Grace Street Greenway Will Connect RiverRun Trail To Lake With New Bike-Friendly Route

The Chicago Department of Transportation is set to develop a nearly 3-mile greenway along Grace Street, connecting the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. This initiative aims to create a safer biking and walking route, with a reduced speed limit of 20 mph and the addition of advisory bike lanes, marked by dashed lines for cyclists. Ald. Bennett Lawson highlighted the importance of addressing potential traffic issues during peak times, such as school drop-offs and game days at Wrigley Field. The greenway will serve as a low-stress alternative to busier thoroughfares, particularly benefiting families and inexperienced cyclists.

Grace Street was selected partly due to its popularity as a bike corridor, evidenced by nearly 500 cyclists counted in a single day in July 2024. The route connects key community locations, including Blaine Elementary and various parks, while avoiding major roads. This project aligns with long-term neighborhood goals outlined in the 2023 Lakeview Roscoe Village Master Plan, which advocates for improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, though an official timeline is still pending.