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A2 · ElementaryUnited States·Travel & Places

Chicago's Secret Walking Road

Key Vocabulary

Word / PhraseMeaningExample
Pedwaythe name of Chicago's indoor walking systemWe used the Pedway to walk downtown.
tunnela path that goes under the groundThe tunnel goes under the street.
bridgea structure that goes over a road, river or other spaceOne part uses a bridge above the street.
stationa place where trains or buses stopThe Pedway can lead to a train station.
weatherthe conditions outside, such as rain, snow, heat or coldBad weather can make the Pedway useful.

Article

Chicago has a special place for people who walk in the city center. It is called the Pedway. The Pedway goes through buildings and under some streets. [1]

Some parts are a tunnel under the ground. Other parts use a bridge above the street. People can walk from one place to another without staying outside all the time. [1][2]

The Pedway can take people to a train station, offices, shops and other buildings. It goes across many blocks in central Chicago. [1]

Chicago can have cold winters, hot summers, rain and snow. Because of this weather, an indoor place to walk can be useful. [2][3]

The Pedway is not one long, simple hall. Different parts were made at different times. Some doors and paths can be hard for a new visitor to find. [2]

People who know the Pedway can use it to move through Chicago. Cars and streets are outside. Inside, people walk past walls, stairs and signs.

Discussion Questions

  1. Where can people walk inside in your city?
  2. How would you feel in a tunnel under a busy city?
  3. What two places would you connect with a walking bridge?
  4. Is it easy to find a train station in your city? Why?
  5. What kind of weather makes you want to stay inside?

References

  1. City of Chicago Data Portal, "Pedway Routes."
  2. Chicago Architecture Center, "The Chicago Pedway."
  3. Choose Chicago, "A visitor's guide to navigating the Chicago Pedway System."