Plan your bicycling trip to Chicago Print

Chicago's Bike-friendly Facts


  • Population: Over 7 million
  • More than 120 miles of bike lanes
  • More than 12,000 bike racks around the city
  • Continually ranked a top cycling town in North America by Bicycling Magazine
  • Holds a Silver Star rating from the League of American Bicyclists  as a bicycle-friendly city
  • Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance  is building the Navy Pier Flyover Project – a bicycling bridge to ease congestion and enhance safety along Lake Shore Drive, south of Navy Pier.
  • Bike rental shops line the lakefront for vacationers All city buses are outfitted with two bike racks
  • The Chicago Transit Authority and Metra allow bicycles on trains except during rush hour

Historical Facts

  • In 1871 The Great Chicago Fire raged for 27 hours on October 8 and 9, destroying 3.5 square miles of the city and 17,450 buildings. Only four buildings before the fire still remain, including the Water Tower at Michigan and Pearson.
  • The newly built Chicago earned the title The Second City.
  • In 1893 the World's Columbian Exposition attracted more than 27 million visitors.
  • In 1900 the city reversed the water flow of the Chicago River, a 28-mile canal, to improve Chicago's sewerage system and reduce the epidemics of diseases caused by poor sewers. Today, visitors and local enjoy bicycling and walking along the river's beautified thoroughfare.

Points of Interest

  • Chicago Lakefront Trail This spectacular paved pathway spans 18 miles along Lake Michigan's southwest bank. The path starts about 7 miles north of downtown and bands together the Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Streeterville neighborhoods, all the way down to Hyde Park and beyond on Chicago's south side. This is a multi-use trail, so watch for rollerbladers, pedestrians and other cyclists.

  • Museum Campus  Walk, bike, or Segway around Soldier Field, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. The Chicago Lakefront Trail runs through the middle of the campus for safe access. Access bike rentals at Navy Pier or McDonald's Cycle Center.

  • Millennium Park  A State-of-the-Art public place designed by architect Frank Gerhy. Mix it up with locals at Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, Gospel Music Fest, or at one of the many other multi-day music fests. Bring a picnic dinner and wine to the Pritzker Pavillion on Wednesday and Saturday nights and relax to the symphony under the stars. Free admission. Between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr. (312) 744-5000

  • Navy Pier  Enjoy a multitude of shops, music stages, eateries, an outdoor beer garden and kid-friendly amusements on Lake Michigan. Fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night during summer months. 600 E. Grand Avenue; Chicago, IL 60611  312-595-PIER  800-595-PIER

  • Divvy Bike Share Roll from Point A to Point B via Chicago's many bike share programs, including Divvy Bike Share. With thousands of bikes available every day, bike-sharing programs make traveling fast, efficient and affordable. Pick-up and drop-off stations are spread around the city for easy access. 855-553-4889

  • Bike and Roll  Explore Chicago with America's largest bicycle tour and rental company. With locations around the city, visitors can rent bikes by the hour or day. Sign up for an assortment of bike tours designed for all ages and interests; or trek around on your own. (312) 729-1000 (888) BIKE-WAY

  • Lookingglass Theatre Company  Rack your bike and take in a live show at this charming theatre located on the Mag Mile. Co-founded by actor David Schwimmer, the ensemble actors create performances rich in strong images and physical theater pieces. 821 N Michigan Ave; Chicago, IL 60611  312-337-0665

  • The Second City  Specializing in sketch comedy and improve for more than 50 years, The Second City has given birth to countless comedy legends including Dan Akeroyd, John Belushi, and Mike Myers. Distinguished as the largest school of improvisation and sketch comedy in the world, guests can purchase tickets to nightly comedy shows. Food and cocktails are served. 1616 N Wells St; Chicago, IL 60614  312-337-3992

  • Wells Street Art Fair  This annual June art festival features more than 250 artists from across America.  Visitors are invited to view and purchase hundreds of paintings, sculptures, glasswork, photography, ceramics, woodwork and more. Listen to live music; chow down on chicken, beef, or lamb kabobs; guzzle a beer; or patron one of the many Old Town restaurants that line Wells Street. On N. Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street

  • Old Jerusalem Restaurant  Travel back in time 5,000 years to the culinary authenticity of the Middle East. Frequented by Pedal America's host, Ira David, the Hummus with Chicken entre or falafel sandwich are among his favorites.  Dine al fresco next to your bike and watch passersby along Wells Street. BYOB with a small corkage fee. Say hi to the owner Ahmed and tell 'em Ira David sent you! 1411 N Wells Street; Chicago IL 60610. 312-944-0459

  • McDonald's Cycle Center  Located in Millennium Park, this cycle center offers bike storage and rentals for locals and tourists alike. Services include a repair shop, showers, and lockers for personal belongings add convenience. Tourists can pay a one-time fee of $5 for bike rentals. City bike tours are also available. 239 East Randolph Street; Chicago IL 60601  312-729-1000 

    Edited and photographed by Jessica Nunley, Intern
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