Phil D’Anieri, a Teaching Professor at the University of Michigan’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, is leading a class on a transportation-themed trip to Chicago.
This particular group is part of a new degree program called Urban Technology, focusing on sustainable transportation issues and opportunities.
D’Anieri reached out to Streetsblog Chicago, seeking recommendations for key locations in the Windy City that the students should explore.
In response, a map was created featuring walk, bike, and transit hotspots in and near the central Loop, designed to be useful not only for the U-Michigan students but for other Chicago visitors interested in urban planning and geography.
The interactive map highlights various transportation sites within the Loop, capturing the essence of Chicago’s urban infrastructure.
Among these locations is the Madison/State intersection, often regarded as the city’s Ground Zero for navigation due to its unique addressing system.
The southeast corner houses the Louis Sullivan-designed Sullivan Center, which humorously earns the nickname “Goth Target” due to its ornate, dark entranceway.
Daley Plaza is another hotspot, renowned for the impressive Chicago Picasso sculpture and as a venue for numerous events, including the monthly Chicago Critical Mass bike parade, which, while unsanctioned, draws considerable attention.
A notable feature in the Loop is the intersection of two protected bike lanes, connecting Dearborn Street and Randolph Street. This area has seen improved safety measures, previously plagued by vehicle crashes into nearby establishments.
Additionally, the Loop Link bus rapid transit lite stop is positioned across from Daley Plaza, showcasing a modern example of transportation infrastructure designed to enhance connectivity for commuters.
However, some intersections within the Loop pose unique challenges, such as Chicago’s Dumbest Intersection at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue, which, despite being adjacent to important landmarks, requires multiple crossings due to missing crosswalks.
A highlight for pedestrians is the BP Pedestrian Bridge, offering a scenic route between Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park—both crucial green spaces in the urban landscape.
The Whalebone ‘L’ stop, or Washington-Wabash Station, draws attention with its striking design inspired by architect Sergio Calatrava, enhancing the Loop’s accessibility via public transit.
Just a bit further is the Queen’s Landing Crosswalk, a previously removed pedestrian-activated stoplight that was reinstated in 2011 after advocacy efforts, facilitating safer access between Buckingham Fountain and surrounding areas.
An important note on cycling amenities is the Ex-Bike Station—once a state-of-the-art indoor bike parking facility at Millennium Park—that has now transitioned to a police headquarters, leaving a void for public biking facilities in the Loop.
For recreational cycling, the Navy Pier Flyover stands out as Illinois’ most expensive piece of bike infrastructure, completed in May 2021 to enhance safety for Lakefront Trail users navigating to and from the popular tourist destination of Navy Pier.
The LaSalle/Van Buren ‘L’ stop, a filming location in the beloved film “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” is another interesting site where nostalgia meets practical transportation needs.
Moreover, the Greyhound station, recently saved from closure after extensive advocacy efforts, continues to serve intercity bus travelers, though its future remains uncertain as lease issues linger.
Adjacent to it, the Union Station Transit Center facilitates easy transfers between CTA buses, Amtrak, and Metra trains, although its usage is currently less than optimal.
Chicago Union Station, known for its iconic Great Hall featured in films, is undergoing major renovations, enhancing its capacity to serve Amtrak and Metra trains.
Transportation options extend to LaSalle Street Station and Van Buren Street Station, which cater to Metra trains to various suburban destinations, albeit less architecturally notable than some of the other sites.
Millennium Station serves similarly vital functions, providing access to Metra Electric District trains, with convenient access from the Chicago Cultural Center.
Meanwhile, Ogilvie Transportation Center offers another essential access point for commuters in a modern postmodern building, complete with a fast food court and local market.
The map also illustrates the Loop Link route, instating prioritized bus lanes to enhance travel speed, alongside the extensive Lakefront Trail that provides a picturesque, cycling-friendly route along Lake Michigan.
Furthermore, the Chicago Riverwalk has redefined the waterfront experience for pedestrians and cyclists, though recent policy changes have raised concerns regarding bike usage restrictions along this recreational corridor.
Chicago residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these highlighted sustainable transportation hotspots, as they reveal both the successes and challenges present within urban design and planning in the city.
For additional insights, Streetsblog Chicago invites feedback on the map, hoping to capture any overlooked locales that may enrich the educational experience for U-Michigan’s Urban Technology students.
As Chicago continues to evolve its transportation systems, the intersection of education, advocacy, and urban planning plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.
image source from：https://chi.streetsblog.org/2025/06/10/feeling-out-of-the-loop-use-our-interactive-map-of-walk-bike-transit-landmarks-in-downtown-chicago
