Free parking near a bike trail?

[duke_of_hazard]

I am driving to chicago saturday with some friends. We would like to park somewhere safe and then bike into downtown. Are there any places on the lakefront?

I know if go west on Ontario st, past N. Orleans st. there are meters that just go Monday to Friday... But I noticed this year there are fewer of those

[Mr Downtown]

Are you entering from north or south? There's plenty of free parking in Lincoln Park next to the Lakefront Path, accessed by the Foster, Lawrence, Wilson or Montrose exits from Lake Shore Drive.

There should be little problem parking in most neighborhoods other than Lincoln Park or Lake View. Just look out for the dreaded "residents only" side streets where a parking permit is required. They're less common as you go west and north.

[paytonc]

Easiest might be the West Loop, west of 90-94. Very few permits or weekend meters around there, and on weekends the east-west streets are clear.

[cbotnyse]

Originally Posted by Mr Downtown

Are you entering from north or south? There's plenty of free parking in Lincoln Park next to the Lakefront Path, accessed by the Foster, Lawrence, Wilson or Montrose exits from Lake Shore Drive.

There should be little problem parking in most neighborhoods other than Lincoln Park or Lake View. Just look out for the dreaded "residents only" side streets where a parking permit is required. They're less common as you go west and north.

Parking in LP near the lake is not easy on a Saturday.

Originally Posted by paytonc

Easiest might be the West Loop, west of 90-94. Very few permits or weekend meters around there, and on weekends the east-west streets are clear.

I agree. Just west of Halsted, from Jackson to Lake. Lots of parking around there, no permits or meters. And its a quick mile west of Grant Park.

[prelude91]

I dont see why he couldn't just park off Recreation Drive or at the lot along the lake between Lawrence and Wilson