Author Archives: Active Trans

Let’s move ahead with the Red Line Extension Transit TIF  

| Nov 7, 2022

For decades, people on the far South Side have heard promises about the extension of the Red Line. Now, finally, we’re thrilled to see the plan moving forward.

There is broad community support for the project. Extending CTA’s L system to the far South Side will improve residents’ access to education, employment, healthcare, and other crucial services. The Red Line Extension will also attract construction jobs and future development along the proposed corridor.

21st annual bike ride on DuSable Lake Shore Drive on Sept. 4

| Aug 11, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clare McDermott, Active Transportation Alliance
(312) 216-0466
clare@activetrans.org

Emma Bolech, Fifth Third Bank
312-848-7895
Gemma.Bolech@53.com

 

Active Transportation Alliance and Fifth Third Bank team up for 21st annual bike ride on DuSable Lake Shore Drive
20,000+ people on bikes to wrap up summer at one of the nation’s best bike rides

CHICAGO,

More transit oriented development coming to South and West Sides

| Aug 9, 2022

In recent weeks, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance that will promote more affordable housing near transit within the city’s South and West Side neighborhoods and improve safety for pedestrians and other road users.

Among benefits will be new approaches toward development near transit, including reducing parking minimums, increasing density/height limits (including bus lines), and increasing affordable and accessible housing options.

In 2021, 83 people were killed by car crashes within a half mile of  rail stations,

Community comes together in Palatine for bike giveaway and safety checks

| Jul 7, 2022

If you recall the New Testament story of the loaves and fishes, you’d suspect a similar miracle happened in Palatine in early June, only this time involving bicycles and related gear.

Local community groups, led by the Bike Palatine Club and the Palatine Partners for Our Communities (POC), came together for a mini workshop teaching kids the basics of safety checks for their bikes before rolling out for many days of summertime riding.

City must act now to fix dangerous streets for people walking and biking

| Jun 14, 2022

Over the weekend, more than 300 people took to the streets to honor two young children recently killed by drivers on Chicago’s North Side.

The memorial event — held for Raphael “Rafi” Cardenas and Elizabeth “Lily” Grace Shambrook — was attended by people who were demanding that the city take action to make our streets safe places to walk and bike.

These recent tragedies, combined with the increasing number of people getting killed by drivers while walking and biking in Chicago,

Chicago needs to get on board with dedicated bus lanes 

| May 4, 2022

As the city of Chicago develops a plan for improving its bus service, let’s ensure they’re laying groundwork for what we desperately need: fast and reliable bus service

 

 

How often have you had this maddening experience?

You’re on a Chicago bus and running late for an appointment. Thanks to heavy traffic, the bus is creeping along from one backed up traffic light to the next.

Chicago should pair trails vision with plan for safe, connected bikeways on streets

| Apr 5, 2022

Last week Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a citywide vision of trails and open space projects that she said would promote the health and well-being of all Chicago residents and visitors. 

The new map provides a compelling vision that opens the door to funding many high-impact projects that community leaders have fought for over many years.

But by itself it will not make a meaningful difference in advancing the city’s climate,

Sidewalk snow removal in Chicago should be a city service

| Mar 31, 2022

The following is a guest blog post by Michael Podgers, an organizer with the local advocacy organization, Better Streets Chicago.

___________

Chicago is experiencing the first balmy days of spring. But as always, winter will return, and it will bring back the many annoyances of falling temperatures, like ice and snow.

For many, these are inconveniences. People may gripe, but they won’t stop daily life.

Winter biking tips to keep you pedaling in the cold and snow

| Dec 23, 2021

Braving the Chicago winter on a bicycle may seem like a daunting prospect. But there’s no need to hang up your bike when the cold weather arrives.

With proper preparation, some extra gear, and the right attitude, you can navigate the city’s streets on two wheels like a seasoned winter rider.

Here are some tips and tricks for a safe, enjoyable winter biking experience.

 

WHAT TO WEAR

Many cyclists often wonder what clothing to wear when biking in the winter.

CTA proposes making fare discounts permanent, but more is needed

| Nov 5, 2021

Relief funding from the federal government has enabled the Chicago Transit Authority to take some steps that make transit service more accessible and welcoming to people with low incomes.

The biggest change is making its recently piloted discounted passes program permanent.  

While we commend CTA for moving forward with the discounted passes and free transfers in its 2022 budget proposal, we would have liked to see other new initiatives moving forward that would improve service and accessibility.