Author Archives: Ted Villaire

Last year, 115 lives were tragically cut short in Chicago due to fatal car crashes.

Excessive speed was a critical factor in nearly half of those incidents.

With higher speeds, the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities skyrockets.

Because of the role speed plays in car crashes, lowering the speed limit even a small amount can have an outsized effect on road safety.

We are at a pivotal moment as local lawmakers consider reducing Chicago’s default urban speed limit — a proven strategy that has made streets safer in cities around the nation.

Over the past five years, the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways has soared.

Speed is typically a major culprit.

If you want to see motorists traveling at safer speeds, please consider taking action by contacting your alderperson.

Chicago City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety will hold a hearing on lowering the Chicago default speed limit on May 1.

Please take a moment to urge your alderperson to support lower speed limits by sending them this action alert.

The Active Transportation Alliance recently hosted an unforgettable evening that not only celebrated the strides we’ve made towards a more sustainable and accessible city but also set the stage for the transformative work ahead.

The Movers and Shakers Ball — a gala event that brought together the city’s most passionate advocates for walking, biking, and public transit — was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible support of our attendees and donors.

State Senator Mike Simmons understands that improving transportation is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about transforming our communities into better places to live and work.

By championing biking, walking, and public transit, Sen. Simmons is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and save lives.

It’s this commitment to enhancing our communities through healthy, equitable transportation that earned him the Visionary Leadership Award from the Active Transportation Alliance.

2023 was a year of unprecedented progress for our movement.

Dozens of major infrastructure projects across the region created safe places for people to walk and bike where they did not exist before. There are more concrete protected bike lanes, pedestrian bump outs and islands, and smooth trail connections.

Illinois and Chicago passed bold new laws that put us on the path towards a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.

Why does it matter?

The Active Transportation Alliance’s annual member party isn’t just a gathering; it’s a celebration of our community and our accomplishments, allowing us a moment to pause and renew our dedication to transforming Chicagoland into a hub for sustainable transportation.

This year’s event brought more than 100 individuals to the Revolution Brewing Taproom eager to laud the year’s victories, forge new connections, and honor the efforts of advocates and volunteers.

The volunteer awards showcased the outstanding contributions of people so generous with their time and energy.