Most interesting from the article:
The alderwoman--who is quite good, actually--expressing surprise, how it's always been such a protected area. Enclaves are ripe for this kind of assault.

More interesting is the U of C community relations director, believing that pepper spray is intended as a deterrent of some sort (I can't imagine any circumstance where deterrence would be operative), and counseling against using spray on the grounds that it would make the already-violent attackers "angry":

If you don't spray, then they'll only permanently cripple you rather than striking in anger?
As if.

Police officers at CAPS meetings have strongly advised residents not to walk/ride/take buses in that area of S MLK Drive when students are commuting to/from school. They didn't specifically include summer break.

If you do take MLK north around McCormick Place on 22nd (Cermak), be aware that it's under heavy construction until 2006 and with occasional traffic rerouting congestion, some construction vehicles, and lots of cars and cabs trying to get around buses.

If you are unarmed and get accosted try to grab one of the attackers and replace his eyeball with your thumb (it takes surprisingly little effort). You wont need a whistle when he starts to scream, the other attackers will see this and most likely run (or puke).
Amazingly effective.

Enjoy

i've never had a problem on MLK and i've been riding it for 2 years, since i moved here. i think the 'bad side of town' is often based on perception and not reality. MLK is a great wide street with a nice bike lane. i would take it over the path any day. maybe i'm just more of an urban rider, i like riding through and have ridden through most of the neighborhoods in chicago. unless you act like a target, people will just let you be, no matter where you're riding. i really don't like it when people start labelling areas without first experiencing them.

Here, Here.

To me anyplace other than my bed is a "bad area," and sometimes....

jeff