Where to park my car?

I was wondering if anyone knows a good place to park my car to unload my bike and go riding along the lake shore. I am thinking of starting somewhere around navy pier but not set in stone if there are better places. If anyone has any ideas for a first time downtown bike rider that would also be greatly appreciated. And my last question is that are helmets required when riding downtown?  Thank You

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Permalink Reply by David P. on May 29, 2013 at 2:45am

If you want to go to Navy Pier or thereabouts to start riding, you're going to have to stash it in a deck somewhere (e.g. Navy Pier's parking deck) and pay whatever that costs. If you're coming from some faraway suburb and for whatever reason you want to come downtown, consider taking Metra. Otherwise, consider some place like Montrose Harbor.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on May 29, 2013 at 2:53am

If you have never ridden the Lake Front Path, Navy Pier is a confusing place to start, and the parking in the area will be very expensive.  If you do not mind driving north, there is public parking in the park at Diversey Harbor, Belmont Harbor, and Montrose Harbor.  It is not free, but less expensive than around Navy Pier.  I think all of the park lots now have those pay boxes where you pay and then put the receipt on your dashboard.  The path will be less crowded up there than around Navy Pier, too.  On the south end, there is a big parking garage that serves the Field Museum/Shedd Aquarium.  Riding on the south end of the path is very pleasant most of the time.

There is no helmet requirement.  You decide.

Permalink Reply by S on May 29, 2013 at 2:55am

Don't park at Navy Pier.  They conveniently charge you something like $30 for 24 hours of parking so you don't need to worry about parking times.  Montrose Harbor is a good option, an even better choice might be to park at a Metra station and riding in if you're out in burbs.  Helmets aren't required anywhere.  I'd suggest wearing one regardless but there are people on board that feel very strongly that you shouldn't.

Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on May 29, 2013 at 3:02am

I agree with David, taking a Metra train in rather than driving will likely be your cheapest option.  Parking in Chicago can be very expensive, particularly in the downtown area near Navy Pier or in the Loop.  Here's a site that gives specific parking prices at various times throughout the central city, and allows you to prepay for a discount:

http://spothero.com/search

There are no helmet laws in Chicago, other than those for professional bike messengers, so wear what you wish.

Cycle theft in the city can be a problem.  Cable locks aren't adequate to lock your bike up.  Bring one or, better, two sturdy U-locks: use one to lock your rear wheel and frame to a sturdy bike rack and another U-lock or heavy chain to lock the front wheel & frame to the rack.

 

Permalink Reply by Liz on May 29, 2013 at 3:06am

I'd sway against Navy pier as well, not only is it expensive and crowded, its probably the least nice area on the path for riding.  Depending on how far you want to go, I'd suggest starting somewhere south, like Promontory Park and riding north to Navy Pier, walk around/explore and then ride back.  The area between Randolph and Belmont can get crowded on nice days (especially weekends) making it less than ideal riding. 

Permalink Reply by Duppie on May 29, 2013 at 3:17am

Another advantage of riding on the southside is the view of the Chicago skyline is much better. On a clear day it is absolutely stunning. Do stop for a moment to take in the view.

Liz said:

I'd sway against Navy pier as well, not only is it expensive and crowded, its probably the least nice area on the path for riding.  Depending on how far you want to go, I'd suggest starting somewhere south, like Promontory Park and riding north to Navy Pier, walk around/explore and then ride back.  The area between Randolph and Belmont can get crowded on nice days (especially weekends) making it less than ideal riding. 

Permalink Reply by dan brown on May 29, 2013 at 3:22am

I agree. Park south. easier. look near McCormick place you can probably even get a free parking spot.

Heck - even if you end up parking a mile or so from the llakefront path; that's less than a 10-minute

ride to get on the path.

Duppie 13.5185km said:

Another advantage of riding on the southside is the view of the Chicago skyline is much better. On a clear day it is absolutely stunning.

Liz said:

I'd sway against Navy pier as well, not only is it expensive and crowded, its probably the least nice area on the path for riding.  Depending on how far you want to go, I'd suggest starting somewhere south, like Promontory Park and riding north to Navy Pier, walk around/explore and then ride back.  The area between Randolph and Belmont can get crowded on nice days (especially weekends) making it less than ideal riding. 

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on May 29, 2013 at 3:33am

The cheapest and easiest way to do this is to find access points for the lakefront trail. Park on the side streets near one of them. You will learn about a new neighborhood, parking is almost always available and it costs you nothing. I always ride with a helmet.

Here are ones I know of; there may be more:

Berwyn 5300

Argyle 5000

Buena 4200

Waveland 3800

Roscoe 3400

Barry 3100

Eugenie & LaSalle 1700

North Avenue 1600

Division 1200

Bellevue 1000

Chicago 800

Ohio 500

11th Street (near Roosevelt) 1100

18th Street

23rd Street (McCormick Place)

35th Street

43rd Street

47th Street

51st Street

55th Street

59th Street

63rd Street

65th Street

71st Street (end)

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 29, 2013 at 3:39am

There's no bike friendly way to cross LSD at 35th St., just a bridge with lots of stairs. Use Oakwood instead - regular road bridge. There is parking just south of the entrance next to the trail. Meters aren't too expensive. I think they cost $1/hr - $ goes to the park district.  Beautiful skyline views, uncrowded path, easy access to Hyde Park via underpasses (lots of good restaurants, shops, museums, etc.).

Navy Pier parking is seriously expen$ive and the area is a giant pain in the butt. Very confusing, congested area to ride a bike.

Permalink Reply by Pat hayes on May 29, 2013 at 3:57am

thanks for the replies.

Permalink Reply by Reba 4.0 mi on May 29, 2013 at 3:10pm

I've often found parking (weekdays, or early mornings on the weekends) at the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course area off Lake Shore Drive. It's 3600 N and the exit is called Recreation Drive, between Addison and Irving Park. There's tennis courts and a 9 hold golf course and a big parking lot there. The ride south to Navy Pier is about 5 miles. 

There's also a fair bit of parking at Montrose beach, especially over by the dog beach (again, early a.m. on weekends or on weekdays). 

Permalink Reply by Pat hayes on May 30, 2013 at 3:36am

When u say early am how early do u think i should arrive on a sunday?
 
Reba 4.0 mi said:

I've often found parking (weekdays, or early mornings on the weekends) at the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course area off Lake Shore Drive. It's 3600 N and the exit is called Recreation Drive, between Addison and Irving Park. There's tennis courts and a 9 hold golf course and a big parking lot there. The ride south to Navy Pier is about 5 miles. 

There's also a fair bit of parking at Montrose beach, especially over by the dog beach (again, early a.m. on weekends or on weekdays). 

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