Bobby's Bike Hire is a great value - the old fashioned 'peddle backwards to stop' type bikes work out at $20 for half a day. The boys in the shop are friendly and helpful and they will take the time to teach you to stop/slow down quickly with the pedal brakes.

The company provides customers with a map and route suggestions - one is a memorable morning bike ride to the top of Lincoln Park and back, via the zoo.  A beginner could also manage a Sunday morning early ride along the lake - it's an easy, flat, 16 mile round trip.