If you want to see more of the bike trails (versus bike lanes) Chicagoland offers, this guide is for you.

Why it matters: While Chicago has continued to add bike lanes to our streets, many folks prefer to use the dedicated trails for going longer distances.

Driving the news: Local cyclist Dave Stanford shared some routes he likes around the city and beyond.

20 miles: Buckingham Fountain to 18th Street Brewery in Hammond, Indiana

Why we love it: This route takes you on the city's preeminent bike trail, the Lakefront, but the southern portion of the path gets less traffic than the northern and can be more peaceful.

Where to stop along the way: You'll hit many beaches and Promontory Point going south that all offer water, bathrooms and snack shops. Don't forget to look back north at the skyline!

Pro tip: The South Shore Chicago Cultural Center is open to the public, and there's a secret beach on the other side of the main building.

Getting back: The South Shore train station is 1.5 miles from the 18th Street Brewery. Download the South Shore app for help getting tickets and seeing when the train stops in Hammond.

• Plan wisely: Bikes aren't allowed on the train for Lollapalooza or Chicago Air and Water Show weekends.

The route: Map it out

40 miles: River Trail Plaza to the Botanic Garden via North Shore Channel

Why we love it: The Chicago River is undergoing beautification efforts, as evidenced by all the new plants and wildlife.

What to watch along the way: The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park has some swerving trails around the artwork, with new sculptures showing up every year.

• Some Frank Lloyd Wright houses and sculptures are also just off the trail in Glencoe. Grab a snack at Hometown Coffee & Juice, and then meander onto Franklin Road to check it out.

Turnaround point: While bikes can ride through much of the Chicago Botanic Garden for free, the main attractions have an entrance fee.

Fun fact: The Skokie Lagoons were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1940 to help control flooding in the area.

The route: Map it out

60 miles: North Avenue Beach to Indiana Dunes National Park

Why we love it: Northwest Indiana has some great bike trails that many Chicagoans never see.

• Indiana Dunes National Park features woodlands, prairies, wetlands and beaches, but car parking there on popular days is terrible.

Where to stop for lunch: Hobart, Indiana, has a lot of restaurants along Main Street, from divey bars to cute sandwich shops to delicious Mexican restaurants.

After a swim, take the South Shore line home.

The route: Map it out

More fun trips

Are you trying a long-distance bike ride for the first time this summer?

The big picture: Biking is great for exercise, commuting and recreation, but it also carries risks, especially when sharing the road with motorists.

Here are six things to remember to bring, per Jon Hughes, owner of the Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop north of Detroit.

• Hughes, who lives in Detroit, says he rode over 10,000 miles last year.

1. Helmet: A must for any cyclist. Pricier helmets offer lots of ventilation and are lightweight, he says.

• Some are Mips-certified for safety, but the designation isn't necessary, Hughes says. His $300 helmet doesn't have one.

2. Headlight/taillight: They help with night visibility and alerting cars to your presence on the road — and are required in some states.

3. Seat bag: Many of Hughes' essential accessories are tucked into a small bag affixed to the back of his seat.

• Its contents: Two inner tubes, two CO2 cartridges and a patch kit in case of a flat; a bike multitool; $10 cash for emergencies. A battery-pack phone charger is a good idea too.

4. Water bottle cages: Hughes' bike has two cages for water bottles. You may only need one if there are places to fill up along the ride.

• Another hydration option is a CamelBak-style hydration pack.

5. Clothing: "If I'm going more than five miles, I'm wearing cycling shorts," Hughes says.

• Their built-in padding helps on long rides, he says. But proper sitting technique is paramount for comfort.
• Hughes also rides with gloves to avoid road rash on his hands if he falls.

6. Lock: A necessary deterrent for would-be thieves.

• Folding locks are the most popular at Hughes' store.
• "I don't care where you live, people will steal your s--t," he says. "The bike is the getaway vehicle."

Can't get enough? You can see the region on two wheels too.

Our Axios colleagues across the Midwest have also rounded up their favorite local bike routes.

Check them out:

• 25-, 50- and 70-mile rides around Minnesota
• Biking around Des Moines: 20-, 50- and 90-mile ride ideas
• Columbus' beginner-friendly guide to 20-, 30-, and 50-mile rides
• Take a bike tour of the Cleveland script signs
• A biking guide to Detroit's streets, suburban trails and scenic islands
• The best bike routes in Indianapolis

🚴‍♀️ What bike routes do you enjoy? Or do you have one already in mind for a summer trip?

• Hit reply and let us know!