Connecting the popular 606 Trail to a continuous riverfront path is just one of the big ideas included in the detailed “Chicago River Trail Action Plan” released Thursday by the Active Transportation Alliance.

After sharing a high-level summary of the report in October, the alliance now is putting meat on the plan’s bones. Specific recommendations encompass everything from major infrastructure projects to minor sign improvements.

The advocacy group consulted with community organizations and city agencies on its proposals. Although the centerpiece of the plan is a 27-mile continuous river trail, the alliance also focused on the need for user-friendly connections to the waterway for pedestrians and cyclists approaching from the east and west.

The plan separates the riverfront into seven “zones” — from Edison Park on the Northwest Side to Archer Heights on the Southwest Side — and notes existing conditions, areas of opportunity and needed improvements.

Among the “big ideas”: Create a network of neighborhood greenways on the Northwest Side to overcome barriers, such as highways and railroad embankments, that limit access to the North Branch Trail.

An elaborate rendering demonstrates how the 606 could connect to a Chicago River Trail via underpasses, ramps and bridges.

On a far smaller scale, the alliance points out areas where simply painting new stripes for bike lanes would make it safer for cyclists to get to the river.

The Chicago River Trail Action Plan is merely advisory; the alliance seeks to build consensus and identify priorities to move development forward.

The recent push for a continuous trail is aimed in part at taking advantage of a “unique window of opportunity,” according to the alliance.

With a number of public and private projects either underway or scheduled to break ground along the river, several miles of trail could rapidly come to fruition, and coordination is necessary, the report states.

A tall, sleek white bridge designed to allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross Lake Shore Drive at 35th Street opened Wednesday evening.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was on hand, along with other elected officials, city transportation officials and community members, to celebrate the opening of the city’s first suspension bridge spanning the southern portion of Lake Shore Drive.

“Chicago is only as strong as its neighborhoods, and the investment we’ve made in this beautiful new bridge strengthens Bronzeville and makes it easier for residents to enjoy our unparalleled lakefront,” said Emanuel. “This project will improve the health of the community and its residents. It also brightens the future of Bronzeville and builds on the great momentum we’re seeing throughout the community.”

Unlike the narrower bridge that previously straddled the drive at 35th Street, the suspension bridge is 20 feet wide and fully accessible to people with disabilities, city Transportation Department spokesman Mike Claffey said.

Like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the weight of the 35th Street bridge is suspended over the roadway “by cables, ropes or chains from two tall towers.”

Plans for the bridge first were announced in 2014, and Emanuel said it was designed to allow Bronzeville residents to get to the lakefront without traveling to 31st Street or 39th Street.

Ald. Sophia King (4th) echoed Emanuel sentiments, but also mentioned the historical aspect of the bridge’s location.

“The 4th Ward is immensely honored to house the only single-cable suspension bridge in the city of Chicago, which will serve as a passageway to one of our community’s most prized assets — the lakefront,” King said. “Moreover, the bridge is anchored only steps away from the Stephen Douglas Tomb and Memorial, which further underscores the depth of distinction and historical significance.”

The bridge was built with $18 million from the federal government and $5 million in state funds.

The only other suspension bridge in Chicago crosses the Chicago River between Lincoln Park and Wicker Park.

The bridge also features architectural and safety lighting, landscaping enhancements and pedestrian plazas on both ends, Claffey said.

The bridge stands about 17 feet above the drive, officials said.

By the end of 2018, city officials plan to build a pedestrian bridge at 41st Street and 43rd Street, and replace vehicular bridges at 31st Street and 39th Street, Claffey said.

Michelle Wall, a Bronzeville resident, said she thinks the bridge will be a great addition to the community.

“It’s nice that we have this addition. We have 31st and 39th [streets]; it’s great that people can enjoy the lakefront from this side of Bronzeville,” Wall said. “It’s a great way for us to get to the lake even more from bikes and even more.”

In recent months, a Mariano’s store has opened up the Bronzeville/Douglas neighborhood, and there are plans to build a Culver’s franchise in the community.

A lot of people think that driving their own car is far better than riding a taxi. For them, the former is more economical and more convenient. While in some cases this is true, often, hiring a taxi has more advantages. Below are the reasons why hiring a service like Universal Taxi is better than driving your own car.

You get to be the passenger.

Yes, driving is fun, but just on certain roads. There are times when you drive only because you don’t have any other choice. If you hire a taxi service, you don’t have to worry about manning the wheel. You can just relax as a passenger – and possibly do other things like make a list, or listen to a podcast while you’re at it. It’s basically like hiring a personal chauffeur.

You free yourself from additional expenses.

When you hire a taxi, you can stop stressing about additional expenses for your car. With taxis, all you need to do is pay the cabbie for his service. You don’t have to think about regular car maintenance costs and the fluctuating gas prices.

You can ride a cab any time.

Taxi services are available every minute of every day. This is especially an advantage if you’re in Chicago – or any other city – for the first time. You can get a cab at whatever point you need one. If there’s something wrong with your own car, you can still go to wherever you’re going, thanks to the option of taking a convenient taxi ride.

You’re not liable in the event of an accident.

Regardless of what vehicle you’re riding, road accidents happen. But if you’re in an accident driving your own car, you’re bound to pay something – probably for damages and/or injuries. If you’re at fault, you’re liable to pay for either or both for the other party as well. When you ride a cab and get into an accident, the taxi company takes care of the problem.

