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Visitors deboard a Metra train at the North Western Station, 500 W Madison Street. Photo by Tripp.
Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 11, Metra will disallow bikes on all trains at all times, with the exception of folding bikes in a protective cover (essentially in its own luggage). The blackout period ends with the last departing trains of the Sunday, July 15, service date (some trains may leave after 12 AM Monday, but are still included in the blackout).
Our website, Can I bring my bike on Metra right now? always has the most up-to-date answer to that question as well as a simple breakdown of the additional rules Metra imposes on those who want to travel with a bicycle:
- Bring a bungee cord, waist belt, or rope to secure bike inside train
- Folding bikes are allowed at all times (even during blackout dates), on all trains, in a bag or luggage
- Not all train lines operate on weekends, Sundays, or holidays – check the schedule!
- Heritage Corridor allows only folding bikes.
For those who want to attend the Taste of Chicago, transit is always a great choice. There are CTA, Metra, and South Shore train stations within the Grant Park venue, and within a couple blocks. Several CTA bus lines stop at Grant Park.
Bike parking is available at various locations around Millennium Park, and around and within Grant Park. The City of Chicago has more information on planning a visit.