About Chicago

• BikeScore 73

• WalkScore 77

• TransitScore 65

• League of American Cyclists Community Rating: Silver

Maps

Bike Map

Request Map

Transit Map

Commuter Rail Map

Chicago is the third largest city in the US, whether you count just the city limits or the surrounding metropolitan area -- only New York City and Los Angeles are more populous by either definition. And in that vein, Chicago has much of the structure, bustle, and expanse of those two larger cities. Chicago shares their scale, and biking through its center one is constantly reminded that this is a massive, urban machine, complete with the frantic cabs, throngs of tourists, and sweeping public green spaces that are so often the hallmarks of only the largest, densest cities. Fortunately for the would-be visiting cyclist, Chicago has also benefited from Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s serious focus on improving Chicago’s biking infrastructure. They have a well-developed network of bike share stations, and they should have 100 miles of dedicated, separated cycle track any second now (if they don’t already), with a master plan that calls for a whopping 645 miles in total! Combine that with the stunning lake-front path that offers miles of car-free water access and beach-side food and drinks, and you have a compelling bicycle-friendly destination that will only improve with time.

Culture

Chicago is a cultural blend of the big east coast cities it has always competed with, and the laid-back mid-western farmland that surrounds it. We didn’t notice any one form factor of bike dominating the scene, though we did marvel at the frantic pace of the morning bicycle commuters going to work… the passing was frequent and furious.

Etiquette

The lakefront paths are almost always heavily populated by people walking and rollerblading, so do not expect to carry a lot of speed there, and be patient / use your bell. During the rush hours, don’t take the preponderance of shoaling personally (when people scoot up in front of you to leave the light first). When you’re on the sidewalks, you must walk your bike, ESPECIALLY in the business districts.

Safety

Front white light and a red rear reflector are required, and helmets do not appear to be. Full lights front and back and a helmet remain a good idea, especially in a new city.  Those over 12 years old are not allowed to ride on sidewalks so if a street feels unsafe, walk your bike on the sidewalk.

Security

Once Chicago moved to consolidated electronic parking meters at the ends of its blocks and removed the pole-style meters between every other space, it lost the majority of unofficial (yet secure) bike parking in many areas overnight. What remains is often only “sucker poles,” which are street signs that can very easily be lifted out of their base, allowing the thief to slide your lock off the pole, replace the sign, and quickly ride away with your lock still attached to the frame. Bike theft remains a serious problem in Chicago, and you are strongly advised to bring your bike inside at night, and to lock it to something substantial, even if it means walking a block away. 

These routes were curated by local Chicagoans who wanted to share their #BestBikeRide with you. Print off the map for free!

Spinlister

Spinlister is like the Airbnb of bikes!  Use promo code, BIKABOUT, for $10 off

Bike Share

• Divvy Bikes - $7 daily

• Jump Electric Bike Share - download app (iphone, Google Play) to locate bikes, pay and ride! $1 to unlock and then 10 cents per minute

Rentals

• Four Star Family Cyclery - $55 daily for cargo bike with kid seats, bags, helmet, lock and lights

Tours

Bike Shop

• Four Star Family Cyclery - Chicago’s family and cargo bike shop

• Heritage Bikes - boutique bicycle shop specializing in custom bikes, accessories and coffee!

We're constantly updating this list of our favorite bike shops, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, scenic vistas, playgrounds, ice cream, microbreweries and more in Chicago!

• Foursquare List

• Pinterest Board

City Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - 100% of buses have bike racks.  Bicycles are permitted on all CTA trains (The 'L') every day, except during weekday rush periods (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Commuter Rail

Metra Rail - For 2014, bicycles are permitted on all weekday trains arriving in Chicago after 9:30 A.M. and leaving Chicago before 3:00 P.M. and after 7:00 P.M.

Train

All these train lines through Chicago allow folding bikes or boxed bikes check as luggage

• California Zephr (Denver - Glenwood Springs - Emeryville (San Francisco))

• Capitol Limited (Washington, DC - Pittsburgh - Cleveland)

• Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York - Washington, DC - Cincinnati - Indianapolis - Chicago)

• City of New Orleans (Memphis - New Orleans)

• Empire Builder (St. Paul/Minneapolis - Milwaukee - Spokane - Portland/Seattle)

• Hiawatha (Milwaukee)

• Illinois Service (Quincy/St.Louis/Carbondale)

• Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston - Albany)

• Michigan Services (Grand Rapids/East Lansing - Port Huron/Detroit - Pontiac)

• Southwest Chief (Albuquerque - Los Angeles)

• Texas Eagle (St. Louis - Dallas - San Antonio - Los Angeles)

Ferry

Chicago Water Taxi - Bicycles are allowed on the boats in off peak hours (10am - 4pm) on the weekdays, and all hours on the weekends.

Bus

GoToBus - bikes allowed underneath

Cars

• Zipcar

Airline

• Alaska Air - $25 to check

• Delta- FREE for bikes under 23kg or 50lbs in a protective box or bag under 62 linear inches or 158 centimeters.

• Frontier - $75 to check bike

• JetBlue - FREE for bikes under 23kg or 50lbs in a protective box or bag under 62 linear inches or 292 centimeters.

• Quantas - FREE for bikes under 32kg or 70lbs in a protective box or bag.

• Southwest - FREE to check bike

Support Local Advocates

Bikabout donates 25% of annual revenue to local advocates. You, too, can power better biking in Chicago by becoming a member of Active Transportation Alliance below!