City LifeTransportation in Hyde Park
Whether on foot or on wheels, it's easy to find your way around Hyde Park and the rest of the city.
Bikes
Chicago is one of the two best big cities in North America for cycling, according to Bicycling magazine. There is a remarkable network of bike lanes and racks throughout the city, the neighborhood, and the campus. Chicago's Bike 2015 plan intends to make this the nation's most bike-friendly city in the U.S. Check out the Chicago Department of Transportation Web site (http://www.chicagobikes.org) for bike info and bike route maps. Another good source of information is the Active Transportation Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to achieve a significant shift away from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel by making bicycling, walking, and public transit safe, convenient, and fun. Find out more by visiting www.activetrans.org or by calling 312-427-3325.
It's a good idea to register your bike with the University Police. Pick up registration forms in any residence hall or at 6054 South Drexel, 2-8181.
In-line skates
In-line skates can be a great way to get around. But be aware that many buildings and stores around campus and Hyde Park won't let you wear them inside.
Getting around by car
Except for first-year students in the College, students may bring cars to campus, but parking can be difficult. If space is available in one of the lots on campus, you can buy a University parking permit (5525 South Ellis Avenue, south-side entrance, 2-8969).
Campus bus services
Three daytime routes are operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). You can ride free by showing your Chicago Card when boarding. See Transportation beyond Chicago for the #192 UCH/Metra Stations Express bus.
CTA #170 bus
Where: Counter-clockwise around the Midway from 57th/Stony Island to 59th, Cottage Grove, 60th, and Stony Island back to 57th.
When: Weekdays 6:40 a.m. to 9:40 a.m., 3:30 to 6:40 p.m.
How often: Every 10 minutes.
CTA #171 bus
Check bus.uchicago.edu for the current schedule and route of the #171 bus.
CTA #172 bus
Where: From 51st Street just east of South Hyde Park Boulevard to the central campus.
When: Daily, September through mid-June; weekdays only in the summer. 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How often: Every 9 to 45 minutes.
Get University bus information 24 hours a day and check for changes in service at bus.uchicago.edu.
Evening bus services
The University of Chicago operates four routes of free evening bus service throughout the Hyde Park–Kenwood neighborhood. They operate on 20-minute schedules and depart from the front of the Reg. Drivers will stop to pick up and/or discharge passengers along any of the established routes. Your Chicago Card is required to ride the buses. Buses operate 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday–Wednesday, and 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Thursday–Saturday. For maps, go to bus.uchicago.edu.
SafeRide program
From 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, this on-demand bus service is available to students, faculty, and staff located in the University Police area of coverage (39th Street to 64th Street, Lake Shore Drive to Cottage Grove Avenue). Delays in pickups may occur, since the buses operate on a "first call, first come" basis. Call 2-2022 and give your precise address. Expect to display your Chicago Card when boarding the bus.
Umbrella coverage
Anyone within the University Police coverage area can request a police escort at any time if they feel uncomfortable with their surroundings. Call 2-8181 and give your location; the first available patrol car will be dispatched to accompany you as you walk to your destination.
