Originally Posted by
DMora13
This is my first winter biking to work and I had a question about dealing with the ice/snow factor.
I just changed the tires on my mountain bike back to the knobbies, but didn't commute today because I was fearful that last night's rain (which later became snow) would freeze into ice. Last week I wiped out twice on the Lake Shore Path (just south of Oak Street beach/Drake Hotel).
My question- how are you guys avoiding the hazards on a day like today when it's snowing non-stop? If I take roads like Clark/Wells, is ice not that much of a concern?
A few notes from my experience:
1. The Lakeshore Path is maintained from the Gold Coast Beach underpass North. South to Navy Pier is not maintained in the winter, so avoid it
2. Roads in Chicago are cleared quicker than you can say
"Mayor-Michael-Anthony-Blandic-lost-his-reelection-because-he-didn't-clear-the-streets-and-therefore-Chicago-will-have-excellent-snow-clearing-forevermore" 
. I never find snow to be an issue in Chicago
3. Stay away from studded tires. they are expensive, may not fit every bike and are overkill for Chicago
4. It's not a contest! If you feel it is not safe to ride, then don't. in January and February I take the Metra 1-2 days a week, due to cold/snow/laziness.
Happy Winter riding,
Duppie