The do’s and don’ts of surviving Chicago’s lakefront trail

As the seasons begin to change in the Windy City, Chicagoans everywhere can rejoice at the return of lakefront season. For as long as the weather holds, there may be nothing more defining of the Chicago summer experience than time spent along Lake Michigan. Whether you're a walker, runner, rollerblader, cyclist, dog on a leash, child in a stroller, or just “cement beaching” it, for a handful of months every year, the 18.5-mile trail from Montrose Harbor down to the South Shore becomes a busy cross-section of our metropolitan home. 

However, while the energy and scenery of the beautiful lakefront remain a great draw, those crowds and varying activities can sometimes make the trail a hectic space, especially for newcomers.

So to ensure you have a safe time while embracing one of Chicago's best pastimes, here are some do’s and don’ts for surviving summer along the lakefront trail.

Do: Keep your head on a swivel

With all of the aforementioned activities going on around the waterfront, the number one thing to ensure your and everyone else’s safety and enjoyment is to keep your wits about you at all times. If you're new to the area, intersections can be confusing, and cyclists can be moving fast, so make sure your head is on a swivel for oncoming traffic. The trail is in large part outlined with specific lanes for walkers and cyclists, so take the time to familiarize yourself with where to be before heading out and watch for changes as the path twists and turns. 

Don’t: Walk in long rows when with a group

With what sometimes feels like the entire city sharing the same six feet of asphalt, it is important to stay conscious of your surroundings and space. The lakefront can be a great place for a group walk or picnic, but make sure when you're along the trail to walk in columns, not long rows, to ensure runners and cyclists have room to pass safely in the narrow thoroughfares.

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Do: Keep your dog on a short leash

One of the best parts of the lakefront trail is all of the friendly pooches enjoying the nice weather after being cooped up inside all winter. With so much going on at the lakefront trail, especially during peak hours, the last thing anyone would want is a canine catastrophe. So it may be best to keep our four-legged companions on a slightly shorter leash than normal for their safety and the safety of others. 

Don't: Plan on cycling fast during busy hours

For the more avid bike riders in the city, there are very few places to truly work through the gears and properly train, meaning the lakefront trail tends to attract a large number from the community. However, it is important to acknowledge that everyone has the right to the lakefront trail, so for cyclists planning full speed riding sessions, you may be best avoiding busier hours to the benefit of yourself and others. If you're looking to put on the full Lance Armstrong gear and Tour de France between North Ave and Oak St. Beach, aim for a morning ride instead of 5:45 p.m. on a sunny Thursday afternoon.

Do: Keep an eye out for unique lakefront activities

The lakefront becomes home to all kinds of different classes and activities to take advantage of. Yoga classes by the lake, volleyball at North Avenue Beach, or fishing off the pier, among many others, are a great chance to branch out and try something different while still enjoying the outdoors.

Don't: Forget to enjoy the scenery 

I am as guilty as anyone that when you get exercising or chatting with a friend on a walk along the trail, it can be easy to forget to look up and appreciate the scenery. Especially if you've lived in and have used the trail for a while, it can be easy to take for granted just how lucky we are to have such an amazing amenity at our fingertips. Take a 30-second break and appreciate the beautiful surroundings and the eclectic canvas of people all together in our great city.