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Suburban Chicago Bicycling

Where father and son rode in "Bike Vessel," and more getting there in roundabout ways

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

Happy spring! It's not always as warm as maybe we'd like it to be, and of course it's often windy, but club rides are starting. So are road projects. Or future road projects are being discussed. Bicyclists have a vested interest in how they go. Speaking of how they go, where exactly did father and son ride in the documentary "Bike Vessel"?

Two more roundabouts on Darrell Road

The Lake County Division of Transportation is reminding us that the next phase of the Darrell Road construction between Island Lake and Lakemoor will happen this summer. Darrell got a roundabout at Case and Neville roads in the fall of 2023. The pretty road will get two more this year. A bike path ultimately will run along the east side of Darrell between the southernmost and northernmost roundabouts. Check out the nice aerial illustrations and engineering videos for the road.

Where exactly were they riding in 'Bike Vessel'?

The documentary "Bike Vessel," about the 357-mile ride a father and son decided to take from St. Louis to Chicago, is irresistible for anybody who's gone on long bike trips far from home, or wants to. The multiple storylines about Donnie Seals Sr., of Wheaton, and his son Eric also are compelling and important. When PBS aired the film, I found myself wanting to follow their route on my own map. How exactly did they get from Joliet through the suburbs and onto Chicago's lakefront? I asked them, and they shared their routes.​

More road projects under discussion

  • One week left to weigh in on improving Fairfield Road in Lake County, from Gilmer Road into Round Lake Beach. Off-road path or bike lanes?
  • What Schaumburg residents are saying about someday improving Springinsguth Road and its bike- and pedestrian-friendliness, not to mention the gnarly intersection with Weathersfield Way.
  • Also in Schaumburg, a meeting is coming next week on the Martingale Road and Higgins Road bike path project.
  • Kirchoff Road in Rolling Meadows could see protected bike lanes through what city officials hope becomes a more vibrant downtown.
  • ​Catch up on this quick news.​

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ALWAYS AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE

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​Top suburban Chicago bike trails​

​List of local bike clubs​

​Invitational and charity ride calendar​

​The rules on e-bikes in the suburbs​

​Advice for beginners starting to get serious​

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I'm about to hit the road for three weeks, first in southern Illinois, then out west through national parks. Maybe that'll bring some neat pictures and video. See you soon! — Neil

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* At top, one roundabout down, two to go on Darrell Road. Roundabouts often fuel circular discussions.

Suburban Chicago Bicycling

Neil Holdway

A source for the great trails and roads to ride a bicycle in Chicago's suburbs, and to learn about efforts to make bicycling easier there.

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