Oh, Chicago! The beautiful windy city with its own unique cultures, activities, foods, arts, and sights. You simply can’t go wrong with Chicago. When it comes to looking for a biker’s paradise, look no further. We found it for you in the Windy City!
In 2016, Chicago was labeled the best bicycling city in the nation by Bicycling Magazine. Chicago offers bike lanes on many of its streets and even has protected bicycle lanes that are fully separate from traffic. We’re going to share with you all the greatest reasons Chicago is a Biker’s Paradise!
What Type of Bike is Best for Enjoying Chicago?
Whether you plan to rent a bike or want to take your own bike, there is really no right or wrong way to bike through Chicago. You certainly don’t need to purchase a bike as a tourist JUST to bike through the city; that’s where the rental bikes come in as great tools.
If you live in the Chicago area and you’re considering your bike options, you can find the best commuter bike under 500 dollars that is great for commuter-type riding. Chicago has some hills and biking trails, but it’s not really a mountainous rough terrain that could require specialty characteristics.
There are plenty of things to do in Chicago, and bicycling is just the start! Here are some activities and ways to put your pedal to the metal.
The 606
The 606 was, at one time, an elevated train line near Bloomingdale Avenue. The line was updated to be a walking/bicycling path that is just under 3 miles long. The 606 features park area, observation points, art locales, and many other activities. There are often scheduled events along the path as well.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a beautiful area with so many things to do – shopping, fishing, eating, and biking. The Riverwalk has a bike path that is about 1.25 miles long for you to take in the area on a pleasant bike ride.
The Riverwalk is full of activities and people, so your ride will be a casual, slow-moving ride but enjoyable nonetheless. You can park your bike and travel by foot through the attractions before continuing your bike ride.
World Naked Bike Ride
Every summer, Chicago has a unique biking event, known as the World Naked Bike Ride. This event has been an annual occurrence in the city for more than 15 years now. The ride is about 3 hours long in the evening and clothing is wholly optional.
The World Naked Bike Ride happens around the globe. The concept is to promote positive body image while also encouraging bicycling as a lifestyle. The ride is an enjoyable event that people come from all over to participate in.
Skip the Drive
Skip the traffic jams, the angry drivers, and the road congestion and jump on a bike instead. Use your bicycle as a means of commute around Chicago, extremely bike-friendly in its set-up. While you’re on the bike, you’re having a positive effect on the eco-system by skipping the public transport or not utilizing your gas consuming vehicles.
Chicago also holds an annual event known as “Bike the Drive” which is about 30 miles long and inspires people to get out the bikes. Lake Shore Drive closes to vehicle traffic for this event, leaving the area open to bikes only. Enjoy the scenery and ride away!
Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is one of the most popular and perhaps most versatile areas that makes Chicago a biker’s paradise. The trail is 18 miles near the lakefront and takes you all over the city, giving you access to attractions, restaurants, beaches, and various other activities.
The Lakefront Trail is the best way to get in a lot of sightseeing through the city or simply to travel by bike in general. You won’t be disappointed with what the trail has to offer for bikers. Chicago is in the process of creating separated areas for bikers and pedestrians in this area so that you can ride to your heart’s content.
What Else Can Chicago Offer?
Chicago is great for your bicycling adventures, but most likely you won’t be visiting Chicago just to ride your bike. Biking options are endless, there are many biking adventures for you to pursue but what else can you do while you’re in this beautiful city?
Chicago offers many various attractions that, bicycling or not, you should take the time to enjoy them! Let’s cover a few great things Chicago has to offer:
- History – Chicago is full of rich history, from the city’s personal history to the various museums filled with historical memorabilia that you can take in. Chicago’s own history tells a great story. While you’re in Chicago, take the time to learn about the city and understand its roots.
- Sports – Chicago is home to MLB teams like the White Sox and the Cubs, as well as an NBA team, the Bulls. The city heavily supports these teams and game days are big affairs! Take in a game from the stadiums or grab at a seat at a nearby sports bar to enjoy food and watch the game there.
- Food – Chicago is full of delicious food options for whatever you may be craving. Chicago is well-known for making the BEST pizza so be sure to try Chicago pizza. What’s that saying, “when in Rome?” Well, when in Chicago…
Chicago is warm and welcoming. The city is full of bustle, but the people possess good old-fashioned Midwest generosity. No matter your reason for being here – work, play, travel, etc., be sure to jump on a bicycle and take in some sights.
Chicago is the biker’s paradise not just for the biking scene, which offers trails, activities, bike lanes, and so much more; but also because the city is so alive with culture, entertainment, and beauty. Grab your bike and your gear and hit those bike trails for a memorable biking experience!
