Bicycling from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago
05-17-21, 10:19 PM
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Bicycling from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago
In a few weeks, I am flying to Midway Airport with my bike, and plan to bicycle to downtown Chicago (Grant Park) to begin a bike tour of Route 66. I have two questions. First, is it "easy" to take the train from Midway to the Loop? The bike will be fully loaded with panniers on the front and back. I have taken local trains in Chicago, and my recollection, especially downtown, are steep stairs and turnstiles that would be it difficult to take a loaded bike through. Second question is what is a good route to cycle to the Loop? Google Maps suggest basically taking S. Archer most of the way. Anyone have any better suggestions? Thanks in advance.
05-21-21, 04:58 AM
#2
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In a few weeks, I am flying to Midway Airport with my bike, and plan to bicycle to downtown Chicago (Grant Park) to begin a bike tour of Route 66. I have two questions. First, is it "easy" to take the train from Midway to the Loop? The bike will be fully loaded with panniers on the front and back. I have taken local trains in Chicago, and my recollection, especially downtown, are steep stairs and turnstiles that would be it difficult to take a loaded bike through. Second question is what is a good route to cycle to the Loop? Google Maps suggest basically taking S. Archer most of the way. Anyone have any better suggestions? Thanks in advance.
05-21-21, 07:51 AM
#3
Jedi Master
Should be pretty easy. The Midway El station has wheelchair access as do most of the stations downtown. Get off at Washington/Wabash if you're going to Grant Park.
https://www.transitchicago.com/howto...ur-bike-train/
https://www.transitchicago.com/trave...bility-status/
https://www.transitchicago.com/howto...ur-bike-train/
https://www.transitchicago.com/trave...bility-status/
05-21-21, 09:09 AM
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Thanks. I had never seen this on Strava. I brought up the heatmap between Midway and the Loop. Clearly showed that Archer was the most used route. Thanks again.
05-21-21, 09:10 AM
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Thanks for sending links. I checked out the Washington/Wabash station. WOW! Brand new, clearly wide enough to maneuver cycles and elevator to street level. Thanks again.
05-22-21, 04:18 AM
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If you're still in search of more information, and if you want a local's perspective, post your question on The ChainLink. It's a Chicago-centric cycling forum with plenty of local cyclists who may be able to help. They've helped me out with info / tips/ routes plenty of times. 
05-24-21, 10:02 AM
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How much of Rt. 66 do you plan on seeing / riding on? From Midway, you could head north or west to catch Rt. 66 and save yourself the trip downtown. Everyone's idea of what is interesting is a little different though; to me seeing the real "start" of Rt. 66 in downtown Chicago isn't high on the list. I think the road only starts getting interesting as you get close to (and beyond) Joliet.
