Chicago's Lakefront Trail Gets an Update and Loses an Exit

Chicago's 18.5-mile trail is in the midst of a massive update. One of the primary features of which is creating a secondary path for bikes which is separate from one for pedestrians. "Between Ardmore Avenue (the north end of the trail) and Foster, cyclists will use the existing Lakefront Trail, while a new route will be created for pedestrians that will run close to Osterman and Foster beaches," John Greenfield writes for Streetsblog Chicago. The bike path is now a half mile longer from end to end as it winds closer and further from the lake at different points.

The Montrose exit will be depaved: "Bike riders and pedestrians will be required to detour east from the trail’s current Montrose crossing — which will be eliminated — to an underpass, making it easier for motorists to drive to the beach," Greenfield reports. City officials says the changes at the Montrose exit are designed not just to give easier access to drivers, but also to decrease conflict between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists