Author Archives: Active Trans

Proposed trail to Big Marsh Park picks up steam

| Oct 8, 2021

In September, Active Trans and several partners hosted a virtual open house to share details about the recently-completed feasibility study exploring a proposed walking and biking trail over Lake Calumet, connecting Pullman to Big Marsh Park.

The area is rich with historic assets and beautiful open space, but today heavy industry cuts off many residents from these destinations.

VISION FOR THE NEW TRAIL

The preferred trail route is represented by the yellow line on the map below.

A new trail to connect Lake Calumet area

| Sep 14, 2021

Chicago’s Far South Side is an area rich in historical, cultural, and open space destinations.

From Pullman National Monument to Big Marsh Park and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, the area has no shortage of popular spots for Chicagoans to visit and enjoy.

Unfortunately, a lack of safe walking and biking connections to these spots makes accessing them difficult for many residents who can’t or don’t drive.

The geography,

Bike Palatine Club joins forces to celebrate National Bike Month

| Jun 7, 2021

Teamwork is a key ingredient when it comes to encouraging more people to take up biking.

The Bike Palatine Club discovered that firsthand when it collaborated with a variety of community groups to celebrate National Bike Month in May.

Together they organized activities and public displays that promoted the benefits of cycling.

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz kicked off the celebration with a proclamation declaring May as National Bike Month in the community at the May 3 Village Council meeting.

Why Illinois should eliminate the local match for walking and biking infrastructure

| May 20, 2021

The following post is excerpted from George Fero’s recent testimony before the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee about House Bill 270, which eliminates the 20 percent local cost share for walking and biking infrastructure.

Fero serves as an alderman on the city council in Lebanon, a Southern Illinois town with about 4,500 residents. He also serves on the board of the statewide bike advocacy organization Ride Illinois and is vice-president of Gateway East Trails,

Shared streets program: looking back and looking ahead

| May 19, 2021

Last summer, Chicago’s shared streets program provided opportunities for residents to safely spend time outside during the peak of the pandemic. While people appreciated the extra space for recreation and safely being outdoors, the program did little to address connectivity issues with the city’s walking and biking networks, according to feedback from Active Trans members and supporters. 

Recently, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that the Shared Streets program will continue in 2021 with $500,000 allocated towards 12 to 13 miles of shared streets.

Join us at the Chicago Food Justice Summit

| Feb 24, 2021

As part of the 16th Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit, Active Transportation Alliance is excited to help lead a discussion about how food access is linked to transportation issues. 

The virtual event, which is focusing on the theme of “radical re-imagination,” is sponsored by the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC). The CFPAC is an organization that works to improve food access for Chicago residents and ensure that the food is culturally appropriate,

Join us for a Southside Summit on Transportation

| Feb 22, 2021

Active Transportation Alliance is excited to participate in a virtual summit about the impacts of growth in warehousing and trucking on Chicago’s South Side. 

This 3-day event is being cosponsored by the Chicago Environmental Justice Network (CEJN) and the Transportation Equity Network (TEN). Registration is free and open to the public. 

Organizers plan to discuss the central role of freight in our region’s economy and how it contributes to many negative outcomes that primarily impact Chicago’s Black and Latinx populations.

Belmont Cragin youth urge CTA board to upgrade bus service  

| Feb 16, 2021

Two community youth leaders pressed the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) board at the February meeting on service and cleanliness issues, earning commitments from CTA leadership that they would work to address their concerns.

Minerva Garcia and Yalinette Rivera are youth organizers from the Belmont Cragin Youth Leadership Council, a part of the Northwest Side Housing Center. Both Minerva and Yalinette testified at CTA’s February board meeting.

Minerva is a junior at Northside College Prep and Yalinette is a junior at Lincoln Park High School.

Chicago celebrates Transit Equity Day with Reps. Garcia and Kelly

| Feb 11, 2021

Hundreds of advocates and community leaders joined Congressman Chuy Garcia and Congresswoman Robin Kelly in Chicago’s first celebration of National Transit Equity Day on February 4. 

Transit Equity Day serves as a national day of action that commemorates the birthday of Rosa Parks while reminding us that public transit is a civil right. It was started four years ago by a network of transit rider unions, community organizations, environmental advocates, and labor unions.

Bicycle Film Festival comes to Chicago on Feb. 24

| Feb 1, 2021

The Bicycle Film festival has been celebrating bicycles through art, film, and music since 2001.

This year, when the festival makes its virtual stop in Chicago February 24 – March 7, Active Trans will serve as the host.

The film festival appeals to a wide audience, from film connoisseurs to avid cyclists and everyone in between.

A portion of proceeds will go towards Active Trans to help further our mission of creating better walking,