Being a Chicago Driver
Hi, my name is Kate and I am an ex-”L” rider. Not because I don’t think public trasportation is a great idea: you get on a train or a bus and it takes you wherever you need to go. But in Chicago, as of late, the practicality of public transportation is that it….well, it sucks. At least during rush hour, with all the construction and the waiting for the train and then finally getting on it and the dreaded feeling you get when you hear “ding…ding…we are being delayed, waiting for signals ahead. We expect to be moving shortly.” An hour and a half commute on the Brown line is not my idea of a good morning. Don’t get me wrong, I admire those el riders who brave snow and ice, waking up an extra hour before they used to, to be able to get to work on time. I just don’t want to join them unless I have to. So, I decided to become another type of Chicagoan- the driver.
I decided to bring my old Honda up to Chicago from home after I moved out of the South Loop and discovered that parking was pretty ample in my neighborhood. I told my mom it would be great for grocery shopping and other things (anyone whose ever walked over a mile to the grocery store with one of those little carts would understand).
There are some who might say that I am contributing to pollution, that I should take advantage of Chicago’s great public transportation system, or ride a bike. And to that I say: I don’t want to. Maybe I’m lazy, fine. But even though driving in Chicago (and finding that golden parking spot) has it’s difficulties, including crazy gas and parking prices, and being everyone’s token “friend with a car”, things are just easier with my car here. Granted, I live in an area with great parking, so I’ve never really stressed about finding a spot to park every night at home.
But I enjoy the idea of being able to run to Target or Walgreens or 7-11 (when I am bored and hungry at 3 a.m.) and not have to plan it all out, waiting in the cold for a bus that may or may not come.
I drive to school everyday, and even though parking is $9 a day, it’s worth it, for me at least. With classes starting at 8:30, I get up at 7:30 and leave by 8, and it takes about a half hour to get downtown, even in rush hour. When faced with the choice of getting up at 6:30 to catch the el by 7, to waking up at 7:30 and being able to be in my own personal car bubble, that extra hour is worth the $9.
I can also say that I’ve learned so much more about the city having a car. I know the streets and how to get somewhere pretty easily. When I used to ride the el, I was kind of limited to the areas right off the stops. Now I drive all over, through neighborhoods I didn’t even know existed. I feel like Chicago is so much bigger to me now, because I have the ability to explore the city in an easier way.
Some tips for driving in the city:
1. When turning left at an intersection, you’ll almost never get to go when it’s green. If you’re first in line, pull out all the way into the intersection, and when the light turns yellow, go for it. Usually about 3-4 cars can turn left, even when the light turns red. If you play it safe, you’ll never get to go, and you’ll have a bunch of cars honking behind you.
2. Most places offer validation for parking (with purchase), either free or very discounted. At the Century Shopping center, you can get validated (it depends on how long you are there) for as little as $3. At places like Whole Foods on Ashland/Belmont, it’s free.
3. Parking in the Loop is expensive, as you would expect. But the farther south you go, the cheaper it gets. Parking near DePaul can be $15 for 5 hours, while 5 blocks down in the 2 East 8th garage, it’s $9 for 10 hours.
4. Learn how to parallel park. Or else.
5. Pay attention to the street signs! There is street cleaning on certain days of the month, during certain times of the day. Mostly all side and residential streets in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are permit parking. You will get a ticket if you park there (once, I got a ticket at 9 p.m. I figured it was late, and so I thought “Oh, the cops aren’t out this late, I’m fine.” No, you’re never fine.)
Happy Driving!