Author Archives: Maya Norris

Longtime planner looks back on her remarkable career at Active Trans

| Feb 25, 2022

It’s the end of an era. After a decade of service to Active Transportation Alliance, Senior Transportation Planner Heather Schady is moving on, leaving behind a legacy that showcases the transformational power of walking, bicycling, and public transit in metropolitan Chicago.

Schady joined Active Trans in 2009 as its transportation planner. She worked with Active Trans until 2012 and then rejoined the organization in 2014.

As an expert in active transportation policy and design,

New law paves the way for more walking and cycling infrastructure

| Dec 14, 2021

Earlier this year, Illinois State Rep. Bob Morgan helped usher in new legislation that will allow more communities to build walking and biking infrastructure in the Chicago region.

The bill that Rep. Morgan co-sponsored — HB 2950 — allows the state and collar counties to spend gas tax funds on walking and bicycling infrastructure like sidewalks and bike lanes. Before this bill, gas tax revenue only went toward new roads.

Active Trans honors extraordinary advocates

| Dec 8, 2021

The rock star advocates that the Active Transportation Alliance works with took center stage at the organization’s recent 2021 Annual Meeting.

Active Trans celebrated their dedication and outstanding work, and the role they play in helping the nonprofit carry out its mission to improve walking, bicycling, and public transportation in the Chicago region.

ROCHELLE JACKSON

Rochelle Jackson was honored with an Advocate of the Year award for her efforts to improve walkability and bus service in North Lawndale,

Longtime volunteer clocks in 18 years of service and counting

| Dec 7, 2021

To say Kevin Crowley is dedicated to the Active Transportation Alliance is an understatement.

Crowley, 33, has been volunteering for Active Trans for 18 years — more than half of his life. In that time, he has gradually taken on more responsibilities, playing an active and influential role in Active Trans’ events.

In recognition of his longtime commitment and support to the nonprofit, Crowley is the recipient of Active Trans’ 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Philippe Lunardelli reinforces his commitment to Active Trans

| Nov 5, 2021

Sustainable transportation has long played an integral role in Philippe Lunardelli’s life. As someone who has regularly walked, biked, and used public transportation his entire life, Lunardelli has experienced for himself how these modes of transportation are crucial to creating healthy, thriving, equitable cities.

That’s why he has deepened his commitment to Active Transportation Alliance, transitioning to a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors, serving as treasurer, and stepping up his financial support — giving him an even better understanding of the intersection between sustainable transportation and equity.

Ald. La Spata makes sustainable transportation a priority

| Oct 28, 2021

Update: On April 4, 2024, we will be honoring Ald. La Spata for being a leading advocate for safer streets in the Chicago City Council. Join us as we recognize him and others at our Movers & Shakers Ball at the Chicago History Museum.

 

As alderman for Chicago’s 1st Ward, Daniel La Spata has only been on the job for two years. But in that short time,

Duct tape and paint transforms walking and biking infrastructure in Peoria

| Oct 24, 2021

If you think walking and bicycling infrastructure projects require large capital investments, think again.

In September, the Peoria City and County Health Departments and the Greater Peoria Family YMCA Teen Reach Program transformed a street in downtown Peoria, Ill., into a safe haven for sustainable transportation with some duct tape, paint, and sweat equity as part of the Peoria Complete Streets Pop-Up Demonstration.

The two-day event showcased temporary street treatments that enabled safe,

Cycling Without Age helps older adults combat social isolation

| Jun 22, 2021

With the warm weather settling into Illinois, many people are hopping on their bicycles, enjoying the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces. But many older residents with limited mobility don’t often get the chance to cruise through their neighborhoods via pedal power — until now.

Cycling Without Age has made its way to Illinois to help older people reclaim the benefits of bicycling to improve their physical and emotional well-being.

The Navy Pier Flyover: a long journey now complete

| Jun 2, 2021

The wait is over. After several years of delays and a lengthy construction process, the Navy Pier Flyover is finally complete. The long-awaited bridge for people walking and biking will help ease traffic congestion and improve safety along the Chicago Lakefront Trail and near Navy Pier while enriching the city’s skyline with an iconic, one-of-a-kind architectural wonder.

Last month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Chicago Park District,

Transportation advocate brings diverse, overlooked voices to the table

| Apr 16, 2021

Sustainable transportation advocacy is typically made up of the usual suspects: policy wonks, urban planners, legislators, and other experts in the field exploring the best ways to improve walking, biking, and public transit. But Romina Castillo wants to make room at the table for other perspectives.

As a transportation advocate and planner, Castillo brings together transportation professionals with community residents, local leaders, and other nontraditional stakeholders to create a culture of partnership and inclusivity that leads to sustainable transportation infrastructure,