Chicago Bicycles

Chicago has a fine bicycle culture. (Supposedly, even Mayor Daley rides to work.) Bikes may be rented from the North Avenue Beach House (Near North), the Millennium Park bike station (Loop), and from several bike shops in the city. Pedaling your way around the city is one of the best ways to get to know Chicago. There are many on-road bike lanes, park trails, and a scenic Lakefront Trail [28], which runs for 18 continuous miles along the city's beautiful shoreline. Some of the most beautiful views in Chicago are best seen by bicycle. And the terrain is flat - a boon for easy-going cyclists!

Many streets have bike lanes on them and the city has installed signs specifically pointing out directions to major bike routes. Bicyclists have to follow the same "rules of the road" as automobiles. In some areas of the city, police officers will write citations for bicyclists in violation of traffic laws (especially disregarding stop signs and traffic lights). Bicycle riding is never allowed on sidewalks (except for children under age 12) and this rule is strictly enforced in the higher density neighborhoods of the city (mostly areas near the lake) and is actually an criminal (misdemeanor) offense. You must walk your bike on the sidewalk.

Conveniently, CTA buses are all equipped with bike racks which carry up to two bicycles, and 'L' trains permit bicycles except during rush hour (roughly 7am-9:30am and 3:30pm-6:30pm weekdays, excluding major holidays on which the CTA is running on a Sunday schedule). Only two bicycles are permitted in each train car. Foldable bicycles in the closed position may be brought on-board any bus or 'L' train at any time.