Cycling from Lincoln Park to the Loop

[squirrels]

I cycle from Lincoln Park to the loop every day, weather permitting. My route begins at Clark & Belden, and ends near federal plaza. Sometimes I take Clark all the way south, and sometimes I take the park paths to Dearborn, then turn off Dearborn onto Congress for a couple blocks. Both ways are safe and if I'm in a hurry can make the ride in about 15-20 minutes on a good morning.

Depending on where in LP you are and where you need to end up, I'd be happy to ride with you sometime to kinda show you the route.

[WesleyPrescott]

Originally Posted by koctail

Not meaning to be a troll, but I would say just take public transit. Too many texting/distracted drivers out there combined with equally careless cyclists is a recipe for a disaster. After your first accident , you will see it is hardly worth it.

There is a way to ride safely, it is called "Vehicular cycling" , but I've not seen many do it. You have to basically take control of the lane by riding in the center of it. This prevents drivers from buzzing you and forces them to overtake you like any other slow moving vehicle. It also prevents getting doored and getting hit at intersections by right-turning cars.

I used to do it and never had any issue riding 3000 miles a year. But the stress of dealing with angry motorists was not worth it. So now I just walk everywhere and take public transit.

Doesn't feel like trolling to me.

I want to use my bike in the good weather, primarily to save money on CTA passes and to get some well-needed exercise. I want to get in better shape so cycling is a very appealing option in a city like Chicago. I'm not opposed to walking though that may take a bit longer than I care for to get from point A to B, especially on mornings I need to be in the office or kitchen (job dependent) bright and early in the morning.

Public transportation is more for the crap weather in the winter.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by WesleyPrescott

Doesn't feel like trolling to me.

I want to use my bike in the good weather, primarily to save money on CTA passes and to get some well-needed exercise. I want to get in better shape so cycling is a very appealing option in a city like Chicago. I'm not opposed to walking though that may take a bit longer than I care for to get from point A to B, especially on mornings I need to be in the office or kitchen (job dependent) bright and early in the morning.

Public transportation is more for the crap weather in the winter.

Here is an informational safety quiz for BOTH cyclists and motorists from the League of Illinois Bicyclists. It includes information on how and when to take the lane, how to avoid getting doored and much more. They are doing out reach to cycling clubs, bike shops, driving schools, driver ed teachers and the Secretary of State has agreed to include some questions from the quizzes in Il drivers license exams.
Illinois bicycle safety quiz challenge |

[jonnynonos]

I cycle everywhere, year round.

Cycling in the winter is not very intelligent; it's just too slippery. But, yeah, I do it.

Cycling in the city is one of those things that seems more dangerous than it is.

Out of all the riders, only a few are killed a year.

On average the exercise you get is probably worth the risk.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by jonnynonos

I cycle everywhere, year round.

Cycling in the winter is not very intelligent; it's just too slippery. But, yeah, I do it.

Cycling in the city is one of those things that seems more dangerous than it is.

Out of all the riders, only a few are killed a year.

On average the exercise you get is probably worth the risk.

You have no idea --

[jonnynonos]

That is pretty funny.

Somewhat related, one of the things that cracks me up the most is these hipsters riding around on vintage 100-pound bikes.

Few people like to ride a bike as much as me, but when I see that I think "Damn... that looks painful."

A surprising amount of people REALLY put a premium on how they look riding, even if means going 5 MPH, giving yourself a hernia every time you encounter a hill and enduring a feeling akin to getting punched in the crotch every time you roll over a bump on your vintage cruiser.