Active Trans launches new local e-newsletters

Curious about what Active Trans is working on in your community? Now you have an easy way of finding out through our new In Your Community quarterly e-newsletters, which launched this week.

The e-newsletters offer a quick read on issues related to bicycling, walking and transit in six Chicagoland regions. 

Don’t see the newsletter in your inbox? Join our mailing list by signing up for our advocacy updates and alerts – in addition to getting our quarterly e-newsletter, we will send you occasional updates about active transportation advocacy efforts in your community.

You can also view all of the information on our newly revamped, In Your Community webpages. Below you’ll find a taste of the news from each region.

City of Chicago

North Side

• Help the #11 bus pilot meet its ridership targets by grabbing your 11 on 11 Beer Explorer Passport and exploring Lincoln Ave.
• Instead of discouraging us, recent fatalities should impel all of us to work ever harder – both directly and indirectly – to address the unacceptable number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes in the region.
• The Manor greenway project's eight-week test period will soon give the community a sense of how the traffic diverter will operate. Show your support for this project by contacting your alderman.
• Let’s work to make sure that the revamped Wicker Park Bucktown Master Plan prioritizes transit!

West and Southwest Side

• Bike giveaways in North Lawndale give smiles to 500 children.
• You’re invited to a meet-up on Aug. 31, hosted by Active Trans, for networking and discussion about local active transportation projects on the West Side.
• Crossings for pedestrians get safer in Austin.
• The Blue Line Forest Park Branch has major improvements ahead.
• Join the West Town Chamber of Commerce for a meeting on Aug. 27 to give input on their Master Planning process.
• North Lawndale focuses in on transportation upgrades through a new comprehensive planning process.

South Side

• The Coalition for Modern Metra Electric is working to improve the line by increasing its speed and frequency.
• Active Trans is hosting a meet-up on Aug. 24 to network with advocates and discuss local active transportation projects.
• The Chicago Park District breaks ground on Big Marsh bike park, but the park lacks adequate access.
• Separate biking and walking trails are coming to the lakefront between 31st and 51st Streets.
• CDOT is offering free bike riding classes this summer.

Chicagoland Suburbs

North Suburbs

• Suburban Bikeways for All report will highlight bikeways in the north suburbs.
• Join Active Trans for an event to celebrate Divvy and talk about local advocacy in Evanston on Aug. 30.
• Rapid transit is coming to Dempster Street via Pace’s Pulse program.
• Lots of upcoming community events — don’t miss them!

West Suburbs

• New bridge over County Farm Road provides trail connectivity. 
• Lombard sets an example by passing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and immediately beginning implementation with a Prairie Path crossing across Main Street and new bike lanes and shared lanes.
• Don’t miss out on the Kickstand Classic! Make history on a bike in Bartlett on Sept. 25.
• Protected bike lanes make their debut in Aurora. 
• Join the West Suburban Active Transportation Council.

South Suburbs

• The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail extension has the potential to increase connectivity between south suburbs and connect the trail to the city’s bike network.
• Metra Electric improvements would help improve access to transit in the south suburbs, currently a transit desert.
• Active Trans worked with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission to update the Northwest Indiana Regional Greenways & Blueways map. Check it out!
• Rapid bus service is coming to Gary, Indiana.

Don’t forget to sign up to receive our e-newsletters. Look out for the next edition in November!