Communiting

[betagirl]

Ok I have a conundrum. I'd like to start communting to school and work downtown. I recently moved about 10 miles from there, but I have one big obstacle. The neighborhood on the west side of chicago is, well, bad. I drive through it all the time to dodge traffic on the expressway. So I'm familiar with the terrain so to speak. For those from Chicago, the route I'm thinking is a straight shot down Madison Street. But once you cross Austin, it get's progressively worse until you get to about Western Ave (which is about 4 miles).

So, for those who commute in the city (doesn't have to be chicago) do you ever traverse bad areas? If so, have you had problems? I've seen people riding their bikes down Madison in the bad area, and I can tell they're a commuter. They're also riding very fast

For those who live in the Chicago area, do you know any route to get from Oak Park downtown? I thought about going a little bit north then cutting across, but I'd have to scope that out. I know that south isn't much better. Or am I being stupid about it? Am I really going to have an issue?

Thanks everyone!

[Lise]

My first reaction to you riding across the west side on Madison was: Don't Do It.
I picture a cyclist being knocked over and robbed, or worse.

I pulled out my Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (CBF) map to see what they recommend as a bike route. They say Washington is a better street for biking than Madison, as it has marked bike lanes. In my opinion, there's no good way to get across the west side, especially at that latitude. It's not the Skid Row it used to be, but it's still a very rough neighborhood, especially between Austin and Western. You might want to drive Washington and compare it to Madison in terms of the bike lane. Do cars respect that lane? Can you get away fast if you need to? You might even want to go to a CBF www.biketraffic.org or Chicago Cycling Club http://www.chicagocyclingclub.org/ meeting and ask what they think.

I've lived in Chicago for 28 years. I ride my bike all over. I have yet to find a good route across the west side. My sister lives in Oak Park, and one of my goals for this summer is to find a decent way to ride out there. I am farther north than you (I start from Addison and Western). I have less fear of being mugged than I would if I were riding in the Garfield/Douglas/Humbolt Park area, but all E/W roads are very traffic heavy, and therefore uncomfortable and dangerous. The expressway cuts across all routes--you have to be on a road that goes under it, or you end up riding way out of your way to stay on smaller streets. I'll figure it out.

Good luck--I think the idea of commuting is a great one, and hate that we're talking about the risk of being attacked en route. L.

[SJCzar]

I live in Milwaukee and commute to work a few days a week (although I haven't started yet this season). The route that I take when biking if very different from the route that I use when I drive.

My biking route doubles the distance but also keeps me on a nice less traveled parkway road and the bike trail a lot of the time. When I drive I do go through a neighborhood that is definitely more high crime, but there are always so many people around that I really would only be worried about the crazy morning drivers if I was on my bike. There is one short (about 1/2 - 3/4 mile) section of the bike trail that is a bit too secluded for my liking. I would prefer that the trees and bushes weren't so close....I always think they'd be good hiding places. Last year I only passed one other cyclist in all my times on that section. I use that stretch as my sprint time. I figure if there are any criminal types out that early they'll have to move fast to catch me.

My husband really wishes I wouldn't bike to work....it makes him very nervous. I always carry my cell phone in my pocket and perhaps I'll carry mace with me this season if it would make him feel better.

[CorsairMac]

Have there been reports of bikers being mugged in that area?? Would you be riding during heavy traffic times so you would be visible to drivers in case something Did happen? If it's a main thoroughfare I'm guessing you would be left alone - most muggers don't want an audience. You could also call the police station near there and talk to them - see how many biker muggings have been reported in the past year or so. They also might be able to suggest an alternative route - especially if they have a bike patrol.

[Lise]

. You could also call the police station near there and talk to them - see how many biker muggings have been reported in the past year or so. They also might be able to suggest an alternative route - especially if they have a bike patrol.

That's a great idea!

[betagirl]

Thanks guys. Lise, I rode up Oak Park Ave today past Montrose. I have no idea how it is going into the city from the NW side compared to the west side. It's not too bad getting up there, so I might scope that out in my car to see how it looks. I will also check with the police stations to see. I'll let you know if I get any "say what?" or "woman are you crazy!?" reactions

[Lise]

It's better on the NW side, for certain. I would not cross the west side on a bike south of Division. What's rough about Fullerton, Belmont, Irving Park is the traffic. And you can't take side streets without having to go up or down to get across both the expressway and the river. I'll figure out a route or a couple of them this summer, though, because I like riding to my sister's. It's about 9 miles, and always involves a meal when I get there! Did you notice all the little asphalt lines on Oak Park Ave? Drove me nuts! I avoid that street when I can! Fun to talk about stuff close to home. I'll be curious to see what the cops say about your proposed route.