Page 186 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

184  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Getting Around Chicago be especially aggressive, never rely
solely on the traffic lights; look both
Although Chicago is a sprawling Midwestern metropolis, ways before crossing the street,
many of the city’s sights and main cultural centers are and watch for cars making right
centrally located downtown, making it a walker’s dream. The turns or racing through yellow
city’s public transportation is inexpensive and efficient. The lights. During rush hour, traffic is
often controlled by traffic police.
train system, known as the “L” for “elevated”, is the easiest way
to get around, although public bus lines cover more territory.
Taxis are affordable, convenient, and readily available (and Bicycling
recommended for traveling late at night). Both public transit Cycling is a popular form
and street traffic are extremely busy during the rush hours, of transport in Chicago.
There are more public bicycle
which are weekdays from 7–9am and 3–7pm. If possible, you racks in Chicago than other
may want to avoid traveling at these peak times. city in the US, and most major
throughways have designated
bike lanes. However, cyclists
on the streets must still use
extreme caution, obey traffic
laws, and wear a safety helmet.
The lakefront offers miles of
scenic paths, although it can be
busy. Informal rules of the road
exist, but it is often difficult for
walkers, cyclists, and in-line
skaters to co-exist. Saying “on
your left” as you overtake another
cyclist is common courtesy. The
best time to enjoy the path is
during business hours when
traffic is quieter. Bike & Roll,
among others, rents out both
bicycles and in-line skates.
Guided Tours
Cyclist taking advantage of a quiet spell on Chicago’s lakefront path Excellent walking, coach, and
boat tours are offered by the
Green Travel Street Layout and Chicago Architecture
Despite the fact that traffic Numbering Foundation (CAF). Tour rates
congestion during rush Chicago streets are laid out on run from $10 for a 1-hour
hours continues to choke a grid system. Most streets run walking tour to $75 for a 7-hour
the city in fumes, more north and south or east and coach tour. A fabulous way to
Chicagoans are becoming west, though some run on the get away from the tourist center
conscious of their ecological diagonal. The zero point in the and discover a few of Chicago’s
footprint, and demand for city is at Madison and State 77 neighborhoods is to take
environmentally-friendly Streets, in the Loop. Street one of the Saturday tours with
alternatives has spurred real numbers ascend by 50 or 100 Chicago Neighborhood Tours
change. Public transportation numbers in each block as they ($30). Chicago Trolley Company
is being redesigned to burn radiate out from Madison and sells an all-day hop-on hop-off
cleaner fuel, and Chicago State. Most streets in the Loop pass for self-guided tours ($35).
currently has more than are one-way streets. Chicago Detours offers guided
200 hybrid buses in circulation. tours with iPads that include
The city has added miles and Walking interior architecture and a
miles of bicycle lanes on historic pub crawl ($28–32).
many major thoroughfares, Shopping areas are only a short Boat tour season is from April
including a few dedicated walk from each other and to October. Several companies
lanes, which are restricted from streets are relatively flat, so you offer Lake Michigan and
vehicle traffic. Every CTA bus will not have to tackle hills Chicago River excursions.
comes equipped with a bike during your outings. Lake Michigan cruises depart
rack, and, with the exception Traffic lights signal drivers (and regularly from Navy Pier, and
of rush hours, bicycles are pedestrians) to stop (red), go river tours depart from the
allowed on all “L” trains (up (green), or proceed with caution Michigan Avenue Bridge.
to two per car). (yellow). As Chicago drivers tend to Prices vary, but average about

184-185_EW_Chicago.indd 184 13/07/16 3:01 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm