Pedal Power Comes to Uptown: Clark Street's New Protected Bike Lanes Are Open — and Riders Are Already Loving Them

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Uptown · March 14, 2026

Uptown's Clark Street has a bold new look — and a smoother, safer ride. The long-debated protected bike lanes running through the heart of the neighborhood are now largely complete, and early returns are in: the bikeway is drawing real ridership and the controversy that once surrounded the project has largely faded into the rearview mirror.

The initiative, backed by 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay and 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, extended concrete-protected bike lanes northward along Clark into Uptown despite an initial wave of pushback over parking conversions. It wasn't a frictionless process — local merchants and some residents raised concerns — but city officials and both alderpersons pressed forward, and the finished product is winning people over. Streetsblog Chicago noted this week that "the protected bikeway is getting good ridership, and the backlash appears to have largely subsided," a testament to the value of seeing infrastructure improvements through to completion.

For Uptown neighbors, the lanes add another layer to the neighborhood's already-impressive transit options, connecting cyclists more safely along one of the Far North Side's busiest commercial corridors. Whether you're commuting, grabbing brunch on Clark, or just enjoying a spring spin, now is a great time to hop on two wheels and explore everything Uptown has to offer. Check out exploreuptown.org for more on what's happening in the neighborhood this season!

Sources:
1. https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/03/12/ald-matt-martin-offers-some-chicken-soup-for-the-embattled-complete-streets-friendly-alderpersons-soul