CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago has been ranked as the most bike-friendly city in the nation, according to a leading industry publication.
Over the last several years, Chicago has climbed up the list of Bicycling magazine’s most bike-friendly cities in America. In 2010, it was ranked number 10. In 2012, it was in 5th place, and last year it was ranked number 2.
The magazine pointed to the city’s growing network of protected bike lanes, and its expansion of the Divvy bike sharing program into lower income neighborhoods on the South and West sides.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel accepted the award Monday morning at the entrance to The 606, a 2.7-mile elevated cycling and running trail also known as The Bloomingdale Trail.
“606 is a telling example of linking four neighborhoods that were once divided into feeling a more – not just that you live in Wicker Park, or you live in Humboldt Park, or you live in Logan Square, or Bucktown; but you live along the 606,” he said.