Bike Rentals and Bike-Sharing in Chicago
Exploring Chicago by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the city’s iconic architecture, beautiful parks, and lively neighborhoods. A robust and bike-friendly infrastructure, including hundreds of miles of bike lanes, makes cycling a safe and enjoyable activity for visitors of all skill levels. To get started, you have a couple of great options for renting a bike, from full-service rental shops to the city’s convenient bike-share program.
Divvy: Chicago’s Official Bike-Sharing Program
Divvy is Chicago’s official bike-sharing system, with over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes located throughout the city. It offers a flexible and affordable way to get around, as you can pick up a bike from one station and drop it off at any other. You can rent a classic bike, e-bike, or scooter for a single ride, or purchase a day pass for unlimited short rides over a 24-hour period. You can easily find a station and unlock a bike using the Divvy or Lyft app on your phone.
Full-Service Bike Rental Shops
For a more personalized experience, Chicago offers a number of full-service bike rental shops, such as Bobby’s Bike Hike and Bike & Roll Chicago. These shops typically offer a wider variety of bikes, including road bikes, hybrid bikes, tandem bikes, and even electric bikes. They also provide helmets, locks, and guided tours, which can be an excellent way to learn about the city’s history and culture while you ride. For a long day of riding, these full-service rentals are often more comfortable and a better value than a bike-share program.
The Best Places to Bike in Chicago
Chicago has a diverse network of bike paths and trails, offering scenic routes for both casual riders and serious cyclists.
The Lakefront Trail
The city’s crown jewel for cyclists is undoubtedly the Lakefront Trail. This uninterrupted, 18.5-mile paved path runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, providing stunning, car-free views of the Chicago skyline, beaches, and parks. The trail has a separate lane for cyclists, making it a safe and popular choice. It connects to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Museum Campus and Lincoln Park. You can ride north from downtown to see famous beaches like North Avenue Beach, or head south for a quieter ride with great views of the skyline from a distance.
Exploring the Neighborhoods
Beyond the lakefront, Chicago offers many dedicated bike lanes and trails for exploring its distinct neighborhoods. The Bloomingdale Trail (known as The 606) is a 2.7-mile elevated rail-trail that runs through the city’s northwest side, offering a casual and scenic ride. You can also bike through neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park, which have a well-developed network of bike lanes, allowing you to discover local shops, restaurants, and art at your own pace.
Rules of the Road: Biking Etiquette and Safety
To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for yourself and others, it’s important to be aware of Chicago’s rules and etiquette for cyclists.
Obey Traffic Laws
In Chicago, bicyclists are legally considered vehicle operators and must follow the same rules as cars. This includes obeying all traffic signals, stop signs, and one-way street signs. Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
Use Bike Lanes and Watch for Pedestrians
Always use a designated bike lane when one is available. This helps keep you safe and reduces conflict with car traffic. On shared-use paths, such as the Lakefront Trail, it’s important to be aware of pedestrians and other cyclists. Be courteous, and when passing, announce your presence by saying “on your left” or ringing a bell. Avoid riding on crowded sidewalks unless local ordinances permit it.
Visibility and Equipment
If you plan to ride at night, a bike must be equipped with a front white light and a rear red reflector that are both visible from at least 500 feet away. Every bicycle must also have a functional brake. Always wear a helmet, even though it is not required by Illinois law for adults, as it is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can use.
