Author Archives: Olivia Borowiak

The South Side of Chicago has long suffered from a dearth of trails and green space. Thankfully, it’s an issue that’s getting more attention.

Local community groups and government agencies are revitalizing vacant community spaces to create new trails and enhance existing trails as they seek to bring sustainable transportation options to these historically disinvested neighborhoods.

Recently, Active Transportation Alliance hosted a webinar exploring the exciting improvements and new projects coming to these trails that will create long-overdue sustainable transportation options.

After many decades of policies that have fallen far short of keeping our sidewalks clear of snow in the winter, Chicago is on the verge of vast improvements when it comes to enhancing mobility when the snow falls.

In July, Better Streets Chicago and Access Living’s Plow the Sidewalks Pilot Program ordinance passed in city council 49-1. The ordinance approved the formation of a committee that will establish zones of the pilot program by May 2024 before expanding citywide.

Each year, Chicago Bike Month is jam packed with bike-related activities like community rides, pop-up biking stations, and bike repair clinics.

While Active Trans organizes some of the Bike Month events during the month of May, most of the events are organized by small grassroots groups.

Even though Bike Month is long gone, we want to recognize the outstanding programs organized by our partners.

We think of these folks as the unsung heroes of local biking culture.

The Des Plaines River Trail is one of the most significant trails in Chicagoland because of how it connects communities from the Wisconsin border all the way to the near-west suburbs of Brookfield and Forest Park.

In Cook County, the Des Plaines River Trail has the potential to connect key destinations such as the Illinois Prairie Path, the Salt Creek Trail, the Medical District, the CTA Blue Line, and the Brookfield Zoo.

There are a number of exciting trail improvements underway,

Cruising down DuSable Lakeshore Drive on a bicycle with thousands of other riders in Bike the Drive is an event that many people look forward to every year. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers a unique view of the city and the lake shore.

One of the great features of the event is that it welcomes riders of any skill level from beginner to elite.

In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,