Good bike paths in the Lincoln Park area (Chicago, Evanston: 2013, university)

[squirrels]

I've recently started getting into cycling for exercise, transportation, and for fun. I live in Lincoln Park, and I'm trying to figure out where the best areas to go riding are, without having to stop every five minutes because traffic is in your way. Any recommended bike paths within a mile or two of Lincoln Park?

On a related note, what would be the best way to get from Clark Street in Lincoln Park to Clark Street in the south loop on a bike in the mornings? Should I just ride Clark all the way, or would it be quicker/safer to ride out to the lake and follow it south til I get to the south loop and then just turn back towards Clark?

[gomexico]

Have you tried taking yoiur bicycle to the bike paths in Lincoln Park? The park, itself?

[marothisu]

The obvious answer is LINCOLN PARK.

[squirrels]

I've gone around the lakefront trail and a few park areas. I was wondering more about other areas I haven't seen yet.

[cubssoxfan]

North Shore Channel Trail:
North Shore Channel Trail | Illinois Trails | TrailLink.com

North Branch Trail:
North Branch Trail | Illinois Trails | TrailLink.com

Plans to extned the North Branch Trail south:
North Branch Bike Trail Extensions Pick Up Where Protected Lanes Leave Off - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Especially if you are a "roadie" (ride a road bike) there are also bicycle clubs that have group rides. Benefit of group rides is the safety in a larger group, and the clubs typically pick less congested roads to cycle on. Might mean a short drive into Evanston or another nearby suburb. You can also find a side street route to take you from the north end of the lakefront trail into Evanston. The sidewalk north of Juneway is OK for bicyles and once you get to a park just south of Main St. there is a bike path combined with very mellow side streets that will take you all the way to Northwestern University. Sheridan road in Wilmette has a decent bike lane and with some map research you can connect to the GreenBay trail which takes you farther north.

Calling some different bike shops will sometimes provide additional information as well.

[It'sAutomatic]

Good questions. I don't know much about dedicated bike trails in the city but the lakefront path is the most popular by far.

As for just getting around, I prefer to take sidestreets when possible to avoid traffic. There isn't really a great way around stopping and starting, and taking the lakefront path isn't going to be any faster when it's a mile out of your way. I think you'll get used to knowing where good sidestreets and bike lanes are, not to mention negotiating traffic and stoplights and all that for speed.