There is no one-size-fits-all design for Chicago’s bikeways. Each segment of the bike network is planned and designed with consideration for neighborhood context, surrounding land use, connectivity to other bikeways, and access across large barriers like expressways and arterial streets.

Corridors with higher motor vehicle traffic need separate spaces for people to bike comfortably. Quieter side streets can be made into neighborhood greenways by calming motor vehicle traffic with speedhumps and curb extensions. The different types of bikeways in Chicago are described here.

Protected Bike Lanes

Dedicated space for people biking that is physically separated from vehicles on higher traffic streets. Lane separation can be created with concrete barriers, plastic curbs and bollards, and by shifting parking lanes further from the curb.

Neighborhood Greenways

With a few simple upgrades, residential streets can become low-stress alternatives to arterial roadways. Priority for cyclists is created with traffic calming for motor vehicles, enhanced signage, special pavement markings, and sometimes facilitating two-way bike travel on one-way side streets.

Off-Street Trails and Bridges

Off-street trails are car-free spaces for walking and biking. Chicago has over 50 miles off-street trails including the Major Taylor Trail, the 606, and the famous Chicago Lakefront Trail.  

Bike Lanes

Dedicated on-street spaces for cyclists demarcated with signs, striping and pavement markings.

Buffered Bike Lanes

On-street bike lanes flanked with additional space to give cyclists more clearance from the door zone and moving traffic.

Contraflow Bike Lanes

Contraflow bike lanes are designed to allow bicyclists to travel against the flow of motor vehicle traffic on one-way streets. Signs and signals alert drivers to contraflow bicyclists at intersections. This practice creates more direct, low stress connections in neighborhoods.

Marked Shared Lanes and Advisory Lanes

Marked shared lanes and advisory bike lanes can be found on narrower streets where dedicating space for cycling is more of a challenge. Pavement markings and signs emphasize the presence of cyclists and their right to use the full travel lane. Drivers must yield to cyclists when pulling over to park, pass with care, and slow to accommodate oncoming cars and bikes in the shared space.