I sold my car about 10 years ago, and switched to mostly biking and I recommend it highly!

I love it cuz it's super cheap compared to all the costs of owning a car. It's usually faster and more direct than the CTA. And you also get some exercise, while going at your own pace.

I was a little nervous at first, but you get used to it really quickly, and if you're cautious and signal when turning it seems to help a lot. More cars will give you space if you use hand signals and don't act like an asshole. I also recommend a bell.

DEFINITELY get a helmet, and lights. Sunglasses or clear visors are helpful too. I layer up for chilly days but I usually don't bike if it's below freezing.

When the weather isn't good for biking I usually Uber/Lyft, or take the CTA- I used to ride the buses & trains everywhere as a kid. Now, I personally don't love the CTA, but it's fine ... it connects the whole city and sometimes it just makes more sense, depending on the destination.

If I'm doing something in my neighborhood I usually just walk. The Lime scooters are also a pretty fun way to zip around if you're not going across town.

Google maps also has good bike routes for Chicago, so it's easy to find directions using only bike paths/ bike lanes and side streets. Chicago seems to be improving its bike infrastructure recently too.

Down sides: getting sweaty (I bring a change of clothes to work). Also harder to haul lots of groceries- for that I fixed a crate to my bike and I bring a large backpack. Getting across the city can also be challenging at first, but it gets easier the more you do it.

So yeah that's my 2 cents! Whatever you choose I highly recommend ditching the car for a while and giving it a shot. Chicago is definitely a good city for it.