Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but despite thousands of signatures in support of reopening the trail, Mayor Lightfoot confirmed it's still off-limits.
Everyone from Mayor Lightfoot to the Chicago Area Runners Association is on the same page: Social Distancing Ambassadors and other strategies can keep park users safe.
Sorry to be Sir Thomas Bringdown III, but unless car-free outdoor recreation isn't a viable option for you, it's irresponsible to go out driving for fun during the COVID-19 crisis
The mayor indicated that the idea of reopening the shoreline path solely to bike commuters during the pandemic is a nonstarter, and didn't even address the topic of open streets.
As long as the entire Lakefront Trail is closed due to crowding concerns, rather than cursing the darkness, let's light a candle with this alternative route.