Hi, I´m going to Chicago in August to stay at Hyatt Regency close to Navy Pier. Is it easy to ride bike in Chicago to go to museums and the Acquarium? Is there any place to park bikes there?

Does anybody have any input on renting a bike in Chicago?

I'll try...

OK, there are kiosks around Oak Street Beach (Oak Street and the lake) that rent bikes by the hour, I don't have any clue what rates are or for how long you can rent a bike. You could definately bike down to the museum campus on the bike path that goes along the lake (although it will be CROWDED).

I would not advise biking down to the Museum of Science and Industry. It's really not that safe.

Mayor Daley is a big bike fan and has put in tons of bike racks, so that won't be a big issue. You may need to bring your own lock, however.

You could try Village Cycle or Kozy's Cyclery to see if they have longer-term rentals.

Hope this helps!

Tracy

Sure it will help a lot!
Txs!!

Unfortunately, I don't have specific information for you but they rent bikes right at the start of Navy Pier which might be better for you since you are staying close to there and heading south to the museums. Oak Street is a little ways north of the Pier.

Laurie,

Thanks for the info!

RacyT -

Why do you think the southern part of the lakefront bike path torward the Museum of Science and Industry is unsafe?

Whay do I think it's unsafe? Because, between McCormick Center and Hyde Park, where the museum is located, lie some of the most destitute neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. There are individuals who wait along the path for bikers, stick branches, etc,. into their wheels, wait for the rider to crash, and make off with the bike.

This is not an urban legend or a joke -- I used to be a cops reporter for a local newspaper and this was a huge problem every summer (not to mention the injuries some of these triathlon trainers sustained, knocked off their bikes while they were haulin' a$$). There are cops on bike who patrol, but they spend most of their time where most of the people are -- North of Monroe Harbor.

I'm not saying it CAN'T be done, I'm just saying that, for a person who isn't necessarily familiar with the city of Chicago, it might not be the safest thing to do.

If you DO decide to ride, don't do it alone, and be VERY CAREFUL where you see the overpasses over Lake Shore Drive -- that's where most of the robberies take place (so they can whisk the bike away quickly). Don't get caught after dark, or go very early in the morning.

Hope this helps,
Racy

Racy T,

I´m very grateful for all your help! I´m brazilian and I´m going to Chicago with my boyfriend and we enjoy a lot visiting new places by bike. Your input was very important.
Thanks a lot!

Even with a great bike lock, theft remains a big problem in chicago (I lost one and my friend is on her third bike - all with kryptonite locks).

I think you would have a great time bike riding around the lakefront and through the park, but probably wouldn't use it to tour when you're going to be locking it up outside. I assume if a rental is stolen, you would be out the replacement cost.

Also, riding bikes on the sidewalks is illegal (everyone does it, but just be forewarned so you don't get a ticket). The paths through the parks don't count as sidewalks so ok to ride there.

DO not listen to Racy-t, it is perfectly safe to bike down to the museum. Me and my girlfriend ride the path maybe 2-3 times a week for the last 2 years and have never seen any situations of that nature. The path has many people riding, rollerbladeing etc.

Xxx,
Txs a lot for your suggestion!
Maybe I should just not count on the bike lock!

The area from the museum campus down to the museum of science and industry is actually very safe, I run/bike that path almost everyday at all times of the day, as I live very near. The posting that labeled it as unsafe is very very incorrect!

Perhaps it was more acurate 3 years ago when it was posted

Keith