The Mellow Chicago Bike Map Updated 6/20/18 - Collaboration of The Chainlink & Streetsblog

John gives a great recap of everything we've recommended in his article. Definitely worth a read!

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 12, 2017 at 7:38am

I love Ravenswood as well. It can be such a nice quick way to go to Mariano's on Lawrence. With Damen and Clark under construction, this is my new go-to.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on May 15, 2017 at 4:31am

The mighty Loom (Loomis St.) from Archer (Bridgeport Bakery, yeah!) north to Jackson.  Damen north, as long as I take Blue Island and bypass the freeway exchange north of Archer.  Pershing Rd. is a workable route to the lake.  And let's not forget a few laps around McKinley Park, one of the best!  And Glenwood Ave., the most lovely way to reach my beloved former homeland, Rogers Park. 

Permalink Reply by Caiken on May 15, 2017 at 4:55am

+1!

I find there's a lot of pretty great infrastructure on the south and southwest sides (if we're managing expectations) and a lot of cool stuff to find. 

Permalink Reply by Allan on May 16, 2017 at 11:12am

I was thinking about trying Loomis out, going through Bridgeport there and back. I probably will, eventually. 

Permalink Reply by Maurice on May 15, 2017 at 4:40am
Drexel
Permalink Reply by Alex Z on May 15, 2017 at 7:31am

GREAT pick. Agree.

Permalink Reply by Patricia Unsinn on October 10, 2019 at 11:42am

Alderman King is contemplating allowing parking on both sides of Drexel. I don't know where that leaves the bike lane that was just moved from the right to the left side of Drexel. There will supposedly be an alderman-sponsored community meeting about Drexel in the future so keep your eye open for that. 

Permalink Reply by Patricia Unsinn on October 11, 2019 at 1:32pm

Alderman King just announced that the meeting about allowing parking on both sides of Drexel will be this Wednesday October 16 at 6 pm at the Sutherland ballroom, 47th and Drexel. If you care about the Drexel bike lanes, please attend. 

Permalink Reply by Tony Assimos on May 15, 2017 at 4:48am

Though this is obvious to a lot of folks here, but Elston is a wonderful alternative to Milwaukee heading northwest from downtown. They have fixed a lot of the crap intersections like Ashland/Armitage and Damen/Fullerton and it is a nice ride all the way up to Niles. Milwaukee is a disaster in so many ways and actually dont mind riding the extra few mile to Elston to avoid MIlwaukee.

Permalink Reply by trash panda on May 15, 2017 at 4:54am

I completely agree that Elston is a much better ride than Milwaukee, but there is something really great about biking through Wicker Park during rush hour amongst a huge pack of cyclists :)

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on May 15, 2017 at 5:20am

I agree with Milwaukee on that basis.  I frequently ride to or from downtown on Milwaukee because it's more colorful and alive.  Ride slower, ride more carefully, take the time to enjoy the ride.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on May 15, 2017 at 7:31am

Tend to agree.

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