Find Out The Safest Way To Get Around Chicago

Easy And Safe Ways To Explore All Of Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, action-packed city full of activities to enjoy and sights to see. It is one of those cities where the first thing you have to figure out, whether you are a local or a visitor, is how to get around safely.

From busy streets to ample public transportation, including various neighborhoods, getting around Chicago can be overwhelming—in fact, often blatantly overwhelming—but it does not need to be intimidating. Let's explore some of the safest ways to get around this fantastic city so that you can enjoy every nook and cranny, free of stress.

Walking Is The Perfect Means Of Exploring On Foot

For neighborhoods heavy in shops, restaurants, or parks, walking is a very safe form of transportation. Generally speaking, Chicago is really quite pedestrian-friendly, so there are a lot of sidewalks and crosswalks, and foot travel is fairly easy without having to give too much concern to the flow of traffic.

Why Is Walking Safe?

It is not only healthy but also one of the safest ways to get around—most areas are adequately lit, and crosswalks are common. Most of the downtown area and popular neighborhoods—the Loop, River North, and Lincoln Park, for example—are designed to be especially pedestrian-friendly, with many areas offering pedestrian right-of-way.

Just be aware of your surroundings, walk in groups when possible, and try to avoid using your phone while walking in busy areas.

Biking Is A Fun And Eco-Friendly Substitute

For those into a tad of action, as they traverse the city, biking is an option that can never be missed—most fun, perhaps. Over the past years, biking has become a lot easier in Chicago and friendlier towards cyclists because of increased bike lanes across the city, along with bike-sharing programs.

Why Is Biking Safe?

Much of Chicago has been equipped with bike lanes, making commutes within the city much safer. Divvy, a system of bike-sharing, has rentals from stations all over the city. It is an economical, fun way to get around and pretty eco-friendly, too. 

If biking, wear a helmet, mind the traffic rules, and be extra careful at busy intersections. Chicago's bike lanes are very well-marked; cyclists usually have a place to ride safely.

Compared To Ride-Sharing, Taxis Are A Safer Option.

You could always take a taxi, which is the more conventional option. Even if the majority of people would prefer ride-sharing applications, taking a taxi is still a fairly safe way to get around Chicago. 

What Makes Taxis A Secure Option? 

There are strict rules about areas of safety, and drivers will not only follow them but also be visible, making taxis one of the few highly controlled activities inside the Chicago city limits. 

Unless one is calling one of the many taxi services directly to have them come somewhere for a pick-up, there are specified locations to locate one. As ride-sharing procedures have evolved, using a taxi requires you to verify that the vehicle you are getting into is, in fact, from the firm you hired.

Car Rentals For When You Want Extra Flexibility

At other times, one needs more freedom to get around, and if the intention is a day trip outside the city, a car rental service will be even better.

Why Is Car Rental Safe?

You'll see car rentals everywhere in Chicago—from classic car rental agencies to services like Turo. With a rental car, you have the autonomy to drive wherever and at any time you please, pending you are comfortable driving in the city. Just park in well-lit areas, follow the rules of parking regulations and avoid fines or towing.

Be equally aware of the high flow of traffic in the city's downtown area, since there might not be large spaces available to park your rented cars. Schedule routes well in advance in case one decides to rent one out for traveling, lest one's sightseeing might just become stress-seeing.

Safety Advice For Traveling In Chicago

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind no matter how you get around Chicago:

• Be aware of what's going on around you. Know what and who is near you. Being extra careful is especially important in busy places or places you don't know well.

• Try to stay in well-lit places with other people when you walk or ride your bike at night.

• Do not take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation that has a bad history of safety. Instead, use a service that you can trust.

• If something doesn't seem right, trust your gut and either change your route or stop your ride.

Safe And Fun Ways To Get Around Chicago

There are many fun and exciting ways to get around Chicago. If you make the right choices, it can also be safe and fun. You can take the CTA, walk through neighborhoods, or even rent a bike and ride it around. Your many great choices keep getting better. Just remember these safety tips, and you'll feel free to see everything that the Windy City has to offer.

As you look around, keep in mind that Chicago also cares a lot about cleaning, just like Deep Cleaning Chicago, to make sure the streets and other public places are clean.