wellness
Cycling routes safe for families and beginners expand across River North
Protected paths and low-traffic loops give parents and new riders clear options near the Chicago River this summer.
How we reported this
The River North segment of the Chicago Riverwalk added two miles of protected bike lanes on July 1 that connect directly to the Erie Street Greenway.
Warmer weather and steady demand for outdoor activity have pushed more households toward cycling near downtown. Local wellness groups note that families want routes separated from heavy car traffic and free of steep grades. The new lanes address both concerns by running along the water’s edge and linking to quiet side streets.
River North Active Living runs a free Saturday morning ride that starts at the Kinzie Street river access point and loops through the new Erie Street Greenway before returning via Wells Street. The River North YMCA offers a parallel beginner clinic on Wednesday evenings that uses the same path and supplies helmets and lights for participants who register in advance.
Two routes that stay flat and shielded from traffic
The Erie Street Greenway itself stays at water level for its full 1.8-mile length between Franklin Street and Michigan Avenue. A second option begins at the same Kinzie access point, crosses the river on the pedestrian bridge, and follows the low-traffic Ogden Avenue service road for three miles before circling back through the River North Community Park playground area. Both routes avoid major intersections and post clear signage every quarter mile.
City transportation records show family bike program enrollment rose 28 percent between May 2025 and May 2026. Standard bike rentals at the River North station on Clark Street cost $12 for two hours, with child seats and tag-along trailers available for an extra $5.
Next steps for first-time riders
Check the River North Active Living website for the current week’s start times and weather cancellations. Riders can also stop by the YMCA desk on Superior Street any weekday before 6 p.m. to pick up a printed map that marks the two family routes and the nearest repair stand. Helmets remain required on all city paths.