Corse25

I am moving to Chicago in a month ( I will be a student there) and I am wondering whether it is safe to ride after dark. I might just be paranoid and thus am asking a studpid question but it would be great to hear from people who live in chicago. If you could tell me about areas in chicago that are good to avoid after dark that would also be great.
Thanks

Guest

I haven't had a problem. Just make sure you have lights and reflectors and observe the traffic laws.

Koffee

I-Like-To-Bike

Your question is certainly not stupid, but I would expect that you might get some PC approved stupid answers. I think you will have to correspond with people who know you and share (or at least understand) your concerns to get a responsive answer.

I am only familiar with daytime Chicago cycling in some areas, but there are a lot of areas I would avoid in Chicago 24 hours/day. For purposes of PC and to avoid offending the enforcers of PC I must refrain from providing details.

I will add that my daughter lives near Loyola and bike commutes downtown to near the John Hancock Bldg everyday by using the Lake Shore Drive bike trail. She doesn't tell me where she goes at night.

hubs

Try to find some people familiar with the particular areas with which you are concerned. If you don't get good answers here, there are alot of Chicago folks on the SS/Fixed forum. Where are you going to school? living?

Corse25

Im going to school at DePaul so ill be biking mostly around Lincoln Park

spinerguy

That is not only safe area but there's plenty of bike lanes that will lead you to pretty much anywhere interesting.

I do too live up north by Loyola & commute on a (almost) daily basis to the merchandise mart (downtown). I have stayed working at the office sometimes until past 10pm & the ride up home has always been nice & peaceful.

I-Like-to bike : it's funny that I don't look at their faces but I'd recognize the "regular" bikes, chances are that I see your daughter every morning.

If you take a look at craiglist chicago/bikes you'll notice lotsa people complaining about stolen bikes so lock it up good & you should be just fine.

I-Like-To-Bike

THIS is a regular bike; look for it and be nice to its rider.

Bobby Boy

Welcome to Chicago. Not sure if you're really asking about safe neighborhoods or safe bike routes.
I'll leave it to others to discuss neighborhoods with you.
You might be interested in a map put together by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation https://www.chibikefed.org/. Chicagoland has an extensive bike lane, bike trail system. There are also quite a few rails to trails.
The CBF map shows them all. It can help you with your daily commute and also help you decide on longer weekend jaunts.
Welcome to the Windy City. Don't let those North Siders corrupt you. Go White Sox!!