With its rich history and diverse topography, the Land of Lincoln presents a myriad of possibilities as a location for Bicycle City, Illinois. Numerous small cities and towns provide a rural environment, while extensive park and recreation facilities offer the opportunity to enjoy nature and the environment. A thriving network of public transportation options and non-motorized-use-restricted trails also highlight the Prairie State as an ideal location for Bicycle City, IL.

Illinois is bordered by the Mississippi River on the west and Lake Michigan on the east with terrain varying from prairie to rolling hills and abundant state parks, forests, lakes and recreation areas. As a result, Illinois offers a host of scenic backdrops for a Bicycle City, Ill., implementation.

Illinois offers both Amtrak rail service and bus service throughout the state, meeting the public transportation goals of a potential Bicycle City, Ill., location. Commuter rail service provided by Metra is also available in the Chicago metropolitan area. Both Amtrak and Metra service from downtown Chicago extend over state lines into Wisconsin to the northeast and into Indiana at the southeast border.

In the city of Chicago, alternative and self-powered transportation is integrated into city life and throughout the greater metropolitan area. Particular points of interest include the spectacular 20-mile path along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Illinois Prairie Path through the western Chicago suburbs is one of the most well-known of an extensive network of trails throughout the state that showcase Illinois’ natural beauty and largely rural landscape. Non-motorized use trail maps are available from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Potential Illinois Bicycle City Locations

Possible locations for Bicycle City, IL, might be located 10 or more miles away from the following Illinois towns:

Rich in history, topography and open rural spaces, the Prairie State offers many ideal settings for a potential Bicycle City, Illinois. The state has already embraced the use of public and alternative transportation as a means to reduce congestion, pollution and waste. Illinois’ numerous environmental groups, alternative energy companies and bicycle organizations would provide a comprehensive network of resources for developing Bicycle City, IL. Furthermore, the state’s residents would benefit from new communities offering a more peaceful, safe and environmentally-conscious way of living.