South Halsted Ave

Is Halsted safe from Monroe to 35th?  Is there a better route?  

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 14, 2014 at 7:07am

It's not so bad with wider tires, like the 1.75" tires on my mountain bike. I've found it more challenging with tires 1.25" or narrower, especially 20" or smaller wheels (folding bike or recumbent).

Alex Z said:

Was really one of the scarier experiences I've had on my bike. I didn't stick around long enough to analyze the difference between it and other bridges with which I'm somewhat familiar.


Anne Alt said:

Yep, some folks hate the grated bridge on Loomis.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on March 14, 2014 at 7:12am

Yeah, I've gotten a little spoiled recently taking Divvy in/out of the Loop E/W.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 14, 2014 at 7:30am

Canal can be a good option. A few notes: it has heavy traffic of all types around Roosevelt, but mostly light to moderate traffic south of 14th.  South of the river, there's a big intermodal freight yard along the east side of Canal.  Right where the Dan Ryan Expressway passes overhead, there's a ramp for trucks going in and out of that intermodal yard.  If you're southbound, you and truck drivers can see each other easily, as in this street view.  If you're northbound, it looks like this.  Most drivers go cautiously because they can't see NB traffic until they're almost in it.  Please watch for big trucks in this area. Make sure they see you.  If you're not sure, allow a LOT of space between you and them or just wait.

Between 26th & 29th, it tends to be easy unless pavement is cratered. I haven't gone that way in several months, so I don't know current conditions.  If it is cratered, watch for long craters that open up in your direction of travel where old streetcar tracks re-emerge.  You can generally avoid these.

When you get to 29th, take a dogleg to the left (east), then right to continue south on Canal as far as 33rd, where the street ends.  Either 31st or 33rd is a good way to go east (towards IIT and the lake) or west (towards Halsted) from there.

Rich S said:

I've never had any problems with Halsted down there. It's a tight squeeze going under the tracks by 16th but otherwise fine. I can't comment on potholes since I haven't been south of Roosevelt on Halsted all winter. 

Canal is a good alternate route which will get you down into the 20s. From there just take some side streets back over to Halsted. Racine is another if you'd rather be west of Halsted but it dead ends at the river. Canal will at least get you over the river. 

Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on March 14, 2014 at 7:39am

I never rode my bike south of 35th when I lived in Bridgeport if I was not on a group ride.

Wise advice!

Kevin C said:

Again, can't comment on the condition of the street, but yes, I consider Halsted to be "safe" from Monroe to 35th.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on March 14, 2014 at 7:54am

Great advice, though reading it leaves little question about what is depressing Chicago's bicycle mode share. :)

Anne Alt said:

Canal can be a good option. A few notes: it has heavy traffic of all types around Roosevelt, but mostly light to moderate traffic south of 14th.  South of the river, there's a big intermodal freight yard along the east side of Canal.  Right where the Dan Ryan Expressway passes overhead, there's a ramp for trucks going in and out of that intermodal yard.  If you're southbound, you and truck drivers can see each other easily, as in this street view.  If you're northbound, it looks like this.  Most drivers go cautiously because they can't see NB traffic until they're almost in it.  Please watch for big trucks in this area. Make sure they see you.  If you're not sure, allow a LOT of space between you and them or just wait.

Between 26th & 29th, it tends to be easy unless pavement is cratered. I haven't gone that way in several months, so I don't know current conditions.  If it is cratered, watch for long craters that open up in your direction of travel where old streetcar tracks re-emerge.  You can generally avoid these.

When you get to 29th, take a dogleg to the left (east), then right to continue south on Canal as far as 33rd, where the street ends.  Either 31st or 33rd is a good way to go east (towards IIT and the lake) or west (towards Halsted) from there.

Rich S said:

I've never had any problems with Halsted down there. It's a tight squeeze going under the tracks by 16th but otherwise fine. I can't comment on potholes since I haven't been south of Roosevelt on Halsted all winter. 

Canal is a good alternate route which will get you down into the 20s. From there just take some side streets back over to Halsted. Racine is another if you'd rather be west of Halsted but it dead ends at the river. Canal will at least get you over the river. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 14, 2014 at 8:31am

We've definitely got some challenges.  What I described there is too common in areas of the south and west sides that have intermodal yards.  I've learned to work with it and rarely have problems, but I can understand how it could freak people out.

As long as you give them some space and pay attention to where they're moving around you, I've found that drivers of big trucks tend to behave more predictably than most other drivers.  We just need to be aware of their larger bilnd spots and their need to swin....

Alex Z said:

Great advice, though reading it leaves little question about what is depressing Chicago's bicycle mode share. :)

Permalink Reply by WalkThroughWater on March 14, 2014 at 10:14am

Good point. Pilsen has industrial and warehouse areas, a few along Halsted between Cermak and the river and a glass company in Bridgeport at Halsted and 29th that always has trucks queuing up to make deliveries. I haven't had problems with them but maneuverability and visibility isn't on their side so always assume they can't see you. To add to your comment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzL0Kyk4m-8

Anne Alt said:

We've definitely got some challenges.  What I described there is too common in areas of the south and west sides that have intermodal yards.  I've learned to work with it and rarely have problems, but I can understand how it could freak people out.

As long as you give them some space and pay attention to where they're moving around you, I've found that drivers of big trucks tend to behave more predictably than most other drivers.  We just need to be aware of their larger bilnd spots and their need to swin....

Alex Z said:

Great advice, though reading it leaves little question about what is depressing Chicago's bicycle mode share. :)

Permalink Reply by john eminhizer on March 14, 2014 at 11:40am

From 26th south I use a combo of Union (NB) and Wallace (SB) to 48th. South of 43rd a combo of idiots and buses (ALL the buses) use the bike lane on Halsted. 26th to Clyborn on Halsted. Been awhile but worked well for me. Cut off a bus (in a safe and responsible way) on Halsted last month in my truck pretending to park, very gratifying.

Permalink Reply by We all have an inner Beast... on March 19, 2014 at 5:00pm

I have ridden Halsted (Archer to Jackson or Monroe, and vice versa) for the last 3 yrs or so (use it for other travel arrangements, as well).

Other than the recent construction near UIC, and the typical winter issues, it has been fairly good. The drivers there are probably the same as on any other street where they have a bike lane. (there are good and bad ones).

The potholes are not that much of an issue. I have found worse on Archer. However, the plows have managed to do their fair share of "street material removal" this year. LMAO !!!

I like Halsted due to the bike lane. It is fairly clearly marked, and easy to ride. Makes it feel a bit safer.

I should probably ride Loomis or Canal (some day) and experience those routes as well. You know, break up the routine.

Haven't gone south of Archer very often (no real need to), but I will safely assume that the area near that park would probably not block any wind on windy days, as mentioned in the previous posts.

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