You get a free roadmap education.

Most cabbies are knowledgeable drivers. They’re supposed to know their city and have insider tips, like what road to take to avoid the rush hour traffic. This is also an advantage if you’re a new driver or driving in a new city. Taxi drivers know all the shortcuts. You can educate yourself about directions by hiring a taxi service like Universal Taxi.

You can enjoy being a tourist.

Hiring a taxi is great when you’re in huge cities like Chicago. You don’t have to worry about going from one attraction to another the safest and fastest way. You can let the cabbie do that for you.

You free yourself from parking nightmares.

One of the top benefits of hiring a taxi service is worrying no more about finding a parking space. Cabs offer a quicker and more convenient traveling solution when it comes to parking – and that leaves you not stressing about it. You ride a cab, reach your destination, pay the cabbie, get out of the car, and worry no more.

While having your own car also has a lot of advantages, hiring a taxi service from time to time is a smart choice.

If you’re trying to get out of the Loop on public transportation, you might want to grab dinner before heading to Union or Ogilvie stations.

Cubs fans leaving the Downtown rally and parade quickly headed toward Union and Ogilvie stations, causing massive overcrowding, according to commuters and Metra.  An estimated five million people packed the city Friday for the World Series victory celebration.

The overcrowding was so bad that Metra encouraged commuters to stick around the Loop before heading for trains. Crowding will hopefully die down by the rush hour, said Michael Gillis, Metra spokesman.

Downtown stations are very crowded. Please consider spending some time downtown enjoying all of what Chicago has to offer. Update to follow.

— Metra (@Metra) November 4, 2016

Crowds packed into platforms, with some bursting into chants of, “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.” Frantic riders complained of feeling claustrophobic, and an ambulance was parked outside Union Station.

Everywhere you look at Ogilvie. I don’t see employees trying to sort/help people, I don’t hear announcements. pic.twitter.com/qlZi82ycus

— Kelly Bauer (@BauerJournalism) November 4, 2016

There were no reports of injuries however as of 4:40 p.m.

There was no word on how long it would take to board a train, Gillis said. Train schedules were not necessarily being adhered to as the rail line was operating at a “load and go procedure,” Gillis said.

A “load and go” is when trains arrive to the station and leave as soon as they’re at capacity, regardless of the train schedule, Gillis said.

He said Metra is working as hard as possible to keep the system running smoothly.

“There are very large crowds,” Gillis said. “We’re managing it the best we can. We are using every piece of equipment we have.”

At Union Station, a conductor said many people entered the station unsure of where they needed to go.

“A lot of these people have no idea what train they want,” he said.

Both Metra and CTA said they were expecting Friday to be one of the busiest days in their history, though no official rider tallies were released as of Friday afternoon.

Traveling to Chicago doesn’t have to break the bank. With this budget travel guide, you’ll be able to save time and money while enjoying the Windy City. As with most tourist destinations, Chicago has loads of spots and features that won’t require you to pay top dollar. You just need a bit of research and a great sense of adventure and you’re all set.

 When to Visit

Winter season in Chicago can be intense. So if you’re here during winter, make sure to pack accordingly. The latter part of the year, just weeks before Christmas, is popular for both local and tourist shoppers. Research about the city’s numerous festivals and celebrations so you can book accommodations beforehand at a cheaper price. Early booking saves you a lot. This doesn’t just apply to hotel rooms or alternate lodging, but to transportation, too. Look for options that offer discounts like Universal Taxi Dispatch.

Where and What to Eat

Chicago has great restaurants all over the city, but some of them don’t exactly offer a budget range. Instead, look for local restaurants that offer the unique Chicago food experience. This way, even if you splurge a little, you get the real thing. Also, don’t miss the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Keep in mind that a slice or two can be very filling so just order a size smaller than what you’re used to.

Where to Stay

If you want to be in the middle of the action, book a room near Michigan Avenue. This is where shopping malls, dining places, and world-class museums are located. There are free shuttle buses that transport tourists between attractions. Keep in mind that hotels near the avenue can be expensive, BUT if you don’t mind staying a block or two from it, you can book a room for a cheaper price. Check travel websites with discounted services. Often, good deals turn up. If you really want to save a lot, accommodations near the O’Hare Airport are typically easy on the pocket. Just remember that the commute to the center of the city can take more than an hour.

How to Get Around

The Windy City offers one of the best mass-transit systems in the US, not to mention the abundance of other forms of transportation like buses and cabs. You can ride the L within the city. Bus lines serve both the O’Hare and Midway airports. Shuttle buses in the Michigan Avenue area are free. You can also hire a cab from Universal Taxi Dispatch if you’re traveling in the suburbs. It’s relatively cheaper than renting a car.

What to Do

Chicago CityPass provides entry to six attractions for both children (3 to 11 years old) and adults. For its first use, the pass is valid for nine days. Before traveling to the city, check out the local listings for events within the days you’re visiting. Chicago is known for its theater community so you can check out the shows in town.

But more than any other attractions, Chicago is famous for its parks. The Millennium Park is one of America’s best city playgrounds. Festivals and concerts are often held in this park – and every other park in the city, for that matter.

To enjoy Chicago on a budget, all you need is to plan ahead and explore once you’re in the city.